The Saga of the People of Vatnsdalur is one of the classic Sagas of Icelanders, composed in Iceland in the middle ages. The Saga of the People of Vatnsdalur is believed to have been written in the latter half of the 13th century, perhaps at the Þingeyrar monastery, founded in 1133 and renowned for the manuscripts penned by the monks.
The Saga tells of the powerful clan from Hof in Vatndalur, from about 900 until the 11th century. It tells the story of Ingimundur the Aged, the first settler in the valley, and his descendants who dominated the region. The Saga provides insight into the early days of the settlement of Iceland, and the pioneering settlers who became chieftains in the new Icelandic society. Power-struggles and conflict are an important element of this eventful Saga, which involves a colourful cast of characters from Vatnsdalur and beyond.
The Heritage Map is a guide for visitors to the region who want to learn more about the Saga and where it took place. Information signs can be found at the following sites:
Þórdísarholt
Faxabrandsstaðir
Nautabú
Ljótunnarkinn
Jökulsstaðir
Hof
Other historical places that are marked on The Heritage Map but have no sign are the following sites:
Ingimundarhóll
Stígandahróf
Kornsá
Gróustaðir
Sleggjustaðir
Friðmundarárgil
Grátsmýri
Húfuhylur
Skíðastaðir
Húnavatnsþing
Borg
Stóra-Gilja/Gullsteinn
Haukagil
Grímstungusel
Quite apart from its history, this region is renowned for its natural beauty and numerous places of interest. Among the best known are the striking Vatnsdalshólar (the Vatnsdalur Hills), said to be countless, at the mouth of the valley. No visitor should miss Þingeyrar, once the site of an important monastery until the Reformation in the 16th century. Its 19th-century stone church—an unusual sight in Iceland—houses many remarkable ecclesiastical treasures, including a 15th-century altarpiece.
Welcome to the country of the Saga of the People of Vatnsdalur!
