Glaumbær

Glaumbær in Skagafjörður is one of Iceland's most renowned historical sites, featuring an exceptionally well-preserved complex of turf buildings that stand as a testament to the nation's agricultural past. The site is deeply linked to Snorri Þorfinnsson, the first child of European descent born in North America, whose parents settled here after returning from Vinland around the 11th century. The current farmstead consists of 13 interconnected buildings, with the oldest sections dating back to the 18th century, though most structures were expanded during the 19th century under the ownership of prosperous farmers. The architecture utilizes the natural insulating properties of turf and sod to maintain a stable indoor temperature, a necessity in Iceland's largely treeless landscape. Inside, the buildings contain authentically furnished living quarters (Baðstofa), storage rooms, and workshops that illustrate the social fabric of rural life. Since 1952, Glaumbær has housed the Skagafjörður Folk Museum, providing visitors with a profound insight into the challenging but resilient lifestyles of the Icelandic people before industrialization.

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 Farm Museum

Glaumbær is a historic turf farm museum showcasing rural life in Iceland during the 18th and 19th centuries.

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.

🗺️

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.