Discover the hidden Viking Age history of southeast Iceland
Tour Operator: Ice Journey ehf
This exclusive one-day tour explores the hidden history of Viking Age Iceland in the southeast, shedding light on a region rich with archaeological wonders, folklore, and Norse heritage. This immersive journey combines visits to ancient caves, traditional turf houses, and a reconstructed Viking village—all while unraveling the intriguing mix of legend and history that shaped early Iceland. Perfect for private groups or small tours, this experience offers a unique look into Iceland’s pre-Viking and Viking eras.
You will experience:
This one-day Southeast Iceland tour offers a distinctive glimpse into Viking Age Iceland, blending archaeology, mythology, and historical insights for an unforgettable journey into the past.
*Order subject to conditions on the day.
Begin the day at Rútshellir, Iceland’s largest man-made cave, located beneath Mount Hrútafell. This intriguing site offers a glimpse into Iceland’s prehistory, with a mysterious history that likely dates to before the Norse settlement, marked by the presence of Irish monks who carved a cross into the cave ceiling. Divided into two main chambers, the upper portion of Rútshellir was once a two-story dwelling with a ledge used as a sleeping area. According to legend, a man named Rútur, who once lived in the cave, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by his slaves and exacted revenge on them in the surrounding mountains. Our Viking Age Scholar will guide you through the site, explaining its historical and cultural significance while bringing the legends to life.
Next, visit the Skógar Folk Museum, where you’ll experience traditional Icelandic turf houses and gain insight into the enduring lifestyle of Icelanders from the Viking Age up to the 20th century. The museum displays an extensive collection of Viking-era artifacts, including manuscripts, tools, and personal items that give a sense of daily life in early Iceland. The unique architectural style of the turf houses—characterized by their thick, insulated walls—offers a vivid look at how Icelandic settlers adapted to the harsh climate. Our Viking Age Scholar will delve into the architectural techniques, cultural heritage, and manuscripts that kept Iceland’s sagas and Norse mythology alive for generations.
Next on this Ultimate Viking Experience, a hidden waterfall adventure awaits you! Some say the area screams iconic Viking movie set and we wholeheartedly agree. After a short 10-15 minute stroll, you’ll be mesmerized by the winding path and waterfall view. Maybe take a moment before or after your photos here to fill up your water bottle.
In Norse mythology, Skógafoss is tied to the famed stories of Þrasi Þórólfsson, a legendary Viking settler. Sagas say that Þrasi buried a treasure chest behind the waterfall. According to the myth, locals found the chest years later, but only managed to grab onto its ring before it disappeared again. Explore and be photographed within this magical area during this Ultimate Viking experience!
To enhance your experience, enjoy a Viking-inspired lunch featuring authentic Icelandic ingredients and dishes inspired by the Viking Age. While you dine, our Viking Age Scholar will debunk myths and share insights into the daily lives of the Vikings, discussing how they balanced exploration, subsistence, and community ties within the Icelandic landscape.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Viking Village at Stokksnes, a movie set created as a realistic Viking village near the iconic Vestrahorn mountain, one of the most picturesque locations in Iceland. Here, you can walk among various reconstructed Viking buildings, from longhouses to workshops, to experience the layout and atmosphere of a Viking settlement firsthand. As you explore the village, our Viking Age Scholar will provide historical context on Viking daily life, community roles, and the skills that sustained these early settlers.