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Gásir

Gásir is located 11 km north of Akureyri on the shore of Eyjafjörður and is a unique historical place. In no other place in Iceland is it possible to find so many antiquities from a trading post from the Middle Ages. Gásir was the main trading post in northern Iceland during the Middle Ages, and the place is mentioned many times in Old Icelandic Sagas from the 13th and 14th centuries. Archaeological digging in the area during the last six years has shown that it was a trading post up to the 16th century, and possibly until trading started in Akureyri.

In the year 2007 the area was renowned in order to make Gásir more accessible for visitors. This included making walking paths, putting up signs with information about this historic era and reconstructing the trading post according to researchers and archaeological findings in order to exhibit the way living spaces were built. This extraordinary and historic place is surely not to be missed by those interested in the history of Icelandic culture.

Each year in July, the medieval life at Gásir is reconstructed with help from Icelandic craftsmen who wear medieval clothes and sell handicraft. Guests have the opportunity to experience the late Middle Ages and learn about the occupations and culture of that time. Interpreters in Middle Age costume offer an interesting program based on life in Gásir with era-influenced goods available for purchase. Various handicrafts are on display; the craft of dyeing with plant extracts, wool-work, traditional sewing methods, leather sewing and weaving.

Nearest town: Akureyri