A Rare Encounter with Iceland’s Written Heritage
Old Icelandic Books offers a unique cultural experience built around one of the most remarkable private collections of rare Icelandic books and manuscripts in the world.
You will hold the history in your own hands
EXPLORE OUR EXPERIENCESPreserving the Past, Sharing the Story
Not Just a Collection
Old Icelandic Books grants access to the living history of Icelandic literature, including primary sources on Viking history and Norse mythology. Access that exists nowhere else in the world.
Guests are welcomed into the conservator’s workshop, where the books are restored and cared for. Small groups and individual guests are guided through centuries of Icelandic literary tradition. History is not locked behind glass. Instead, guests experience it firsthand: the texture of the paper, the weight of the leather bindings, and the text that has lived in these books for hundreds of years.
Exclusive Exhibition
A private, hands-on encounter with some of the rarest books in the world. Personally guided by the Guardian of the Books.
LEARN MOREExclusive Courses
In-depth courses taught by leading specialists in Icelandic manuscripts, ancient language, and magical traditions.
LEARN MOREOpen Group Exhibition
Join a guided tour through Iceland’s saga heritage. An accessible introduction to the Viking world grounded in authentic sources.
LEARN MOREWhat Our Guests Say
Voices from Our Visitors
“This was a one-of-a-kind experience! Eyþór shared precious books, maps, and manuscript pages from his collection, explaining their significance and how he restores them. We were especially interested in the sagas, and we did not leave disappointed! Being able to touch and examine these precious works was truly incredible. Thank you!!!”
– Wendy P., TripAdvisor“What a great experience! If you are interested in old books and manuscripts, and how they can be recovered and repaired this is the place for you. We got to see and to hold some amazing old texts, including a first edition of the saga of Viga Glum from 1785, Njal’s saga from 1772, and many others. The owner is really knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and clearly loves sharing his experiences with others. Highly recommended.”
– Martin E., Connecticut, USAAbout the Founder
Every Great Saga Has a Beginning
The story of Old Icelandic Books begins with Eyþór Guðmundsson, who has dedicated himself to the collection and preservation of rare antiquarian books and manuscripts.
Eyþór grew up at Beitistaðir in Leirársveit, the site where the only printing press in Iceland once operated from 1815 to 1819, where some of the country’s rarest books were produced. From a young age, he absorbed stories of a vanished era from his grandparents and the older members of the community.
What began as a personal commitment to rescue Iceland’s written heritage grew into a cultural project with a public purpose. Through years of focused collecting and restoring, Eyþór has built Old Icelandic Books into a living archive that reconnects endangered texts with the public.
READ THE FULL STORYBook Your Experience
See the books. Hear the stories. Hold centuries of history in your own hands.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE