Eiríksstaðir Viking Home is a replica Viking turf-house in Dalabyggð region in West Iceland. Eiríksstaðir is the homestead of the famous Viking and explorer, Eric the Red. The museum was created in association with the celebration of the thousand-year anniversary of the discovery of Vínland.
Dalabyggð region in West Iceland was the starting point for one of the most exciting chapters in history; the Viking Age expansion westward, which took explorers first to Greenland and later to the shores of North America.
In the Eiríksstaðir Museum, story-tellers and guides, dressed up in typical Viking clothing welcome all visitors. These modern-day Vikings demonstrate the lifestyle from 1.000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge. Visitors learn about Erik the Red who was a famous explorer and discovered Greenland. Visitors also hear about his son “Leif the Lucky” who was the first European to set foot in North America, which he named Vínland.
All of the tools and objects housed in the living museum are historic reconstructions based on Viking design from the size of the swords, to the leather shoes sewn together with a replica sewing needle. Adjacent to the replica home is the excavation site of Leif Eiriksson’s original home. There visitors can actually stand on Leif’s very doorstep and enjoy the same magnificent view he had out his front door while growing up in Haukadalur valley.
Opening hours of the Eiríksstaðir Viking Home
May 15th – May 30th: 13 (1 pm) – 16 (4 pm)
June 1st – June 19th: 11 am – 16 (4 pm)
June 20th – September 30th: 10 am – 16 (4 pm)
Rest of the year: Upon request
Where is the Eiríksstaðir Viking Home?
It’s located in Dalabyggð region, about 1 hour drive from Borgarnes.
