- published: 18 Jun 2013
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Hólar (Hólar í Hjaltadal) is a small community located in the Skagafjörður district and situated in northern Iceland.
Hólar is located in the Hjaltadalur valley, some 379 km (235.50 mi) from the national capital at Reykjavík. Hólar has a population of around 100. Hólar is the site of the main campus of Holar University College, a site of historical buildings and archeological excavation, home to the Center for the history of the Icelandic horse, Hólar cathedral and the turf house Nýibær.
The first printing press was introduced to Hólar in 1530. Hólar Agricultural College was founded 1882. The college was renamed Hólar University College in 2003.
Near the end of the 10th century, King Olaf I of Norway forced all of his subjects to accept Christianity. He then sent missionaries to Iceland to convert them to Christianity which they quickly accepted. Around 1000 Iceland made a peaceful decision that all should convert. Despite this the godar or ruling class of Iceland, still maintained their power. Some built their own churches, and others were ordained.