Region
West Iceland
100 km from Reykjavik
Reykholt: Home of Snorri Sturluson
The historic home of Snorri Sturluson and a center of medieval Icelandic learning, with hot springs and waterfalls nearby.
Population
~300
West Iceland • Historic site
Quick Answer
Reykholt in West Iceland was home to the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson. His Snorralaug pool survives, and Hraunfossar waterfalls are a short drive away.
Reykholt is one of Iceland's most important historical sites. For centuries it was a major center of power and learning, most famously as the home of Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century scholar who preserved much of Norse mythology and Scandinavian history through his writings. Today, visitors can tour the Snorrastofa cultural center and see the medieval Snorralaug hot pool.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Reykholt is one of Iceland's most important medieval heritage sites.
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Official sources to check
Population
~300
Historic cultural center
Known for
Snorri Sturluson
Medieval scholar's home
Top Attractions in Reykholt
Snorrastofa Cultural Center
Museum dedicated to Snorri Sturluson and medieval Iceland
Snorralaug
Ancient hot pool used by Snorri himself
Hraunfossar
Lava-field waterfalls, 10 km away
Barnafoss
Blue waterfall in a narrow canyon
Deildartunguhver
Europe's most powerful hot spring
Reykholt Church
Historic church on medieval grounds
How to Get to Reykholt
From Reykjavik: 1.5 hours via Route 1 north to Borgarnes, then Route 50 and Route 518 inland.
From Borgarnes: 35 km east, about 30 minutes drive through the scenic Borgarfjordur valley.
Day trips: Many West Iceland tours combine Reykholt with Hraunfossar, Deildartunguhver, and the Langjokull glacier tunnel.
Best Time to Visit Reykholt
Summer: Best weather for exploring outdoor attractions. Snorrastofa hosts special events and concerts.
Winter: Quiet, with a chance of Northern Lights. Roads are usually accessible but check conditions.
Use Snorrastofa to anchor a Reykholt visit
For the medieval-history site on this page, use the address 320 Reykholt and Snorrastofa’s visitor information when checking a map or booking. Search results for “Reykholt” can mix destinations; the institute and Snorralaug are the landmarks to match.
Snorrastofa’s posted visitor-reception hours are daily 10:00–17:00 from May 1 to August 31, then weekdays 10:00–17:00 from September 1 to April 30. Other times are by arrangement. A September weekend therefore needs a different plan from a summer weekday if you want the indoor exhibition.
The Snorri exhibition has audio in seven languages. For the grounds, the institute’s numbered site guide identifies the entrance, church, Snorri statue, Snorralaug and archaeological remains. It helps connect places that a short list of attractions presents separately.
Planning help
Reykholt FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Reykholt?
Reykholt has approximately 300 residents. The village is small but historically significant in West Iceland.
Who was Snorri Sturluson?
Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241) was Iceland's most famous medieval writer and scholar. He wrote the Prose Edda (Norse mythology) and Heimskringla (Norwegian kings' sagas), and lived at Reykholt.
How far is Reykholt from Reykjavik?
Reykholt is about 100 km from Reykjavik, approximately 1.5 hours by car via Route 1 and Route 518.
What is Snorralaug?
Snorralaug is a reconstructed medieval hot pool where Snorri Sturluson bathed. It's one of the oldest known man-made geothermal pools in Iceland.
What attractions are in Reykholt?
Key attractions include Snorrastofa cultural center, Snorralaug hot pool, the medieval church site, and the statue of Snorri Sturluson.
What waterfalls are near Reykholt?
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls are just 10 km from Reykholt, an easy side trip from the village.
Are there hot springs near Reykholt?
Yes, Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, is only 7 km from Reykholt. There's also a modern spa facility nearby.
What services does Reykholt have?
Reykholt has the Snorrastofa museum, a hotel, restaurant, and church, and is a cultural center for the region.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.