Stöng Viking Farm
Stöng is a Viking-age farmstead in the Þjórsárdalur valley of South Iceland, buried under thick volcanic ash when Hekla erupted in 1104 and not excavated until 1939. The volcanic ash acted as a preservative, leaving the foundations of the longhouse and outbuildings in remarkable condition. It is often called the Pompeii of Iceland and remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. A full-scale reconstruction of the farm, called Þjóðveldisbærinn, was built 7 kilometres away in 1974 and is open to visitors in summer.
A Viking Farmstead Buried by Hekla in 1104 and Hidden for 835 Years
The Þjórsárdalur valley was one of the most densely settled regions of early Iceland, with around 20 farms established by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. Stöng was among the largest and most prosperous, a Commonwealth-era manor with connections to saga figures including Gaukur Trandilsson, mentioned in Njáls Saga. In 1104, Hekla erupted for the first time in recorded Icelandic history, blanketing the entire valley in deep pumice and volcanic ash. The farm was abandoned, its roof eventually collapsing under the weight of the tephra, and the settlement was forgotten. It was not until 1939 that a team of Nordic archaeologists excavated the site, marking the first time trained archaeologists conducted systematic research on Icelandic ruins. The ash that destroyed the farm had also preserved it, and the stone foundations were found in exceptional condition beneath the layers of volcanic material. In 2023, a second house was discovered at the site, suggesting the settlement was larger than previously understood.
The original ruins are now covered by a modern protective structure to shield them from further erosion, and visitors can walk through the remains and see the stone outlines of the longhouse, central fireplace, sleeping areas, and outbuildings. Entry to the ruins is free. Seven kilometres away on Road 32, the Þjóðveldisbærinn Commonwealth Farm is a full-scale reconstruction built between 1974 and 1977 to mark the 1100th anniversary of Iceland's settlement, modelled as closely as possible on the Stöng floor plan using the excavation records. Inside, the long-fire in the centre of the main hall, the sleeping quarters, working areas, and a small adjacent turf church offer the most complete picture available of how Icelanders actually lived during the saga age. Visitors can handle replica Viking tools and dress up in period clothing.
Both sites are in the Þjórsárdalur valley, accessed from Road 32 off Route 30. The ruins require a short drive on gravel Road 327 and a footbridge crossing, while the Þjóðveldisbærinn reconstruction is directly off Road 32 near Hjálparfoss waterfall. The valley is about 130 kilometres from Reykjavik and 45 to 60 minutes from the Golden Circle, making it a worthwhile detour when visiting that area. The reconstruction is open June to September; the ruins are accessible year-round though Road 327 can be impassable in winter.
