Reykholt is one of the most historical places in Iceland and was a cultural centre for centuries. Here was the home of the chieftain and historian Snorri Sturluson from 1206 until 1241 when he was slain by his enemies in the subterranean walk to his pool. Snorri Sturluson was Iceland’s greatest Saga writer as well as being an author, and a great scholar.

His most renowned works are Snorra-Edda and Heimskringla. Snorralaug, a thermal pool at the farm of Reykholt where Snorri used to bathe, has been restored and so was a tunnel he used to reach the pool from his residence. Reykholt has been a school centre for decades and a Snorri museum has been established there.

There are many hot springs at Reykholt and in the valley Reykholtsdalur, which is the largest low temperature area of the country. During the years 1986-87 and 1998-2001, archaeological excavations have revealed stacked up ruins of differently old buildings and the sub terrain walk, used by Snorri to reach his outdoor pool is gradually leading the scientists to the farm of Snorri. One of those is Deildartunguhver, the largest of its kind in the world.

Spectacular waterfalls are in the vicinity and in the consequent rivers one can enjoy salmon fishing. Trout fishing is also popular in the many lakes in the area. Great many tourists visit Reykholt every year and a hotel with a good restaurant is open the whole year round.

There are also good camping sites at Reykholt and in the valley. The drive to the summer resort Husafell is relatively short. Husafell is in one of Iceland’s few woodlands and is therefore very popular among the native travellers. En route are Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, both waterfalls, where nature seems to have been playing at wonders. Daily tours on the glacier Langjokull and to Surtshellir, one of Iceland’s largest caves, are operated from Husafell.