vatnsýndur

Vatnsýndur was a high and level plain near Lake Myvatn, located in the northern part of Iceland. The area is now generally thought to refer to the plain of Sandsfellsör near the present town of Reykjahlíð and surrounding region.

The plain was partly or entirely covered by a large lake in the past, as the name suggest. Following the post glacial subsidence of the area, the lake has largely dried out and this attractive plain became available for settlement. Excavations have revealed numerous archaeological samples.

There are extensive remains nearby from large settlements, including two ruined churches. The remains are characteristic of a congregation belonging to the Icelandic Commonwealth. The settlement, known as Kaupnir, matches a large, distinctive compound that can be seen nearby. Several subterranean (burial) chambers were found nearby, containing large stones which date back to the early Settlement of Iceland.

To the north of Sandsfellsör is one of the finest preserved clusters of Viking buildings, characterized by a large wooden church. There is doubt among the community whether some of the church fragments found further north belong to the same structure.