What are the opening hours?

Opening hours vary seasonally. Most museums have longer hours in summer (June-August) and reduced hours in winter.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Most Icelandic museums welcome families. Many have interactive exhibits and special programs for children.

Are guided tours available?

Many museums offer guided tours, audio guides, or informational materials in multiple languages.

Iceland/west-iceland

The Settlement Center Borgarnes

Two unmissable exhibitions on the Settlement of Iceland and Egil's Saga in Borgarnes.

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At a Glance

Visit time

1-2 hours

Best season

Year-round; check seasonal opening hours

Access

Located in towns with easy access. Most are wheelchair accessible.

GPS

64.5610, -21.9008

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About

About The Settlement Center Borgarnes

Two unmissable exhibitions on the Settlement of Iceland and Egil's Saga in Borgarnes.

The Settlement of Iceland exhibition is possibly the finest narrative museum experience in the country — beautiful, immersive and completely original.

Photos

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Background

History & Background

The Settlement Center Borgarnes has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.

The Settlement Center in Borgarnes offers an engaging introduction to Iceland's early history and the famous Egil's Saga. Through storytelling, exhibitions, and interactive displays, visitors gain insight into Viking life and the settlement of Iceland. Located in a historic building by the harbor, the museum combines history with atmosphere, making it a must-visit stop when exploring West Iceland.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Landnámssetur in Borgarnes tells two stories side by side: the arrival of the first Norse settlers to Iceland from 874 AD, and the dramatic life of Egill Skallagrímsson — warrior, farmer, skald and reluctant admirer of kings. Both exhibitions use beautifully crafted figurines, dramatic dioramas and audio guides (available in 12 languages) to bring the sagas alive. The building itself is a converted 1920s warehouse overlooking Borgarfjörður. The attached restaurant serves excellent traditional Icelandic food including skyr desserts and lamb soup.

💡 Did You Know?

Borgarnes is the ancestral home of Egill Skallagrímsson, Iceland's most famous Viking poet-warrior. His story — told in Egil's Saga — reads like a Norse superhero origin story.

Local Legend

Legends of Settlement Center Borgarnes

Settlement Center Borgarnes has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.

Experiences

Tours Near The Settlement Center Borgarnes

Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation

Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike

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Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights

From $7400

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Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Borg Grímsnesi

Borg: A mighty stronghold of the Viking age, central to power struggles and epic sagas.

icelandic saga

Brákarsund

Brákarsund is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Egils saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Digranes (nú Borgarnes)

Digranes (now Borgarnes): The ancient site that evolved into a modern town.

icelandic saga

Einarsnes

Einarsnes is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Egils saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

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