Settlement Center Borgarnes
Explore Iceland's Viking past and epic sagas at The Settlement Center, featuring engaging exhibits and a delightful cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere
Settlement Center Borgarnes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Iceland's Viking past and epic sagas at The Settlement Center, featuring engaging exhibits and a delightful cafe.
"The audio guide is perfect, and the cafe has an amazing buffet – a must-visit!"
🎧 Audio Guide is Key
Don't skip the audio guide; it's incredibly informative and makes the exhibits truly engaging.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe offers a great buffet and delicious desserts – a perfect post-museum treat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Egils Saga Exhibition
Dive into the epic tale of a legendary Viking through interactive displays and compelling storytelling.
The Settlement of Iceland
Explore the fascinating history of Iceland's earliest settlers with thoughtfully crafted exhibits.
On-site Cafe & Buffet
Enjoy a delicious buffet and excellent coffee in a charming setting after your museum visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Audio Guide!
Combine History with a Bite
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Audio Guide is Key
Don't skip the audio guide; it's incredibly informative and makes the exhibits truly engaging.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe offers a great buffet and delicious desserts – a perfect post-museum treat.
Borgarnes and North Planning help needed
🕰️ Extended Hours
They're open until 9 PM, offering a great evening activity option.
🏛️ Two Exhibit Sections
Explore both the Egils Saga and the Settlement of Iceland exhibitions for a full experience.
Things to do near Borgarnes
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Audio Guide is Key
Don't skip the audio guide; it's incredibly informative and makes the exhibits truly engaging.
☕ Cafe Delights
The cafe offers a great buffet and delicious desserts – a perfect post-museum treat.
🕰️ Extended Hours
They're open until 9 PM, offering a great evening activity option.
🏛️ Two Exhibit Sections
Explore both the Egils Saga and the Settlement of Iceland exhibitions for a full experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Settlement Center for its exceptionally well-designed and thoughtfully crafted exhibits on Iceland's settlement and the Egils Saga. The integrated audio guide is a standout feature, making history engaging and accessible. The on-site cafe also receives high marks for its delicious buffet and excellent service. Some find the admission price a bit high for the size of the museum, but most agree it's a worthwhile experience.
"The Settlement Center is where Viking history meets quirky charm. The audio tour is unexpectedly fun, and the wax figures don't blink—promise! Great storytelling, cool exhibits, and a lovely café to top it off. Even Odin would approve."
Don Corleone
"We came for the museum and were delighted by the cafe. The museum has an extraordinarily well-designed and thoughtfully crafted series of exhibits on the Settlement period. Auido guide was pefectly integrated with each room and exhibit and wa just right - not too much or too little. The cafe has a large and delicious buffet. Also, excellent coffee and desserts. When we asked about the buffet were were treated to an amazing summary of each dish by one of the staff who was incredibly knowledgable and articulate. She could have made a video of her presentation to entice visitors and they would not be disappointed. If you go nowhere else in town, this is the place to spend time."
James Werner
"Very very cool museum. The audio tour is extremely informative and detailed. There are 2 separate sections you go in. The art and interactive machines used were well made and were a great addition to the audio
. The stories were very interesting and I found myself wanting to learn more about the sagas"
Kyasia J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Settlement Center is about an hour's drive from Reykjavik via Route 1 North. It's a scenic drive, and many visitors make it a stop on their way to or from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Yes, there is ample parking available at The Settlement Center, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The Settlement Center is a popular stop for day trips from Reykjavik, often combined with other attractions in West Iceland.
The Settlement Center typically has extended hours, often open until 9 PM, which is great for evening visits. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
While public transport options to Borgarnes exist, they can be less frequent. Driving is generally the most convenient way to reach The Settlement Center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can vary, some visitors have noted it can be a bit pricey for its size. However, most agree the well-designed exhibits and informative audio guide make it worthwhile.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability.
The Settlement Center offers exhibits on the Settlement period and Egils Saga. You can explore both sections with your admission ticket.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire directly with The Settlement Center or check their official website for any available concessions.
Your admission ticket typically includes access to both the Egils Saga exhibition and the Settlement of Iceland exhibition, along with the integrated audio guide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the two distinct exhibitions: one detailing the fascinating history of Iceland's settlement and the other focusing on the epic Egils Saga, both enhanced by an excellent audio guide. +1
Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to fully explore both exhibitions and enjoy the cafe. The audio guide is detailed but not overly long.
The audio guide is highly praised for being perfectly integrated and just the right length. While specific languages aren't listed, it's generally well-received by international visitors.
Yes, the exhibits feature art and interactive machines that are well-made and enhance the learning experience, complementing the audio tour.
The atmosphere is described as having a 'quirky charm' with well-designed and thoughtfully crafted exhibits. It's an engaging and informative space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Settlement Center has a lovely cafe that offers a large and delicious buffet, as well as excellent coffee and desserts. +1
The cafe is known for its buffet, with staff providing amazing, knowledgeable summaries of each dish. They also serve excellent coffee and desserts.
The buffet is highly recommended, with visitors praising its quality and the staff's articulate descriptions of the dishes.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but the buffet format often allows for a variety of choices. It's best to inquire directly about vegetarian or vegan options.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for museum cafes to be accessible to the public. However, to be sure, it's advisable to contact The Settlement Center directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While not explicitly forbidden in reviews, it's always best to look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure about taking photos inside the exhibits.
The exhibits themselves, with their unique displays and interactive elements, offer interesting photographic opportunities. The cafe area also provides a pleasant backdrop.
Flash photography is often restricted in museums to protect artifacts. It's a good practice to avoid using flash unless explicitly permitted.
The wax figures are part of the exhibits, and while reviews mention they don't blink, it's best to adhere to general photography guidelines within the museum.
Borgarnes itself is a charming town, and the surrounding West Iceland landscape offers stunning photographic opportunities. The Settlement Center's exterior might also be photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday afternoons, to allow children more space to explore. The on-site cafe is also a great bonus, offering a delicious buffet and a relaxed environment for a family meal. It’s a good way to break up a day of sightseeing in West Iceland.
🏛️ History Buffs
The highly informative audio guide is essential for a thorough understanding, offering detailed insights that go beyond surface-level information. Many visitors find themselves wanting to learn more about the sagas after their visit, a testament to the engaging presentation.
🚗 Road Trippers
With ample parking and a highly-rated cafe offering a buffet and coffee, it’s a convenient and rewarding break. The extended evening hours also make it a flexible option for those on a tight schedule or looking for an activity after a long day of driving.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Saga of Egill Skallagrímsson
Travelers often highlight the audio guide as a crucial element that enhances the understanding and enjoyment of the Egils Saga. It provides context, details characters, and explains the historical and cultural significance of the events depicted. This allows visitors to appreciate the depth of the saga, even if they are unfamiliar with Icelandic literature. The storytelling is described as very interesting, leaving visitors wanting to learn more about the sagas.
While the exhibition is a deep dive into a specific saga, it also serves as an excellent introduction to the broader world of Icelandic sagas and their importance in understanding the nation's history and cultural identity. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of these ancient tales.
Understanding Iceland's Settlement
The audio guide plays a pivotal role here, seamlessly integrating with each room and exhibit to provide just the right amount of information. It helps paint a vivid picture of what life was like for these pioneers, from their seafaring voyages to their agricultural practices. The interactive machines and art used in this exhibit further enhance the visitor experience, making history feel tangible and relatable.
This exhibition is considered one of the best and most detailed explanations of Icelandic settlement available, making The Settlement Center a must-visit for anyone interested in the country's origins. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the resilience and ingenuity that shaped Iceland.
Culinary Delights at The Settlement Center Cafe
What truly sets the cafe apart is the exceptional service. Staff members are noted for their incredible knowledge and articulate presentations of each dish on the buffet. This level of detail and passion for the food elevates the dining experience, making it memorable for guests. The cafe also serves excellent coffee and desserts, rounding out a satisfying meal.
Whether you're looking for a hearty lunch or a sweet treat, the cafe at The Settlement Center provides a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality offerings. It’s a place where history and gastronomy meet, offering a complete visitor experience.
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