Tour features

The Iceland Sagas are renown throughout the world and the west coast of Iceland was the setting for many of them. This was a deciding factor in locating the new Icelandic Settlement centre here, and this is where our tour commences. After a visit to this informative venue we follow the footsteps of the Viking warrior poet Egil Skalla-Grimsson and learn of his feats and exploits as we travel through the countryside where he grew up and later ruled as a chieftain. We learn about the saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue (Gunnlaugs saga Ormstungu), which commenced in the upper reaches of this fiord and occurred at the time when Egil’s son Thorstein had taken over the family estate. We visit Reykholt, the homestead of this family's most famous son. It was at this location that Snorri Sturluson lived and wrote much of the literature that made him the most significant Nordic poet of the middle ages. Here we visit Snorrastofa, a cultural centre and an institution for research in medieval studies erected in memory of Snorri and his work. We will visit Hraunfossar and an inspection of the largest hot spring in the Northern Hemisphere, Deildartunguhver. A stop for refreshments and a rest will be made at the restaurant Tíminn og Vatnið (Time and Water) in Fossatún beside the river Grímsá. From here the view over Tröllafossar (Troll Falls) can be enjoyed over coffee and home baked goodies. The trip will conclude with a tour of Whale Fiord, one of the deepest and longest fiords in Iceland.

Locations visited

Borgarnes, Icelandic Settlement centre, hot spring Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, Snorrastofa, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Fossatún and the famous whale fiord.

Operation

English: All year on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 09:00 Duraion: 8-9 hours Pick-up at hotels and guesthouses 30 minutes before departure.

Price

$AUD 267,- Includes bus fare, guidance, lunch at the Icelandic Settlement centre and entrance to museums. Children 0-11 travel for free and 12-15 years old pay 50% of the adult price. Guaranteed departures. Duration: 8-9 hours. Starts May 15, 2006