The history of systematic survey of archaeological sites in Iceland can be traced back to the beginning of the 19th century and its development is discussed in detail in this article. Keywords: Archaeological survey, history of archaeology, methodology

Since 1993 a registration of archaeological sites has been underway in Iceland directed by the Institute of Archaeology in Iceland. Parallel to the registration work a database has been under construction designed to meet the needs of archaeologists, cultural resource managers, teachers as well as the public. The database, called ÍSLEIF,

This article gives an overview of previous research at Hofstaðir near lake Mývatn in NE-Iceland ; late 19th century reconnaisance, the large scale excavation of 1908 and a smaller investigation in 1965. The long association of these structures (an exceptionally large longhouse and an oval pit in front of it),

This report deals with the second phase of preliminary investigations at Hofstaðir which took place in 1995. This time the oval depression south of the large hall at Hofstaðir was the focus of the research. Keywords: Viking Age, Settlement Archaeology, Temple Farm Theory, Sunken Huts, Pit house, Sunken Featured Building.

In 1991 and 1992 preliminary investigations were carried out at Hofstaðir near Mývatn in NE-Iceland. The aim was to find dating evidence for the famous long-house, previously excavated in 1908, to determine whether it represents the only phase of building at the site and to throw light on its function.

In this papar tephrochronolgical studies at Hofstaðir are summarised. Keywords: Tephrochronology, stratigraphy, dating methods.

This paper summarises the archaeological investigations at Hofstaðir between 1996-97.

Excavations in the Area G depression in 1996-7 revealed a series of well stratified layers with excellent organic preservation. Keywords: Tephrochronology, stratigraphy, dating methods.

In order to investigate site formation processes at Hofstaðir, archaeological sediments at the site were studied and described in the field and samples were collected for micromorphological and geochemical analyses. Results of these analyses will contribute to archaeological interpretations about building techniques, patterns of resource utilisation, the ways in which

This article is based on a talk given to a seminar of the Icelandic society of Museologists in September 1995. The goals of archaeolocal surveying are discussed and it is argued that such surveying needs to be carefully planned to serve the many uses survey information can be put to.