During the period of 1971-1980 the archaeologist Dr. Margrét Hermanns Auðardóttir conducted an excavation in the Valley of Herjólfur, Herjólfsdalur. The remains of eight houses and stonewalls originating from different periods were excavated in an area of 1300 m2 southwest of the "recreated" Herjólfur's farmhouse. Dr. Auðardóttir estimated that the oldest remains might date from the early 9th century, appreciably preceding the oldest known evidence of human existence in Iceland.
This settlement appears to have been abandoned in the late 10th century, likely due to soil erosion. Herjólfur's farmhouse, standing here, was built in 2006 and is a
"hypothetical" building, a historical museum built to demonstrate the architectural style that was typical during the settlement the period (9th to 10th century). The house is built as a "longhouse" with one end partitioned off for animals. The stones originate from Hraun in Ölfus, the turf comes from Snjallsteinshöfði and the
timbers of the main frame are Norwegian.
The Cultural and Arts Society Herjólfsbæjarfélagið built the house.
Source: Local signage