A true story, told by Púffi
How brave families sailed from Iceland to Utah — a real adventure that happened long ago, and is still going today.
Far, far to the north, there is an island called Iceland. It has fiery volcanoes, sparkling glaciers, and cliffs full of puffins — just like me!
My story starts in Vestmannaeyjar, the Westman Islands, where families fished the cold sea and told wonderful stories through the long winter nights.
More than 170 years ago, two young Icelanders were far from home in Denmark, learning to be craftsmen. While they were there, they heard about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and it filled their hearts like a warm fire.
They sailed home to Vestmannaeyjar to share the news with their friends and neighbors. Some people listened with shining eyes. It was the start of something big.
In 1854, a farmer named Samúel, his wife Margrét, and their friend Helga made the bravest choice of their lives: they would sail across the whole ocean to join the Saints in a faraway valley called Utah.
They packed what they could carry, hugged their families, and said goodbye to their island. Leaving home is hard — but their hearts were full of hope, like true Viking explorers.
The journey took many months! First a ship to Denmark, then to England, then a big ship all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to America.
And they still were not done — they crossed plains and mountains, walking beside wagons pulled by strong animals, sure-footed like my friend Hrímnir. Step by step, they got closer to their new home.
In 1855 they reached Utah, the land of the busy honeybee, and settled in a town called Spanish Fork. It became the first lasting Icelandic settlement in America!
Over the years, about 400 more Icelanders made the same journey. They built homes, farmed the land, and worked hard — but they never forgot their Icelandic songs, stories, and words.
Today in Spanish Fork, a lighthouse monument stands tall to remember those brave families — a light connecting Iceland and Utah forever.
Every year, their children and grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren gather to celebrate with Icelandic treats, flags, and stories. That is the Icelandic Association of Utah — and if you are reading this, you are part of the story too!
Talk like the settlers
The families in Spanish Fork kept their Icelandic words. Here are some you can learn today!
