The historic site of Þrístapar was officially opened last week following extensive restoration and development efforts in recent years. The location is best known as the place where Iceland’s last execution took place in 1830, when Agnes Magnúsdóttir and Friðrik Sigurðsson were beheaded.
A large crowd gathered for the opening ceremony, which was held in fine weather and featured speeches, storytelling, musical performances, and the formal presentation of the 2024 Environmental Award of the Icelandic Tourist Board.
Þrístapar, situated at the western edge of Vatnsdalshólar north of Route 1, has been accessible to visitors for the past two years. The municipality of Húnabyggð received the Environmental Award in 2023 for the development of the site, a project managed initially by Húnavatnshreppur before the municipal merger.
The redevelopment has focused on creating safe and welcoming access for visitors while preserving the area’s cultural and historical significance. New facilities include a walking path, educational and interpretive signage, parking, and restrooms. A memorial stone now marks the site of the execution, while the original execution block and axe are preserved at the National Museum of Iceland.
At the ceremony, speeches were given by designer Hringur Hafsteinsson from Gagarin, local storyteller Magnús Ólafsson from Sveinsstaðir, and Eva Einarsdóttir from Amnesty International Iceland. Musician Bára Grímsdóttir performed Agnes and Friðrik, a song by Bubbi Morthens inspired by the story.
The destination Þrístapar by Gagarín, Landslag and Harry Jóhannesson is nominated as Place of the Year at the Icelandic Design Awards 2024.
Hringur Hafsteinsson, Creative Director of the Þrístapar project, speaking at the official opening ceremony of the historic site.