The Viking Village Film Set Travel Guide

Iceland’s Viking Village gives visitors the thrill of time traveling to a replica of a settlement that would have been common in the first century along the southern coast of Iceland. It’s not a common stop on tours of Icleland’s Ring Road.

The Viking Village Film Set is a replica of a traditional Viking settlement on the Stokksnes Peninsula that was originally constructed as a film set. It is now a popular tourist attraction that you can add to your Icelandic trip itinerary. 

The village is nestled at the foot of Vestrahorn Mountain near the charming fishing town of Hofn in the Hornafjordur Fjord. It was used as a set location for the Netflix series “The Witcher: Blood Origin” and now attracts Viking enthusiasts and visitors who want to go back in time to experience Iceland’s ancient past. 

Key Takeaways

• A Historic Experience: The village features traditional Viking structures, including Icelandic turf houses, a warship, and a dungeon.
• Easy to Access: The village is located on the Stokksnes peninsula near Hofn and is a popular stop on Ring Road tours.
• Nearby Attractions: Several notable attractions are close to the village, including black sand beaches, glaciers, and the town of Hofn.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer offers long daylight hours, while winter provides opportunities to see the northern lights. 

Features of the Iceland Viking Village Film Set

The wooden structures in the village are based on traditional Icelandic homes called turf houses. The roofs are made of thick layers of grass that provide insulation from the harsh climate. Other features include door frames with intricate Viking designs and a dungeon set at the base of a constructed boulder. 

The village offers an interesting perspective of how Vikings lived and the care they put into constructing their detailed homes. Grass roofs provided shelter from the wind and cold temperatures. 

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Sergejf. No edits made.

Visitors will find the village on a local family farm, but the entrance fee must first be paid at the family’s nearby Viking Cafe or self-service kiosk. It’s a 10-minute walk from the cafe to the village. The gravel path is level and easy to navigate, but plan on wearing hiking boots and bring hiking poles if you need extra support. 

In 2022, the experience was extended with a recreation of a Viking ship, which now sits along the village’s shore. The ship is a replica of the Gokstad ship, a longship used for exploration, trade, and even warfare. The village lies between the ocean and the towering mountains, a perfect backdrop for a Viking film set. The unpredictable Icelandic weather contributes to the worn look of the buildings, adding to the village's mystique.

How to Get to the Village 

The village is 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Djupivogur Village and 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) east of Hofn. While not directly on the path of Route 1, the village is a popular Ring Road attraction for travelers on guided or self-drive tours. 

It's a long drive to the village from Reykjavik. It’s about 289 miles (465 kilometers) east of the capital city, so consider a multi-day tour that takes you through Southeast Iceland. 

Nearby Attractions to Include

Like many places in Iceland, the Viking village is surrounded by incredible towns and breathtaking natural attractions. Known as the Eastfjords along the South Coast, this region attracts tourists all year. 

The black sand beaches of Stokksnes are just 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the film set. Fauskasandur is another black sand beach you can easily pair with a visit to the village. It’s about 33 miles (54 kilometers) northeast from the Viking Village along Route 1.

Another must-see is the astonishing Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This Icelandic glacier lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in the Nordic country, known for its thousands of floating icebergs. You can see the attraction on day tours or multi-day adventures, such as this South Coast Tour from Reykjavik.

If you’re spending multiple days exploring Southeast Iceland, visit Hofn for a bite to eat and relax in one of its many great accommodations. This quaint town is just 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) from the Viking Village. 

Aside from Hofn, Djupivogur is the closest town to the village. This lovely settlement has a rich history and stunning landscapes worth checking out if you’re nearby.

The Best Time to Visit Stokksnes Viking Village 

Iceland is a picturesque destination year-round, but the summer is the best time to visit the Viking village set and Stokksnes Peninsula. Iceland gets about 20 hours of daylight from June to August, giving you more time to explore the South Coast and the best destinations in the Eastfjords. 

Bear in mind that summer is the busy travel season in Iceland. The pleasant weather and longer days bring larger crowds.

Iceland only gets about four to five hours of sunlight in the winter. However, this is a perfect opportunity to watch the northern lights paint the sky while visiting the village film set. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime photo op!

Plan Your Viking Village Iceland Adventure

Whether you plan on exploring Iceland on your own or joining tours, visiting the Viking movie set is relatively easy, but you’ll need to dress accordingly. Walking shoes, windbreakers, and hats are helpful year-round; heavy coats are necessary in the winter. 

The fee to enter the Viking Village is around 7 USD. This grants you access to the village grounds and nearby black sand beaches. 

Want to experience the village and Southeast Iceland on a tour? Consider these top excursions: 

• 8-Day Self-Drive Tour with In-Depth South Coast Exploration: Take on Iceland’s southern coast with a stopoff at Djupivogur and the Viking Village.
• 9-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour with South Coast Highlights: Explore the best of the South Coast and make sure the Viking Village is on your itinerary. 
• Ultimate 19-Day Self-Drive Tour Around Iceland: Take your time exploring all of Iceland, and hike to the Viking Village on your stop in Djupivogur.

FAQs About the Viking Village Movie Set

Do children have to pay an entrance fee?

No, the Viking Village is free for visitors under 16. 

What are the opening hours?

The village is accessible year-round, but the Viking Cafe (where you buy tickets) has seasonal hours. It’s best to check ahead before visiting. When the cafe is closed, visitors can use the self-service kiosk outside the restaurant to enter.

Can you go inside the Viking houses?

No, for safety reasons, the interiors of the buildings are not open to visitors, but the exteriors and surrounding landscape provide an immersive Viking experience.

How long does it take to explore the village?

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to one hour exploring the set, taking photos, and admiring the surroundings. Allow more time if you plan to visit the black sand beaches and hiking trails.

Can I bring pets?

Yes, pets are generally allowed, but they must be on a leash to protect the delicate environment and wildlife in the area.

Is there food available near the Viking Village?

Yes, The Viking Cafe offers snacks, coffee, and light meals. For more dining options, visit Hofn, known for its delicious langoustine (lobster) dishes.

Are there restrooms at the village?

Yes, restrooms are available at the Viking Cafe, but there are no facilities directly within the set itself.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

No, tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the Viking Cafe or via a self-service kiosk. There is no need for reservations.

Can the village be rented for events or filming?

Yes. The village can be rented for private events or filming purposes. 

Is the village visible from the main road?

Yes, the village is clearly visible from Route 1, the Ring Road that runs around Iceland. 

Ready to See the Viking Village for Yourself?

Browse our tours and vacation packages and start booking the experience of a lifetime. We also provide in-depth travel information and articles about Iceland destinations, the unique culture, and tips for an unforgettable trip. 

Have you already seen the Viking Village? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.