Glaumbær Turf Houses: A Self-Drive Guide to Iceland’s Living History

Few places in Iceland bring the country’s past to life as vividly as Glaumbær Turf Houses, a cluster of historic farm buildings nestled in the heart of Skagafjörður, North Iceland. For travellers setting out on a self-drive journey, Glaumbær is more than just a museum stop — it’s a rare chance to step inside the very walls where generations of Icelanders lived, worked, and weathered the Arctic elements.

With Höldur as your trusted travel companion, renting a car in Reykjavík, Akureyri or at Keflavík International Airport, this cultural gem is within easy reach. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, culture seeker, or simply curious about Iceland’s unique heritage, visiting Glaumbær is an unforgettable part of any Icelandic road trip.

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What Are Turf Houses?

Turf houses are Iceland’s answer to survival in a harsh and windswept environment. Long before modern heating and insulation, Icelanders relied on natural resources — turf, stones, and timber — to build homes that kept warmth in and cold out. Their low, grass-covered roofs allowed them to blend into the landscape, while thick turf walls provided vital insulation.

The tradition dates back to the Viking Age and continued for centuries. Today, only a handful of well-preserved turf house settlements remain, and Glaumbær is among the most impressive.

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The Story of Glaumbær

The Glaumbær farm has roots stretching back over 1,000 years. According to the sagas, it was first settled in the 9th century by Snorri Þorfinnsson, said to be the first European child born in North America. The current cluster of turf houses dates mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries and has been carefully preserved as part of the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum.

Walking through its 13 connected buildings, visitors can explore kitchens, storerooms, sleeping quarters, and workshops, each filled with period furnishings that tell the story of rural Icelandic life. It feels less like a museum and more like stepping through a time portal — an authentic encounter with the daily realities of Iceland’s farming past.

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Where Are Glaumbær Turf Houses?

You’ll find Glaumbær in Skagafjörður, a lush valley in North Iceland, about 20 km south of Sauðárkrókur. From Reykjavík, the drive is around 4.5 hours via Route 1, Iceland’s famous Ring Road. It makes a perfect cultural stop if you’re heading north towards Akureyri, the capital of the north, or looping around the full Ring Road on a longer self-drive itinerary.

With Höldur, you can pick up your rental car directly at Keflavík International Airport or in central Reykjavík, giving you full freedom to shape your adventure at your own pace.

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Why Visit Glaumbær on a Self-Drive Tour?

One of the joys of self-drive travel in Iceland is the flexibility it provides. With your own rental car, you can take the time to explore at your leisure, stopping at hidden viewpoints and villages along the way. Glaumbær fits beautifully into a self-drive itinerary for several reasons:

• Cultural Depth – Beyond Iceland’s waterfalls and volcanoes, Glaumbær offers insight into how people lived in one of Europe’s most isolated landscapes.

• Scenic Journey – The drive to Skagafjörður passes fjords, mountains, and river valleys, making the road itself part of the experience.

• Authentic Connection – The museum is less crowded than many southern attractions, allowing for a peaceful, immersive visit.

• Flexibility – With a rental car from Reykjavík or Keflavík, you can combine Glaumbær with nearby highlights like Akureyri, Hólar Cathedral, and the Icelandic horse farms that dot the region.

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What You’ll See at Glaumbær

 

, you’ll find a fascinating mix of living spaces:

• Baðstofa (Common Room): Where families slept, worked, and socialised together.

• Kitchen and Pantry: Showcasing traditional cooking tools and preserved food storage.

• Workshops: Carpentry, wool work, and farming tools reveal the skills needed for survival.

• Priest’s House: A reminder of the central role of faith in Icelandic rural life.

Outside, the grass-covered roofs create a patchwork of green that seems to grow naturally from the earth. In summer, wildflowers dot the scene, while winter snow transforms the farmstead into a fairytale landscape.

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Practical Information for Visitors

• Opening Hours: Glaumbær is generally open from May to September, with limited access in winter. Always check local opening times before your visit.

• Admission: Tickets are required and contribute to ongoing preservation.

• Facilities: A cosy café and small gift shop offer refreshments and local crafts.

• Accessibility: The historic layout means some areas may not be fully accessible, but staff are helpful and welcoming.

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Driving Tips for Visiting Glaumbær

• Start in Reykjavík or Keflavík: Both are ideal pick-up points for your Höldur rental car, whether you’re beginning your journey immediately after your flight or spending a day or two in the capital.

• Follow the Ring Road North: Route 1 provides a scenic, straightforward drive. Plan for about 4.5 hours without stops.

• Take Your Time: Allow extra time for detours to hot springs, horse farms, or small fishing villages.

• Vehicle Choice: A standard rental car is suitable in summer, but in winter, a 4x4 is recommended. Höldur offers both options, with eco-friendly vehicles available for travellers prioritising sustainability.

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FAQs About Glaumbær Turf Houses

How do I get to Glaumbær from Reykjavík?

Take Route 1 northbound for around 4.5 hours. With a rental car from Reykjavík or Keflavík International Airport, you’ll have full flexibility to stop and explore along the way.

Can I visit Glaumbær in winter?

Yes, but access may be limited. Check opening hours in advance, and if driving in winter, hire a 4x4 vehicle from Höldur for safety on icy roads.

How long should I spend at Glaumbær?

Plan to spend at least 1–2 hours exploring the turf houses and enjoying the surrounding valley.

Is Glaumbær suitable for families?

Absolutely. Children enjoy the maze-like structure of the turf houses, and it’s an educational experience for all ages.

Are there other attractions nearby?

Yes — combine Glaumbær with visits to Sauðárkrókur, Hólar Cathedral, and the Icelandic horse farms for which Skagafjörður is famous.

Why rent a car for visiting Glaumbær?

Public transport options are limited. Renting a car from Reykjavík or Keflavík International Airport gives you independence and the chance to fully enjoy Iceland’s landscapes en route.

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When you book with Holdur Car Rental you´ll get:

• Our Basic Protection Package. This includes third-party loss.
• Collision damage waiver (CDW)
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• The option to upgrade your vehicle cover
• -5 ISK Fuel Discount off every liter at N1 gas stations
• Studded Winter Tyres during the snowy season at no additional cost
• Flexible cancellation, with a 100% up to 48 hours prior to pick-up

Driving Through History with Höldur

A visit to Glaumbær Turf Houses is more than a museum stop — it’s a journey into the resilience and creativity of Icelandic life. For self-drive travellers, it represents the perfect blend of cultural discovery and scenic exploration.

Embark on a seamless and comfortable journey through North Iceland with Höldur’s dependable rental cars. Whether you pick up your vehicle at Keflavík International Airport, in Reykjavík, or Akureyri, you’re not just renting a car — you’re unlocking the freedom to explore Iceland’s rich, living history at your own pace.

So, fuel your curiosity, take the wheel, and let Iceland’s stories unfold one kilometre at a time.

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