The Project
Old Icelandic Books
Old Icelandic Books offers a unique cultural experience built on one of the most remarkable private collections of Icelandic antiquarian books and manuscripts. An experience that grants access to the living history of Icelandic literature, including primary sources on Viking history and Norse mythology. Access unlike anywhere else in the world.
The collection holds hundreds of carefully preserved works, including many of the earliest printed editions of the Icelandic Sagas and the legendary tales of the Nordic countries. These are the stories that built the world’s understanding of figures such as Egill Skallagrímsson, Gunnar of Hlíðarendi, and Ragnar Loðbrók, and of the society that shaped their stories.
An Experience
Not Just a Collection, an Experience
Guests are welcomed into the conservator’s workshop, where the books are restored and cared for, in a setting that transports visitors back in time. Small groups and individual guests are guided through centuries of Icelandic literary tradition. History is not locked behind glass. Instead, guests experience the story and the influence of the ages in the texture of the paper, the weight of the leather bindings, and the text that has lived in these books for hundreds of years.
Every visit is a unique and personally tailored journey into Icelandic literary history. The expert collector’s narration places each book and manuscript in the context of historical events. Guests gain rare insight into the ideas, history, and values that have shaped world literature across the centuries.
The mission of Old Icelandic Books is both to preserve these priceless works and to offer people the access and understanding that can be found nowhere else. An experience for those who want more. For those who want to connect with the source of the story.
About the Founder
The Story of Eyþór Guðmundsson
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, where the Icelandic Geographical Society operated its printing press from 1815 to 1818. At that time it was the only printing press in the country, and some of Iceland’s rarest books were printed there. From a young age, Eyþór absorbed stories of a vanished era from those who were older, his grandparents and older neighbours who had lived through two ages and heard the same stories passed down from their forebears, generation after generation, accounts of times past in the countryside.
From Collector to Conservator
When Eyþór began systematically collecting antiquarian books and manuscripts, he quickly realised how vital preservation was, and how fragile many of these historical objects had become. He set about acquiring the knowledge needed to ensure their survival. He sought out every available resource on conservation, leafed through countless books, and consulted specialists. He learned to clean the books, take them apart, wash them, repair them, and rebind them. In this way he has successfully secured the preservation of a great number of books, manuscripts, and other works that would otherwise have been lost, rescuing cultural treasures.
A Mission Takes Shape
When he began allowing others to follow his work on social media, both through photos and videos, the wider world took notice. People from across the globe began paying attention, and he found himself in conversation with, and hosting visitors from, every corner of the world. Old Icelandic Books was born, and Eyþór’s mission became clear: to introduce the books, the Icelandic Sagas, and Iceland’s cultural heritage to people around the world. What followed was no longer simply collecting as a hobby but a purposeful effort to rescue and share ancient Icelandic printed works, antiquarian books, and rare manuscripts that would otherwise be lost.
The Collection Today
Through years of dedication and passion, Eyþór has built an extensive collection that includes the first printed editions of the Icelandic Sagas, religious texts, bibles, and books of the Age of Enlightenment. What began as a personal project gradually opened outward. As interest grew, visitors started arriving to experience the history firsthand, both from Iceland and from abroad. In time, Old Icelandic Books evolved into a unique cultural project and experience, where history is not only preserved but actively shared.
Today, Old Icelandic Books provides unprecedented access to Iceland’s literary heritage, ensuring that the story continues to speak and reach new generations.
Step Into the Story
See the books. Hear the stories. Hold centuries of history in your own hands.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE