Reykholt a Cultural Centre

Reykholt in Borgarfjordur is one of Iceland's major historic sites, a cultural centre of past and present. The cultural heritage of the place is mainly based around the residence of saga writer and historian, Snorri Sturluson, who lived in Reykholt between 1206 and 1241.   People, not least foreign visitors, visit Reykholt mainly for its history. The greatest attractions are Reykholt's famous antiquities (pool, passageway, old farmstead and hot water and steam channels dating from Snorri's time), which Snorrastofa and the National Museum of Iceland supervise and introduce to visitors.   The main buildings at Reykholt are the old church, built in 1887; the old district school, built in 1931; the hotel facilities, built in the years 1965-88 as student quarters; the new church; and Snorrastofa.   Snorrastofa, the annual Music Festival and other conserts held all year round in the church, conferences throughout the year and archaeological excavations, together make Reykholt a remarkable cultural centre. The opening of the Hvalfjordur tunnel in 1998 has been a big help for the progress in Reykholt, as transport from Reykjavik has been made easy.

Snorri's pool

Reykholt's potential is being further developed by the strengthening of various activities and the contribution of new projects. The growing interest in staying at the site for research work or meetings is only a beginning. Facilities and equipment for meetings and conferences have been constructed. The hotel, open all year, has one hall. A newly- renovated conference hall that will also have reading facilities and a research library, is in the old district school and will be able to accommodate 50 guests. The new church can take up to 300 guests on festive occasions, and there is also a church hall for social gatherings and meetings. Snorrastofa plays a major role in the development of Reykholt as a cultural and conference centre. The institution works with the support and collaboration of various other bodies.   Institutions and companies in the Reykholt area Snorrastofa A research centre focusing on Medieval Studies, established in the memory of Snorri Sturluson. Its main purpose is to encourage research and promotion of Medieval Studies and the history of Reykholt and Borgarfjordur. The institute adjoins the church building and has a library with study facilities, office and a flat for visiting scholars and writers. Snorrastofa arranges courses, conferences and meetings as well as exhibition in these fields. The Church of Reykholt The parish minister at Reykholt is Rev. Geir Waage. The church is noted for its beautiful acoustics, which draws musicians from afar. Snorrastofa runs a tourist information centre located in the building that adjoins the church and Snorrastofa. It sells admission to exhibitions and offers numerous services for tourists. It also has a souvenir shop.

Concert in the Church of Reykholt

Reykholt Music Festival An annual, highly-esteemed music festival is held in July in connection with "Church Day". It features a diverse programme of classical works, including Nordic pieces, performed by some of Iceland´s best known musicians and outstanding guest performers from abroad.

The Reykholt Music Festival

Fosshótel at Reykholt Hotel Reykholt is open all year round with accommodation in fully furnished rooms. The hotel also offers sleeping bag space. Conferences, banquets and meetings are frequently held there.   National Museum of Iceland Archaeological investigations of the old farmstead at Reykholt and church ruins were carried out in the years 1998 to 2007.   National and University Library of Iceland Part of the former district school building is by the National Library.