EIRÍKSSTAÐIR

During archaeological excavations undertaken in the last century (1938 and 1997-1999), archaeologists uncovered the ruins of a ^10th-century farmhouse in which Erik the Red is said to have lived. Erik the Red is an emblematic figure in Icelandic history, known for having founded the first European colony in Greenland after being banished from Iceland for murder. An identical reconstruction of his "longhouse" was carried out to celebrate the millennium of the discovery of North America.

Hosted by staff dressed in Viking costume, the exhibition aims to show what life was like for the island's first masters. The site, with the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, is located on Route 586, south-east of Búðardalur.

A few recommendations if you visit the site:

The site closes early, so check the timetable before making the detour.

Be careful if you're coming from Route 60: this two-way gravel road is very narrow, with many blind climbs (indicated by "Blindhaedir" signs) and... the locals drive fast. It runs very close to Lake Haukadalsvatn (admittedly not very comfortable when you have to drive on the lake side), but the view is splendid.

Last but not least, many sheep and their offspring can be seen wandering along the road or along the side of the road. If you're riding with someone, don't hesitate to ask your passenger to look out for them, and keep an eye on the road.