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The weather this winter, and specially in February has been unusually mild. No reason absolutly for visitors not to take a trip outside the capital and see the lovely waterfalls here in the West and to visit our interesting museums. Remember, Iceland is not just Reykjavík :)
Þorrablót is a traditional Icelandic midwinter festival deeply rooted in the country’s Viking heritage. Celebrated during the month of Þorri (typically January to mid-February), this lively gathering brings Icelanders together in festivities to honor their ancestors, share traditional delicacies, and enjoy music, poetry, and storytelling. While its origins date back to pagan times, Þorrablót has been revived as a way to connect with Iceland's rich cultural history. The Origins of Þorrablót The festival is named after Þorri, a personification of winter in Norse mythology, often associate
I am a great fan of Nancy Marie Browns books. She has written a very good book about my employe, Snorri Sturlusson, and another one of my favorite books, the story of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir. The book can be purchased here in the Snorrastofa Bookstore, and in the US at www.harcourtbooks.com "Five hundred years before Columbus, a Viking Woman named Guðríður sailed off the edge of the known world. She landed in the New World and lived there for three years, giving birth to a son before sailing home. Or so the Icelandic sagas say. Even after archeologist found a Viking longhouse in Newfon
Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s most influential medieval figures, was born in 1179 at Hvammur in Dalir, West Iceland. His life was shaped by power struggles, political intrigue, and literary brilliance, making him one of the most fascinating figures of the 13th century. Early Life and Education at Oddi When Snorri was just three years old, his father, Sturla Þórðarson, became embroiled in a dispute with Páll Sölvason of Reykholt. To resolve the conflict, Iceland’s law-speaker, Jón Loftsson, was called in as a mediator. Jón was the grandson of King Magnus Barefoot of Norway, giving him
The roads are fine if you are looking for a daytour from Reykjavík. We are open all weekdays from 10 to 17 hours. Remember our fine souvenir shop with focus on books, cd's and Icelandic design and handcraft. The most distinctive antiquity in Reykholt is the pool of Snorri Sturluson, called Snorralaug. The pool and the water conduit, leading water from a nearby hot spring, date back to the 10th century and are maybe the oldest preserved constructions in Iceland. (Photographer Guðlaugur Óskarsson)
Snorrastofa in Reykholt was established in the honor of Snorri Sturluson. The King of Norway Harald V, came and opened Snorrastofa with Iceland's president Olafur Ragnar Grimsson. The opening was on the 29th of July year 2000. The Battle of Stiklestad" was on the 29th of July 1030, it is one of the most famous battles in the history of Norway. In this battle, King Olaf II, later canonized, was killed. On this picture joining King Harald and President Ólafur is priest Geir Waage.
Iceland is always beautiful, no matter which time of the year. This picture was taken by my son, Gunnar Freyr Gunnarsson, yesterday in sunny winterland in the south of Iceland. He has been ice-climbing on Mýrdalsjökull with his Danish friend, who is visiting Iceland for Easter :)
Gold ring The ring found in the chancel of the medieval church at Reykholt is 18 carat. It is beaten into shape, widest and convex on the top with upturned edges and acanthus leaf decoration in the Romansque style. Internal diameter is 19 mm, date c 1500. It is possible that the ring was made in Iceland. The original is kept in the National Museum of Iceland. The ring is available in different sizes and sold in the Snorrastofa Gift shop. Please contact us at gestastofa@snorrastofa.is ( photo by Guðlaugur Óskarsson)
In Iceland we celebrate women´s day on the first day of Góa, the 5th winter month of the old Norse calendar. Earlier, in the medieval times, it was between 8th and 14th of February. This year, the month of Góa begins on the 22nd of February. Góa is a personification of winter, the wife of king Þorri, and known in the Nordic culture since ages back. There are indications of a blót in the honour of Góa, the " Góublót", a celebration held in late winter in olden times, and still held in some parts of Iceland. Just want to mention the annual Góu fest of the housewife association in Hálsasveit (
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