Walk in the footsteps
of a Saga hero
Folk festival is held the first weekend
in July
49 km from Ísafjörður
Haukadalur, were Gísli lived,
is only 5 km from Þingeyri
Homepage
www.westvikings.info
   
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The Saga of Gísli takes place mostly in the West Fjords in the late 10th century. It tells the story of Gísli Súrsson, one of the most famous warriors of the sagas. Gísli lived at Hóll in Haukadalur, a short distance from Þingeyri in Dýrafjörður. A series of revenge killings within the family led to Gísli being sentenced to outlawry. After 13 years as a outlaw, he was ultimately slain by his enemies. The West Vikings association was founded at Þingeyri in 2003, with the aim of making the places where the Saga of Gísli took place more accessible to visitors. The Association has established a festival site in the Old Icelandic style at Þingeyri: a circle has been constructed of sea-washed stones and turf, seating over 300 people, with a long hearth in the centre. The next stages of development are a play area for children, semi-permanent shelters like those used at the ancient assembly sites, and traders’ stalls for Viking-style events. The West Vikings have also held a number of courses on Viking-Age hand crafts, and many members of the association have acquired fine Viking-Age costumes and accessories. The West Vikings welcome you! |
