The best-preserved turf farm in Iceland, located in the Skagafjörður region. A historic 'Hobbit-style' village connected to Viking explorers.
Story & Legend
Situated in the heart of Skagafjörður, this site offers a time-travel experience. This is the best-preserved turf farm in Iceland, inhabited until 1947. It gives a glimpse into how Icelanders survived centuries of harsh winters. It is also linked to Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, one of the most traveled women of the Middle Ages, and her son Snorri Thorfinnsson, the first European born in North America (Vinland), who is buried nearby.
Geology & Science
While not a geological formation, the farm is a masterpiece of using local geology for survival. Wood was scarce, so the walls are built of layers of turf (earth and grass roots) arranged in a herringbone pattern for insulation and drainage. The stones used in the base are local basalt.
Safety
Watch your head! The doorways are very low to keep heat inside. The floors can be uneven. Please do not touch the artifacts inside as the oil from hands degrades the wood and textiles. Flash photography is usually discouraged inside.
Photo Tip
Focus on the textures. The herringbone pattern of the turf walls is unique. The row of gables (the front of the houses) makes for a classic symmetrical shot. Overcast days are best to capture the detail in the dark turf without harsh shadows.
Insider Tip
Pay close attention to the walls. Because Iceland had almost no trees, the timber used inside Glaumbær was entirely driftwood collected from the beaches, often originating from Siberia.
Best Time to Visit
Morning to avoid the large tour groups that stop here while traveling between Akureyri and the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven dirt floors inside the turf buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many turf houses are at Glaumbær?
Glaumbær is not just one house, but a complex of 13 interconnected turf buildings forming a single, massive farmhouse designed to keep the inhabitants warm during harsh winters.
Is Glaumbær open in winter?
The museum has very limited hours during the winter (usually open by request only), so it is primarily a summer destination (May to September).
