Glaumbær farm

Why I recommend it

Iceland is so often about dramatic landscapes that it is easy to forget how fascinating its human history is. Glaumbær gives you a completely different perspective. The turf buildings show how Icelanders adapted to a harsh climate using whatever materials were available, creating homes that were warm, practical and incredibly distinctive. Walking through the narrow passages and small rooms makes the history feel much more tangible than simply reading about it. And from the outside, with the grass-covered roofs and white wooden fronts, it is also one of the most photogenic historic sites in North Iceland.

What to do

Definitely go inside. The turf houses may be the reason you stop, but walking through the old bedrooms, kitchen, pantry, storage rooms and passages is what really makes Glaumbær interesting. Afterwards, take some time to walk around the outside as well. Seeing how the buildings almost disappear into the landscape makes you understand why turf construction worked so well here. And if you fancy something afterwards, stop at the little tearoom in Áshús for a pancake and a hot drink.

Good to know

Do not treat this as just a quick photo stop from the road. The outside is beautiful, but the interiors are what really tell the story. Opening hours also change quite a bit with the seasons, especially outside summer, so check before making a special detour. And give yourself a little more time than you think you need. Once you start looking at how the rooms connect and imagining daily life here, it becomes surprisingly easy to stay longer than planned.