Overview
Discover the realities of Viking Age life (and death) through an archaeology field school in northern Iceland. Set amongst the dramatic landscapes of Skagafjörður, you will take part in excavating a rare burial mound and centuries-old midden at the Viking Age site of Reynistaður, one of the region’s oldest known farms. This summer archaeology program offers practical excavation experience as well as lab-based training in zooarchaeology, tephrachronology, and environmental archaeology and is perfect for anyone looking for an up-close introduction to Norse history. Working alongside an international team of researchers, you will explore how early Icelanders lived, adapted to harsh northern climates, and navigated the cultural shift from paganism to Christianity.
Field school highlights:
- Excavate one of Iceland’s oldest continuously occupied farms, surrounded by the remote and rugged landscape that brings Viking archaeology to life.
- Develop excavation, lab, and digital recording skills using GIS, stratigraphy, and single-context methods.
- Visit historic sites and cultural landmarks across northern Iceland, from the country’s iconic turf houses to its geothermal springs.
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Dates | June 2 – July 4, 2026 |
| Course Type | Excavation, Environmental archaeology, Mortuary archaeology |
| Instructors | Dr. Brenda Prehal, Dr. George Hambrecht |
| Credits* | 8 semester (12 quarter) – anticipated |
| Apply By | February 1 |
| Fees Due By | April 15 |
| Program Fees | (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,900 |
| Transcript Fee* | $350 |
| Health & Evacuation Insurance | $135 |
| Room & Board | $2,000 |
| TOTAL: | $7,385 |
This program is full and is no longer accepting new applications.
Email admissions@ifrglobal.org to ask about joining the waitlist.
Instructors
The directors welcome emails and inquiries about the research elements of this project. More general information (tuition, health insurance, and payment schedule) can be found under the ‘Students’ tab above. Any further questions may be addressed to IFR staff. Additional details about research, course schedule, travel, accommodation, and safety can be found on the syllabus. Contacting the directors or the IFR office is encouraged and appreciated. It may help you determine if this field school is a good fit for you.
Testimonials
This is a new IFR field school. No student testimonials are available at this time.
Payment & Student Fees
Application Fee: There is a $45 fee to submit an online application.
Deposit Payment: A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 3 weeks of program acceptance in order to secure your place. The remainder of your program fees are due by the deadline indicated under “Course Details”.
*Transcript Fee & Academic Credit Opt Out: If you wish to participate in an IFR field school without earning academic credits, you will not be charged a transcript fee.
For more information about payment, fees, and policies, please see details under our Payment & Finances and Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy pages.
Accommodations
You’ll stay in shared rooms at a real working sheep farm! You’ll have access to shared common spaces that inlcude a living room, kitchen, and laundry. Room size will vary based on program enrollment.
Meals: Student and project staff will work together to make breakfast and dinner on a rotating schedule. Everyone will make their own lunch from supplied groceries. Icelandic meals are usually substantial with lots of bread, dairy, fruit, and protein, including both meat and fish.
While vegetarian meals can be provided, other special diets like veganism, strict kosher, or halal may be harder to accommodate. Gluten-free and dairy-free products are readily available at the local grocery store, but the variety in various products is extremely limited.
Travel Info
Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions and various other factors may force the cancellation or alteration of a field school. IFR recommends students only purchase airline tickets that are fully refundable and consider travel insurance in case a program or travel plans must change for any reason.
General information for this program is below, but keep in mind we will discuss any updated travel information and regulations during the required program orientation, which could affect travel plans.
Program staff will pick you up from the airport on the program start day. You will likely find Reykjavík (KEF) has the most flight options, though you can also fly into Akureyri International Airport (AEY).
US carriers will offer select routes that fly to Iceland. However, the Icelandic carrier Icelandair operates flights from multiple US cities but may not pair directly with larger US airlines, so you may want to consider booking a separate domestic flight to hub city and then flying Icelandair.