Iceland: The Saga Center

On my very first trip to Europe in the 70s, I latched on to a book called "Njal's Saga" in London. It was a fascinating glimpse into a remote island's struggle with governance and morality in the tenth and early eleventh centuries. Despite the fact that the saga was only written down in the 13th century, I read that the sites could be visited, that you'd still see preserved remnants of the heroic battles if you were an intrepid traveler.

Today, through the Saga Center in Hvolsvöllur, you can not only learn about early Iceland and the saga tradition, but you can go on tours, following along as Njáls Saga spreads across the Icelandic landscape.

Read more about the Saga Center, or see a map of Iceland. Remember that the Icelandic krona's fall, from 65 to the dollar a year ago to about 123 today, makes Iceland an affordable destination these days.