A Book Lover’s Travel Guide to South Iceland

Standing proudly in Suðursveit, Þórbergssetur is a museum dedicated to Icelandic writer Þórbergur Þórðarson (1888–1974). Located at his birthplace, Hali, the museum is impossible to miss, with its striking bookshelf-shaped exterior featuring giant replicas of his works.

Þórbergur was one of Iceland’s most unique literary voices. Known for his sharp wit, satirical style, and deep connection to Icelandic rural life, he blended autobiography, folklore, and social commentary in a way no other writer had. His works, like Bréf til Láru and Ofvitinn, challenged norms and captured the spirit of a changing Iceland. He remains a beloved and provocative figure, whose influence on Icelandic literature and culture is still felt today.

Inside, visitors can explore Þórðarson’s life and writings, along with exhibits on the history and culture of Suðursveit. The museum brings Iceland’s past to life through manuscripts, personal artifacts, and interactive displays.

Beyond literature, Þórbergssetur is a cultural hub, hosting events, talks, and a cozy restaurant with local cuisine and breathtaking views. Conveniently located near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, it’s a perfect stop for book lovers and curious travelers looking to connect with Iceland’s literary heritage.

Nestled in the historic seaside village of Eyrarbakki, less than an hour's drive from Reykjavík, Bakkastofa Culture Center offers an immersive journey into Iceland's rich cultural tapestry. Founded by Ásta Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir and Valgeir Guðjónsson, Bakkastofa provides tailored programs that blend storytelling, music, and history, bringing to life the nation's heritage.

A highlight of Bakkastofa's offerings is the Saga Musica concert series, where Valgeir, a celebrated composer and performer, presents original songs inspired by Icelandic sagas and mythology. These performances offer a unique auditory and visual experience, shedding light on the saga age through contemporary music.

Ásta, a pioneer in various fields including psychological counseling and writing, enriches the experience with her deep insights into Eyrarbakki's history and culture. Her novel, What Dwells in Silence, delves into her family's historical narratives, further connecting visitors to the local heritage.

Programs at Bakkastofa are customized to meet the interests of each group, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic and personalized cultural experience. Whether you're interested in music, storytelling, or history, Bakkastofa offers a welcoming space to explore Iceland's cultural depths.

Ice Pic Journeys is teaming up with Old Icelandic Books to offer a hands-on look at Iceland’s literary past. This experience takes travelers beyond the usual sights, combining adventure with history and storytelling.

Old Icelandic Books is dedicated to preserving antiquarian Icelandic literature by collecting and safeguarding rare manuscripts. They also aim to spark public interest in these cultural treasures.

In collaboration with Ice Pic Journeys, they offer participants the opportunity to explore historical texts, learn about Viking storytelling, and understand how these works shaped Icelandic culture.

What makes this experience unique is that travelers don’t just read about the sagas, they visit the landscapes where these legendary stories took place. From the battle sites of great Viking chieftains to the valleys and fjords that inspired Iceland’s medieval authors, the journey brings the sagas to life in an unforgettable way.

This partnership provides a one of a kind experience that blends literary history with immersive travel, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of Iceland’s legendary figures while delving deep into the country’s storytelling tradition.

Just a short drive from Þingvellir National Park, Gljúfrasteinn was the home of Nobel Prize winning author Halldór Laxness. This residence, where Laxness lived and penned many of his renowned works, has been transformed into a museum that offers a window into the life of one of Iceland's literary giants.

Visitors to Gljúfrasteinn can explore the house, preserved as it was during Laxness's time. The house showcases his personal belongings, manuscripts, and a collection of art by prominent 20th century Icelandic artists. The museum provides audio tours in multiple languages, enriching the experience with insights into Laxness's life and contributions to literature.

Surrounding the museum, the picturesque landscape of Mosfellsdalur offers numerous walking paths, including trails along the Kaldakvísl River leading to the serene Helgufoss waterfall. This natural beauty complements the cultural experience, making a visit to Gljúfrasteinn both enlightening and refreshing.

For those journeying from Reykjavík towards Þingvellir, Gljúfrasteinn serves as a cultural waypoint, bridging the rich literary heritage of Iceland with its stunning natural landscapes.

Located in Selfoss, Bókakaffið is a charming blend of bookstore and café, offering a cozy haven for literature enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. Owned by Elín Gunnlaugsdóttir and Bjarni Harðarson, the establishment provides a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a curated selection of books alongside delightful beverages and pastries.

Beyond its literary offerings, Bókakaffið serves as a cultural hub in Selfoss, hosting various events such as poetry readings and book discussions, fostering a vibrant community of readers and writers.

For those interested in exploring Icelandic literature further, Bókakaffið also operates an online bookstore, making its collection accessible to a broader audience.

Whether you're seeking a quiet place to read, a unique literary gift, or simply a warm cup of coffee in a bookish ambiance, Bókakaffið in Selfoss offers a delightful experience.

Located in the coastal village of Stokkseyri, BrimRót Co-op is a vibrant cultural center that serves as an open workspace, gallery, bookstore, and café. It provides a welcoming space for artists, writers, and the community to come together.

BrimRót is known for hosting a variety of cultural events throughout the year—including art exhibitions, book readings, workshops, and musical performances—but its most anticipated event is Haustgildi-Autumn Feast. This annual autumn gathering is a celebration of Icelandic culture, uniting storytelling, live music, traditional crafts, and local food in a dynamic, communal atmosphere.

Haustgildi is the beating heart of BrimRót, embodying Iceland’s rich creative traditions. Writers, poets, musicians, and artisans come together to share their craft, ensuring that Icelandic storytelling, folklore, and craftsmanship remain alive and accessible. The event fosters collaboration and cultural exchange, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about Icelandic heritage and the arts.

Konubókastofa, located in Eyrarbakki, is a unique cultural center dedicated to preserving and celebrating the literary works of Icelandic women writers. The name translates to Women's Book Lounge, reflecting its mission to highlight the contributions of female authors to Iceland's rich literary heritage.

The collection at Konubókastofa encompasses a wide range of writings by Icelandic women, from historical texts to contemporary literature. This extensive archive serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and literature enthusiasts interested in exploring the perspectives and narratives of Icelandic women through the ages.

In addition to its impressive collection, Konubókastofa hosts various events aimed at fostering a love for literature and supporting the community. Regular activities include book introductions, where authors present their latest works and engage in discussions about their writing processes and inspirations. Literary festivals and themed events are also held throughout the year, drawing attention to both emerging and established female voices in Icelandic literature.

Beyond its events, Konubókastofa actively works to promote Icelandic women's literature through collaborations with libraries, schools, and cultural organizations. The center also invites visitors to explore its exhibitions on notable female writers, providing deeper insight into the historical and social impact of women in Icelandic storytelling.

Nestled in the unique eco-village of Sólheimar, Bókabúð Gulla is a one of a kind bookstore where books find new life. Offering a mix of new and second-hand books, along with CDs and DVDs, this shop is perfect for those who love to browse and discover something unexpected.

Sólheimar, founded in 1930, is one of the world’s oldest eco-villages, built on sustainability and community living. It’s home to organic farming, artisan workshops, and cultural spaces, making it a place where creativity and nature go hand in hand. After visiting Bókabúð Gulla, visitors can explore local crafts, enjoy homemade goods, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings.

Bókabæirnir Austanfjalls, or The Book Towns East of the Mountains, is a collaborative literary initiative in South Iceland, bringing together the communities of Eyrarbakki, Hveragerði, Selfoss, Stokkseyri, Þorlákshöfn, and Flóahreppur. The project’s goal is to preserve and promote Iceland’s literary culture, engaging locals and visitors in a rich world of books, storytelling, and literary heritage.

The book towns host a variety of events and activities, including poetry readings, book markets, literary festivals, and workshops. A standout feature is multilingual poetry nights, where participants read poems in their native languages, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural influences.

This part of Iceland has long been connected to literature. Hveragerði was once home to Iceland’s most famous poet colony, Þorlákshöfn had a historic reading society among fishermen, and today, Selfoss boasts a thriving library and book café scene. Konubókastofa in Eyrarbakki celebrates women’s literature, while Brimrót in Stokkseyri offers cultural and literary events throughout the year.

As part of the International Book Town Network, Bókabæirnir Austanfjalls connects South Iceland’s literary heritage with book towns in 14 countries across three continents, fostering global collaboration in literature and culture.