The saga landscapes
A historic hen do in Iceland
In March, I went on my hen do. And it wasn’t quite a traditional one. We’re talking an intimate family affair with my mum and sister in the snows and mountains of Iceland. Most days, I was clad in the most flattering thermals, hiking boots and bobbly hat that made me look like a gnome. But I was very grateful for them.
I was struck by the searingly beautiful landscape of contrasts and by the centuries-old stories that dominated it. From the first settlers to folklore and to the snippets of tradition and culture, it’s an unforgettable place.
Thingvellir, Althinge and Njal’s saga
My first adventure was a place we drove to on a coach, literally crossing tectonic plates to get there. Thingvellir National Park is situated in the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It’s a hugely significant site and is the place where the Alþingi, the world's oldest continuously running parliament, was established in 930 AD.
Established in 930 AD, the Alþingi served as Iceland's legislative and judicial assembly for centuries. The Lögberg (Law Rock) was a central point where laws were proclaimed and speeches were given.
Unsurprisingly, it features in many sagas and often comes up when there’s anything to do with the law. Notably, it features heavily in Njal’s Saga, a story about law and with heavy references to the Alþingi and Law Rock. Written in the 13th century, Njal’s Saga is focused on themes of honor, law and justice, and vengeance. There are councils and trials held in this location throughout the story, and even The Battle of Law Rock where plenty of smiting happens.
“I challenge you both and set you aside out of the inquest, by the rightful custom of the Althing and by the law of the land.”
A stunning site, made unique by its geography, history, and memory in the Icelandic sagas.
Mountains and waterfalls
We crammed in as many trips as we could over our four days in Iceland, including some ten-hour coach rides. But as we whizzed past snowy peaks and learned how many of those we saw were active volcanoes ready to blow, the hours slipped by.
The mountains glistened with fresh, crisp snow and soared into the heavens. We were looking at the same landscapes that inhabitants of a medieval Iceland saw hundreds of years ago. The sagas document these ageless giants showing the harsh landscapes in which their characters lived, providing natural barriers and being homes to mythical creatures.
Some of the mountains that feature in the sagas are the Westfjords in the Gísla saga and Þríhyrningur in Njál's saga1. Snæfellsnes Peninsula volcano is the setting for parts of Eyrbyggja saga2.
And the waterfalls had their own kinesthetic beauty. There’s a wealth of waterfalls dotted across Iceland, from smaller ones tumbling down cliff faces to huge, powerful torrents that create rainbows.
One of the more famous ones we saw was Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most majestic waterfalls. It falls 60 meters from a dramatic cliff face, creating a thunderous sound. Its spray catches the light, creating rainbows. According to local legend, the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, buried a chest filled with gold behind the waterfall.3
"The chest of Þrasi is filled with treasures located beneath Skógafoss waterfall, the first man who goes there will find great richness."
Our very last stop was Seljalandsfoss, another magnificent tumbling waterfall. This one, you could walk behind. Given the lethal, slippery conditions and my habit of falling over, this one was a bit trickier. As I stepped behind it and looked up, I could see icicles being propelled over the top and feel the icy spray on my face. It’s easy to see how stories of magic and legend have sprung up around these beautiful watery marvels. If you listen closely, you may just hear the whispers of the Huldufólk (Hidden People).
It was impossible not to feel the raw pulsing power of this magical landscape.
Iceland was where I had a hen do I’ll never forget. It’s an inspiring country of ice and fire, steeped in rich stories and history and is devastatingly beautiful. It’s inspired a love of Vikings and storytelling and begun my own Valkyrie’s adventure into the sagas.
Björgúlfsdóttir, H.D. (2024). Visit the Sites of Njáls Saga | Your Friend in Reykjavik. [online] Your Friend in Reykjavik. Available at: https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/visit-the-sites-of-njals-saga/.
Sydneyreviewofbooks.com. (2017). Letter from Iceland | Sydney Review of Books. [online] Available at: https://sydneyreviewofbooks.com/essays/letter-from-iceland [Accessed 10 Apr. 2025].
Guide to Iceland. (n.d.). The spectacular Skógafoss Waterfall in South-Iceland and ... [online] Available at: https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-beautiful-skogafoss-waterfall-and-the-legend-of-the-treasure-chest.
Gutenberg.org. (2016). The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Story of Burnt Njal, by Sir George Webbe Dasent, D.C.L. [online] Available at: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17919/17919-h/17919-h.htm.
A very interesting read. Thank you for bringing this wonderful country to my attention. I live travelling but it’s never been on my radar.
One day I hope to make it to Iceland. Thanks for sharing, Maddy!