THE HERJOLFSDALUR VALLEY

The Herjolfsdalur Valley. Fish Focus’ latest feature follows our trip to the Icelandic archipelago, Vestmannaeyjar.

Even when the valley is not full of revellers and party goers at the Þjóðhátíð, you get a feeling of the enormity of the valley and almost feel the historic vibes of the area.

The history of Herjolfsdalur valley dates back over a millennium and is closely intertwined with the settlement of Iceland by Norse Vikings. The valley is named after Herjólfur, one of the early Viking settlers who arrived in Iceland in the 9th century.

The Herjolfstown Viking Wax Museum

Along with his fellow settlers, Herjólfur established farms and homesteads across the island, including in the fertile lands of Herjolfsdalur. During this time, the valley was thought to be cultivated for agriculture and livestock raising.

In the 20th century, archaeologists and scholars made excavation expeditions in the valley to study its origins and Viking history. The most famous of these were carried out in 1924 by Matthías Þórðarson and from 1971 to 1983 by a team led by Margrét Hermanns-Auðardóttir.

Both studies resulted in ground-breaking archaeological finds that proved the long Viking history of Herjolfsdalur and Heimaey. The most important artifacts were ruins or traces of multiple houses and sheds. One of these constructions was thought to have belonged to Herjólfur.

Besides its historical significance, the Herjolfsdalur valley is also known for its breath-taking natural features with its green hills, mountains, lava rocks, rugged cliffs, campsite and open valleys that extend to the North Atlantic Ocean.

Herjólfur,, Freyja and the children named Vilborg, Floki, Melkorka, and Asvor.

The Herjolfstown Viking Wax Museum

We visited the Herjolfstown Museum in the valley which gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the early Viking settlers. We explored the reconstructed Viking longhouse with its artifacts, displays and life-size wax statues. It is open to the public from April to October.

One of the standout features of the Museum is its attention to detail. The exhibits are based on extensive research, archaeological findings and artistic imagination, ensuring that visitors gain a genuine insight into Viking culture and society in the most immersive way.

The life-size wax figures of Herjólfur and the depicted members of his family, his wife, Freyja and the children named Vilborg, Floki, Melkorka, and Asvor. There are also other Viking characters in the area, such as the Norwegian King Haraldur, a man named Ubbe and enslaved people Imma and Kormakur.

Besides the life-size Viking personalities, the museum and the farmstead have recreations of Viking objects and artifacts. Inside, you’ll see traditional Viking clothing, wooden tables and chairs, food items and more. Through these displays, guests can step back in time and explore the daily lives, customs, and traditions of the Vikings.

We will be posting an article every day, covering this amazing trip and showcasing the Icelandic Seafood industry, cutting edge aquaculture, Icelandic heritage and the hospitality of the Icelandic people. You can read the whole publication here