Ever dreamed of stepping into a real Viking village and experiencing the ancient Nordic way of life? In Iceland, you can explore two unique Viking-themed locations: the Viking Village Hotel in Hafnarfjörður near Reykjavík and the Viking Village Film Set at the foot of Mount Vestrahorn in East Iceland. Each offers a completely different glimpse into Iceland´s Viking history and is easy to visit with a rental car.
Viking Village Hotel in Hafnarfjordur
Located in the coastal town of Hafnarfjörður, just a short drive from Reykjavík, the Viking Village Hotel combines modern comfort with historical charm. The building resemble an old Viking settlement, with wooden beams, turf touches and traditional art decorating the walls. Even the staff wear Viking costumes to add to the atmosphere.
The hotel´s Viking-themed restaurant, Fjörukráin serves classic Icelandic dishes such as lamb stew, seafood and traditional meals. Traditional Icelandic music plays in the background, giving you a cozy, immersive experience. The hotel also hosts Viking-themed events, reenactments and cultural evenings where visitors can learn about Viking life, try on costumes and experience Nordic traditions.
How to Get to the Viking Village in Hafnarfjordur?
Reaching Hafnarfjörður is quick and easy with a rental car. It´s only a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, making it a perfect stop for anyone staying in the capital.
- Take Route 41 southwest from Reykjavík
- Follow signs to Hafnarfjörður
- the Viking Village area is clearly marked and easy to find
Renting a car from Firefly Iceland gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and it´s one of the most affordable ways to travel around the Reykjavík area.
Film Set Viking Village near Mount Vestrahorn
For a more adventurous and remote Viking experience, head to the Viking Village Film set near Mount Vestrahorn, just outside the town of Höfn in East Iceland on Route 1 Ring road. This wooden village was built in 2010 for a film project and has been preserved as a unique outdoor attraction.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Vestrahorn, the village features turf-style roofs, carved wooden doors, sharp wooden fences and dark timber buildings that look straight out of the Viking Age. Walking trough the village feels like stepping back in time and the surrounding landscape of mountains, black sand and coastal views makes it one of the most photogenic places in Iceland.
Tickets and Entrance Fee
You can explore the site for a small entrance fee (around 1,100 ISK). Tickets are sold at The Viking Café, located just half a kilometer from the village.
The Viking Café
The café is a cozy spot to warm up and enjoy a coffee or snack before or after your visit. It´s also a great place to try the Icelandic vaffla, a thin heart-shaped waffle often served with jam and whipped cream.
How to Get to Viking Village in East Iceland?
The Viking Village near Vestrahorn is around 6 hours from Reykjavík if you drive directly but most travelers enjoy taking their time along the stunning costline.
To get there:
- Follow Route 1 (Ring Road) east from Reyjavík.
- Drive along scenic fjords, glaciers and black sand beaches
- Continue past Jökulsárlón and Höfn until you reach Vestrahorn
With a cheap rental car from Firefly Iceland, the long drive becomes part of the adventure. You can stop wherever you like, beaches, glacier viewpoints, small towns and roadside cafés.
How to Choose a Rental Car for Your Viking Village Trip
Consider Your Route
If you´re staying around Reykjavík or Hafnarfjörður, a compact or standard car is perfect. For East Iceland or winter travel, a 4×4 is recommended for comfort and stability.
Check Seasonal Weather
Icelandic weather changes quickly
- Summer: easier driving and long daylight.
- Winter: icy roads, storms and reduced daylight
Firefly Iceland provides cars equipped for each season, including winter tires during colder months.
Think about Space and Comfort
Long drive are common in Iceland, especially to places like Vestrahorn. Choose a vehicle that fits your group size and luggage comfortably.
Fuel Efficiency Matters
Fuel prices in Iceland can be high. hybrid, compact and fuel-efficient cars help keep your trip budget-friendly.
Useful Extras
GPS navigation, heated seats, USB chargers and all-wheel drive ca make your road trip easier and more enjoyable.
Insurance for Peace of Mind
Make sure you understand the insurance options included with your rental car. Basic insurance is usually part of standard agreements, but adding extra coverage such as gravel protection, theft protection or a collision damage waiver can give you more peace of mind and help protect you from unexpected coasts.
Firefly Iceland offers several insurance packages, so you can choose the level of coverage that makes you feel most comfortable. With the right protection, your Iceland road trip will be smoother and more enjoyable.
Why Rent a Car from Firefly Iceland?
You should choose Firefly Iceland of you want a rental car that´s cheap, simple and reliable. Firefly keeps prices low without compromising on quality, making it ideal for travelers who want flexibility without the high cost.
Here´s what makes Firefly a great choice:
- Cheap rental cars that suit every budget
- Pickup directly inside the Keflavík Airport arrival hall
- A wide range of 2WD and 4×4 cars
- Easy booking, no hidden fees and friendly service
- Perfect for Golden Circle trips, Reykjavík exploring and long Ring Road drives
With Firefly, you can start your Viking adventure the moment you land.
Conclusion
Whether you want a fun, themed experience near Reykjavík or a dramatic outdoor setting beneath Mount Vestrahorn, Iceland´s Viking villages offer two unforgettable journeys into the country´s Nordic past. Renting a car from Firefly Iceland makes visiting both location easy, cheap and flexible.
Start your own Viking-style adventure and explore Iceland your way.
