Glaumbær – A Living Window Into Iceland’s Past

A Farm Shaped by Nature and Necessity

For generations, Icelanders built their homes from what the land offered: turf, stone, driftwood, and earth. At Glaumbær, the interconnected cluster of buildings — living quarters, storerooms, kitchen, weaving rooms, and workshops — showcases the ingenious design that kept families warm and protected in a harsh northern climate.

The turf walls, sometimes over a meter thick, acted as natural insulation—narrow, dimly lit corridors linked each room, with sunlight entering only through small shuttered windows. Yet the farm was a thriving home: people cooked, churned butter, spun wool, repaired tools, preserved food for winter, raised children, and hosted travelers passing through Skagafjörður.

Each room tells a story, filled with authentic artifacts that belonged to the people who lived here.

Daily Life on the Icelandic Turf Farm

Inside Glaumbær, visitors can explore:

• The baðstofa – the communal living and sleeping space where an entire household worked, talked, sang, and slept side by side.
• The kitchen – still filled with traditional utensils, cast-iron pots, and preserved food tools.
• The weaving and spinning rooms, where wool from hardy North Iceland sheep became warm clothing and blankets.
• The storerooms – built to protect valuable food reserves through Iceland’s long winters.
• The hallways – dark, cozy tunnels insulated by thick layers of turf and packed earth.

Together, they paint a vivid picture of Icelandic resilience and community life long before electricity or modern heating.

Glaumbær and the Legacy of the Sagas

The Skagafjörður region is one of Iceland’s strongholds of history and storytelling, and Glaumbær sits at the center of a landscape rich with saga heritage. Not far away rises Tindastóll, the mountain referenced in local legends and home to many folktales.

Glaumbær itself is tied to well-known historical figures, including Snorri Þorfinnsson, believed to be the first European child born in North America, whose mother, Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, later lived on this land.

The Museum Today

Today, Glaumbær is managed as part of the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum, and visitors can explore both the turf farm and the charming 19th-century timber houses nearby, which were built after people moved out of the turf structures.

The museum also features:

• A traditional Icelandic church next to the farm
• A small gift shop with regional crafts and books
• Exhibits on rural Icelandic life and handicrafts
• Seasonal events and educational programs

It’s an ideal stop for families, culture lovers, photographers, and anyone exploring the North Icelandic countryside.

Why You Should Visit Glaumbær

Glaumbær is more than a historical attraction — it is one of the most atmospheric and authentic glimpses into Icelandic life before modern times. Visitors consistently describe it as “stepping back in time” or “walking inside a storybook.”

A visit here adds depth to any Iceland itinerary and complements nearby experiences such as:

• Sauðárkrókur
• Grettislaug hot spring
• Drangey island tours
• Hofsós infinity pool
• Hólar in Hjaltadalur

Whether viewed under bright summer skies or dusted with winter snow, Glaumbær’s turf rooftops and quiet farmyard carry a sense of timelessness that stays with travelers long after they’ve left.