Reykholt in Borgarfjörður - Snorrastofa

Reykholt in Borgarfjörður is one of the most remarkable historical sites in Iceland, largely because of the medieval scholar and author Snorri Sturluson, who lived there from 1206 until his assassination there in 1241. For many centuries, Reykholt has also been the site of a church and rectory, and of a country school between 1930-1997. Thousands of travellers visit the area each year.

The cultural and medieval centre Snorrastofa was founded in 1995 in memory of Snorri Sturluson. A beautiful new building, housing both the church and Snorrastofa, was built 1988-2000. The church was inaugurated during a on July 28, 1996, and the Snorrastofa section was opened ao July 20, 2000, in the presence of the President of Iceland and the King of Norway.

The role of Snorrastofa is to promote and research , medieval culture, local history and the works of Snorri Sturluson. Snorrastofa houses a conference- and meeting space, guest apartments for visiting scholars, and a library, well-stocked with works on medieval culture, intended for scholarly and public use alike.

Snorrastofa has initiated and participated in many international studies on literature, archaeology, geography and history, and has published books in these fields as well.

The institution also receives tourists and hosts exhibitions on the life and career of Snorri Sturluson, as well as art exhibitions. It runs a small shop offering Icelandic handicraft, art and books on Icelandic culture. Snorrastofa also organizes concerts in Reykholt Church, which is renowned for its acoustics, and hosts the annual Reykholt Festival, a classical music festival in late July.

The older Reykholt Church was built in 1886-87. It is now part of the historical building collection of the National Museum of Iceland, which sees to its maintenance. The old school building is now used for conferences and gatherings, and also houses the National Library's auxiliary collection.

Considerable archaeological excavations have taken place at Reykholt, revealing traces of ancient structures, but most of them remain buried for conservation purposes.

The ancient remains of Reykholt accessible to visitors include the medieval bathing pool Snorralaug – the oldest man-made structure in Iceland – and 13^thcentury underground tunnels leading to the ancient homestead.

Water from the hot spring Skrifla is channelled into the pool as well as the area's hotel, residential buildings and hothouses. The graveyard contains a medieval burial site that in all likelihood stores the remains of Snorri Sturluson. A hotel is open all year round in Reykholt.