Herjólfsbærinn (Herjólfur´s farmhouse), Herjólfsdalur (Herjólfur's valley), Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), Iceland
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The farmhouse in Herjólfsdalur is a prototype of what might have been the oldest human habitation signs in Iceland.
The remains of the farm was discovered in 1924, when the first director of the National Museum was doing excavation work in Herjólfsdalur valley. He discovered 3 ruins; one long-house and two smaller houses. It seems like it was the long-house of Herjólfur Bárðarson, the first settler of Vestmannaeyjar islands. So the old remains might date back to the early 9th century.
An extensive digging took place in Herjólfsdalur from 1971-1983 - being delayed by the volcanic eruption in Heimaey in Vestmannaeyjar islands in 1973. The remains of 8 houses were discovered from 4-5 building periods. The conclusion was that the oldest remains might date back to the 8th or even 7th century. Iceland was considered to be settled around 874, so this is controversial.
In 2006 a farm was built in Herfjólfsdalur in the liking of the farm that stood here in the 10th century. The farm is a long-house and an outhouse, built with rocks and turf.
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Herjólfsdalur is also the site of Þjóðhátíð, an annual Icelandic camping festival:
On the last weekend of July or on the first weekend of August, some 10,000 people flock to the only inhabited Westmann island for a music festival. Scandinavian bands like Sigur Rós take to the stage, but the music is perhaps the least remarkable aspect of the event.
The stage is in the shadow of a volcano, which last erupted in 1973. The chilly climate induces an extreme degree of heart- and hide-warming camaraderie, with singsongs rolling across the site between sets. At night, the festival hotfoots it to the huge bonfire halfway up the volcano.
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In Iceland, last weekend of July or on the first weekend of August, Icelanders have their annual shopkeeper's holiday, named Verslunarmannahelgi. The most known as well as the biggest one is Þjóðhátíð, located in Westman Islands, an island outside the mainland with the capacity of around 4200 people.
At Þjóðhátið people get together in one purpose; to have fun and enjoy life over the weekend. It is very important that you had some sleep before entering the island since sleep is only possible occasionally as you will be busy attending this 24/7 party over the weekend as well as the camping place is located at the heart of the action.
Although some people look at this festival as a music one, some even say that the music doesn't matter; it's all about the atmosphere. There are three highlights during the weekend, beginning with the unbelievable bonfire at the Friday evening, followed up by an incredible firework exhibition on the Saturday night. Finally, the last but not the least, the Sunday sing-along event with Árni Johnsen, one of Westman island´s famous persons, who gathers people to sit in the hillside and sing along with him as he goes through Icelandic folk songs. As midnight approaches, the atmosphere rises to something indescribable and hits its peak when the valley lightens up in visual highlights, which is an eruption of red torches, representing the island's volcano flames.
One can not describe the festival without mentioning the people of Westman Islands. You would expect the residents to be less than tolerant when the massive invasion begins but the truth is that you will discover people one of their kind. Hospitality such as theirs can not be found anywhere else in the world. As the locals have their own white "house" tents in the middle of the valley, all in white, guests are invited for their so-called private parties inside of them where the residents will welcome you gladly with smoked puffin or homemade brownies swallowed down with something appropriated. Remember not to be afraid to ask for more, they are very lavish.
Þjóðhátíð is for each and every one of us as long as we are looking for the greatest party ever, and luckily for us Icelanders, that happens annually in Westman Islands.
Text: Arnar B. Sigurðsson
