Glaumbær Farm Museum

The Glaumbær Farm Museum, located in the Skagafjörður district of North Iceland, is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional turf and peat architecture in the country. While the site has been inhabited since the settlement era in the 10th century, the current farm buildings mostly date from the 18th and 19th centuries. The complex consists of 13 interconnected buildings, each serving a specific purpose, such as living quarters, food storage, or workshops. The walls are constructed from carefully layered blocks of turf, while the roofs are covered with a thick layer of soil and grass, providing exceptional insulation against the harsh subarctic climate. Glaumbær is also historically significant due to its association with Snorri Þorfinnsson, the first European born in North America, whose family settled here upon their return from Vinland. Today, the museum is managed by the National Museum of Iceland and provides visitors a profound insight into rural life over the past several hundred years. The authentic interiors feature original furniture and tools, documenting the daily routines and cultural heritage of the Icelandic peasantry. The labyrinthine structure of the rooms was a practical solution for retaining heat during the freezing winter months.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Húsavík

Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.

Ísafjörður

The largest town in the Westfjords, known for its dramatic mountain setting and fishing heritage.

Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is the economic and cultural hub of the Westfjords region.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.

Sauðárkrókur

The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.

Borgarnes

Borgarnes is located on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður and serves as a key service hub for West Iceland.

Dalvík

Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.

Stykkishólmur

Stykkishólmur is a charming town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its well-preserved old houses and views over the island-dotted B…

History & landmarks

Breiðabólstaður

Breiðabólstaður was the site of the first printing press in Iceland, established in the 1530s.

Nature

Hunafjordur Seal Habitat

This region in North Iceland is one of the premier locations to observe seals in their natural habitat.

Drangey Island Birdlife

Drangey is a steep island fortress known for its massive seabird colonies.

More places

Glaumbær

Glaumbær is an excellently preserved turf farm that now serves as an open-air museum.

Víðimýrarkirkja

This is one of the few remaining turf churches in Iceland.

Hólar í Hjaltadal

Founded in 1106, this location served as the bishopric for Northern Iceland.

Hólar Cathedral

Hólar was the episcopal seat for Northern Iceland for centuries and a major cultural center.

Blöndustöð Hydropower Plant

The Blöndustöð Hydropower Plant in the north uses the Blanda river for energy production.

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Víðivellir Ruins

Remains of an old farmstead from the settlement era.

Þingeyrar

Þingeyrar was the site of the first monastery in Iceland, founded in 1133.

Öksnadalsheiði

A major mountain pass in North Iceland connecting the Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður regions.