Reykholt

Reykholt in Borgarfjörður is one of the old estates of Iceland and a cultural centre both in the past and in the present. Iceland's history is linked to Reykholt, and one of the best known Icelandic writers, the historian and poet Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241), was one of its most famous occupants. He was also a political leader and one of the richest men in Iceland in the Age of the Sturlungs. Snorri was the author of Heimskringla, the history of Norwegian kings, and the Edda, a priceless source of information about Nordic mythology and poetry. Snorralaug and the channels providing water from the Skrifla hot springs are among the oldest man-made structures that have been preserved in Iceland. Medieval studies and research into the history of Borgarfjörður are carried out in the Medieval Institution, Snorrastofa. Heimskringla provides services and information for travellers, e.g. on the history of Reykholt.