Eiríksstaðir, Archaeological site and open-air museum in Haukadalur, Iceland.
Eiríksstaðir is an archaeological site with a reconstructed longhouse showing how people lived in Viking-era Iceland. The building features turf walls, wooden frames, and a central hearth surrounded by bench seating along the interior walls.
Archaeological work at this site uncovered building remains from the 9th and 10th centuries, providing evidence of early settlement patterns in Iceland. These discoveries show how the first inhabitants constructed their homes and organized their daily lives.
This place was home to Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif, whose legacy remains woven into Icelandic identity and storytelling. Visitors can sense how this location holds deep meaning for Iceland's sense of its own past.
The site operates as an outdoor museum where visitors can learn about Viking life through guided experiences and period demonstrations. Warm clothing and weather protection are essential, as Icelandic conditions are changeable and often windy.
Excavations uncovered carved stone spindle whorls, indicating that women had a dedicated workspace for textile production within the house. These artifacts reveal an overlooked aspect of Viking household organization and gender roles.
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