Follow in the Footsteps of Iceland’s First Settlers

Few places bring Viking history to life quite like Iceland. From ancient parliament sites to saga landscapes and reconstructed longhouses, the country is full of locations connected to its first Norse settlers. Renting a car is the best way to visit Iceland if you want to explore these historic sites properly, as they are spread across different regions and often far from public transport routes.

This Viking road trip takes you through some of the most important places in Iceland’s early history while showcasing the stunning landscapes that have changed little since the settlement era.

Suggested Viking Road Trip Route

A great route for history enthusiasts is:

Reykjavík → Þingvellir → Borgarnes → Reykholt → Eiríksstaðir → Skagafjörður

This journey combines Iceland’s most significant Viking and medieval sites with scenic drives through lava fields, valleys, mountains, and fjords.

Reykjavík – Where Iceland’s Story Began

A Viking road trip should begin in Reykjavík, where Iceland’s settlement story started. According to tradition, Ingólfur Arnarson arrived in the 9th century and established the country’s first permanent settlement after following his high-seat pillars across the sea.

Today, visitors can explore the Settlement Exhibition, built around the remains of a Viking-age longhouse, and learn about the origins of Iceland’s capital. It’s the perfect introduction to the people who first called Iceland home.

Þingvellir – The Birthplace of Icelandic Democracy

From Reykjavík, a short drive east brings you to Þingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most significant historical sites.

In AD 930, this was the meeting place of the Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest parliaments. Every summer, chieftains and settlers gathered here to settle disputes, make laws, and discuss matters affecting the young nation. Remarkably, many of these laws were recited from memory by the Law Speaker, as Iceland had no written legal code at the time.

Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes, Þingvellir remains one of the best places to connect with Iceland’s Viking past.

West Iceland’s Viking Heritage

Continuing north-west, you’ll reach some of the country’s most important Viking-era locations.

In Reykholt, visitors can discover the story of Snorri Sturluson, the medieval writer and chieftain who preserved many of the myths and legends that shape our understanding of Norse culture today.

Further west lies Eiríksstaðir, the former home of Erik the Red. The site is closely linked to the explorer who established Norse settlements in Greenland. His son, Leif Erikson, is believed to have become one of the first Europeans to reach North America centuries before Columbus.

The reconstructed longhouse offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life during Iceland’s settlement period.

The Sagas Come to Life in Borgarnes

No Viking road trip is complete without a stop in Borgarnes. The Settlement Centre tells the story of Iceland’s first settlers and the legendary saga hero Egill Skallagrímsson, whose adventures remain some of the most famous in Icelandic literature.

For visitors unfamiliar with the Icelandic sagas, the museum provides an excellent introduction to the rivalries, voyages, and family histories that helped shape the country’s identity.

Exploring Beyond the South-West

Travellers continuing around the Ring Road will find even more Viking and medieval history in North Iceland. The Skagafjörður region played an important role during the saga age and remains one of the country’s cultural heartlands.

Historic sites such as Glaumbær Turf Farm offer insight into how Icelanders lived for centuries after the settlement era, while the surrounding landscapes provide a sense of the challenges faced by early settlers.

Ready to Explore Iceland’s Viking Past?

One of the best things about exploring Iceland’s Viking heritage is that many of the stories are tied to real places you can still visit today. Whether you’re standing where the Alþingi first met at Þingvellir, stepping inside a reconstructed longhouse at Eiríksstaðir, or driving through landscapes described in the Icelandic sagas, history feels surprisingly close.

Many visitors come to Iceland for its waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers, but following the footsteps of the Vikings offers a completely different perspective on the country. With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore these historic sites at your own pace and discover the stories behind the landscapes you pass along the way.