Icelandic Horse History Center Marks a New Chapter

On Sunday, June 1st, a celebratory event was held at the

Icelandic Horse History Center

at

Hólar in Hjaltadalur

. Though the center has been open to visitors over the summer months for many years, this gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter under the leadership of project manager Kristín Halldórsdóttir, who took over the project this spring and is now revitalizing its content and presentation.

The center, located in the old stables beside

Hólar University

, offers a welcoming stop for anyone with a passion for the Icelandic horse. It provides visitors with a unique insight into the horse’s history, cultural significance, and enduring influence on Icelandic society.

On the upper floor, new exhibitions will be shown each year, curated by project manager Kristín Halldórsdóttir. This summer, visitors can explore an informative display on the wide range of coat colors in the Icelandic horse and the genetics behind them and have a look in the “Corner of Fame”, which pays tribute to Sigurður Ólafsson and his remarkable horses.

The center also features artwork on display, as Olil Amble has gifted a beautiful painting of Álfadís frá Selfossi by artist Josefina Morell, as well as loaned another unique piece made using Álfadís's hair, created by artist Lene Zachariassen.

Erlingur Sigurðsson has contributed memorabilia from his father, Sigurður Ólafsson, who owned the celebrated horses, Snígill and Gletta frá Þorgautsstöðum. With Gletta, he set the Icelandic record in 250-meter pace test - a record that stood unbroken for 28 years!

Several others also support the center: Magnús Einarsson of Kjarnholt donated photographs of Kolfinnur frá Kjarnholtum and Glókolla frá Kjarnholtum, while Bjarni Þorkelsson gifted the

biography of his father

, Þorkell Bjarnason, who served as Iceland’s breeding leader from 1961 to 1996.

Guests can also enjoy a virtual ride on an Icelandic horse thanks to virtual reality glasses provided by Horses of Iceland, offering an immersive tölting experience through the lava fields of Rauðhólar.

The history center is open every day this summer, except Mondays, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We warmly encourage all those interested in the Icelandic horse to visit Hólar and explore this unique cultural treasure.