Glaumbær

Glaumbær, located between Varmahlíð and Reynistaðir, is situated 300 km from Reykjavik, is said to be the site of the oldest turf houses in Iceland. It is said a farmhouse stood on a hill at Glaumbær after the first settlers arrived in Iceland, around 900 AD.

Glaumbær, located between Varmahlíð and Reynistaðir, is situated 300 km from Reykjavik, is said to be the site of the oldest turf houses in Iceland. It is said a farmhouse stood on a hill at Glaumbær after the first settlers arrived in Iceland, around 900 AD.

The farmhouse at Glaumbær remained unchanged from 1879 and 1939 and other farmhouses in Skagafjördur from the 18th and 19th centuries are alike in many ways. And after its last inhabitants moved out in 1947, restoration work was initiated and it was declared a conserved site. 

Composed of 13 houses, each with its own individual function, the farmhouse included a room where people did their work, ate and slept; pantry where food was stored and prepared; the front hall and passages which connected to the entire farmhouse. It also included a room for elders and other members of the household, guest rooms, store room and a workshop, where metalwork was carried on. During the early times farmhouses in Iceland were made of stones, timber and turf, where stones were used for the walls, in an unique way to ensure that chunks of turf were spread layer by layer in  a herringbone pattern. The interiors, the frames and panelling, were designed with driftwood and timber. 

Glaumbær Museum, which was opened to the public in 1952, is considered one of the best museums within the farmhouse with turf roof. The museum showcases well-preserved farms and gives us a glimpse of how people lived here in a bygone era, centuries ago. It is interesting to note that turf houses were the sought-after architectural style during the period and remained so until the 20th century. 

The Glaumbær Church built in 1926, with its red towers is also located nearby. The region also has other interesting attractions nearby, including Sauðárkrókur, Hólar, Hofsós etc.

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