Experience the glory and drama of the Icelandic sagas with the experts. Specialized tours of Icelandic landscapes led by Saga Thing podcast hosts, John and Andy, with professional guide Björn Grímsson.
Walk the home fields of Egil, Eirík, Bárð, and other epic figures of the sagas in 2027!
What could be better than listening to Saga Thing while you tour Iceland?
Touring Iceland with Saga Thing.
Join saga scholars John Sexton and Andy Pfrenger together with friend of the podcast (and professional tour guide) Björn Grímsson on an unforgettable saga-themed tour of Western Iceland including the lands of Snorri Sturluson, Eirík the Red, Egil Skallagrímsson, and the heroes of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From the haunting peaks of Snæfellsjökull to the moss-draped lava fields and fishing villages that echo with stories, we’ll retrace the dramatic footsteps of saga heroes, shady chieftains, and the occasional ghost seal.
This five-day journey departs from Reykjavik, journeying first to Thingvellir and Snorrastofa.
As the location of the annual Viking Age gathering known as the Alþing, Thingvellir is the perfect place to kick off the Saga Thing tour. It’s the site of many exciting and tense scenes as well as the center of law and governance for Iceland from its earliest days. From there, the tour moves out into Iceland’s dramatic countryside, visiting archaeological sites, a reconstructed turfhouse, historic farmsteads, and of course, the stunning landscapes of Snaefellsness Peninsula. This region is associated with a number of Iceland’s most famous sagas, among them Egil's Saga, Laxdæla Saga, and Eyrbiggja Saga. With plot points dotted throughout the landscape, we’ll match photo opportunities to your favorite saga moments.
The tour will combine John and Andy’s expert storytelling and charm with Björn’s intimate knowledge of Icelandic history and nature.
Along the way, we’ll meet with local experts and savor the pleasures of life on a working Icelandic farm - including authentic, home-cooked cuisine. While some of the tour’s stops, such as Reykholt or Thingvellir, will be popular bucket-list items, the heart of the tour is its focus on linking the vivid stories of the sagas to the land in which they were set. As we walk the farmstead of Eirík the Red, bathe in the thermal pool of Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir, or survey the slopes of Snæfellsjökull, we'll also be learning about the humble technologies of everyday Viking life, the uniqueness of Icelandic geology, and the sagas' living legacy.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 sets the scene as we visit Thingvellir and Snorrastofa, both essential to the sagas' status as enduring cultural touchstones. Day 2 we delve into the intrigues of Laxdæla Saga and visit the reconstructed turfhouse of Eirík the Red for a hands-on understanding of life in saga-age Iceland. Days 3 and 4, we explore the wilds of Snaefellsnes, walking the land of Eyrbyggja and Bárðar Sagas. Day 5 concludes as we seek the treasure of Egil's Saga and savor a shared meal with our Final Judgments.
Limited spaces available.
To reserve your spot, book now! We have a total of 10 spots available for our second annual tour.
Tour Dates: April 19 - 23, 2027
The adventure leaves Reykjavik at 8:30 AM on April 19th, headed for Þingvellir and the lands of Snorri Sturluson. Accommodations for the first night will be in the Borgarfjörður region, with remaining days' accommodations at a farm in Snaefellsnes. Travelers are responsible for their airfare, for transportation to Reykjavik from the airport, and for being ready to depart Reykjavik 8:30 AM.
Book your tour, then choose your add-on features.
First step, book the tour itself ($4,200) then customize with your preferred add-on excursions. The tour includes: action-packed days, five dinners, four breakfasts, entry to all tour destinations, and transportation to/from tour sites. Travelers may then customize their tour with additions. This year, travelers may choose to visit a remarkable private collection of manuscripts and first editions with Old Icelandic Books (Sunday afternoon, April 18) or experience an introduction to Icelandic horse-riding in the countryside.
Walk in the steps of the Vikings.
This tour will require the ability to walk over uneven ground, maintain a brisk walking pace on inclines, and enjoy active days that start early and end at dinner time. Our tour bus will fit up to fifteen travelers, so interior space will be limited. No rowing of longboats required.
Day 1: Into the Saga Age
April 19, 2027
Day 2: Tales of the Dales
April 20, 2027
Day 3: The Land of Eyrbyggja Saga
April 21, 2027
Day 4: Wild Iceland
April 22, 2027
Day 5: Brutes and Outlaws
April 23, 2027
Law and Power
The bus picks up at several central locations in Reykjavik and then it's off to Thingvellir and Reykholt. We'll learn about the Althing, oldest legislature in the world and site of many iconic saga scenes. The afternoon will be spent at Snorrastofa, home of medieval historian, poet, and likely saga author, Snorri Sturluson.
Laxdæla Saga and Eirík's Saga
On our way to experience archaeology brought to life at Eiríksstaðir, we'll visit the lands of Laxdæla Saga. These valleys have a lot to reveal: marital politics, regional intrigue, medieval fashion trends, and more.
Northern Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Where exactly were those Swedish berserkers buried? We'll stride the countryside described in this saga, learn how the saga's story lives on today, and perhaps sample some Icelandic delicacies. For tonight's accommodation we remain in our Snaefellsnes location.
The Land of Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss
This jam-packed day we'll follow in the mythical footsteps of Bárðr Snæfellsáss. Views of the glacier, stunning cliffs, a black-pebble beach, and the charmingly named Dritvík offer a little something for everyone. This is our last night at our Snaefellsnes accommodations.
Egil’s Saga and Hord and the Holmdwellers
The tour closes with a visit to the site where Egil ended his days - and we'll speculate about the location of his hidden treasure. Along the way, we'll explore the haunts of outlaw Hord and his band of Holmdwellers. We conclude the evening in Reykjavik with a celebratory Saga Thing feast. Be sure to book your own accommodations in Reykjavik for this final night.
