On the Tröllaskagi peninsula, in the village of Varmahlíð, you’ll find a traditional Icelandic turf farm: Glaumbær. The buildings on this farm complex date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and were inhabited until 1947. Whether you’re driving the scenic Arctic Coast Route, exploring the Tröllaskagi peninsula from Akureyri, or simply interested in Iceland’s history; a visit to Glaumbær is definitely worthwhile.
Glaumbær through the centuries
Research shows that the hill at Glaumbær has been inhabited since the year 900. However, the current buildings are not that old; they were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most recent structure dates back to 1876, while the oldest parts of the farm, the kitchen and the baðstofa, have remained almost unchanged since they were built around 1750. You might think these are separate cottages, each with its own entrance, but it’s actually one large complex: all the rooms are connected by hallways. Inside, you’ll find a kitchen, guest rooms, storage areas and pantries.
The farm was built using stone, wood and turf. Since stone was scarce in the area, the walls were kept low and a relatively larger amount of turf was used. Inside, everything is neatly finished with wood, which was mostly imported.
The Glaumbær complex also includes two wooden houses: Áshús and Gilsstofa. In the 19th century, wooden houses became more common and these two are perfect examples of the architectural style of that time.
Glaumbær, a museum since 1947
The last residents left Glaumbær in 1947. At that point, the turf farm was designated as a national heritage site. Thanks to a donation from an English benefactor, the farm could be renovated, ensuring its preservation as part of the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum.
Visiting Glaumbær museum
In the high season, the museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In spring and autumn, it’s open on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During the winter months, you can press a doorbell at the entrance to see if the museum can be opened for you. You can also send a message in advance. Check the Glaumbær Museum website to make sure the opening hours haven’t changed.
Visit Glaumbær on your Arctic Coast route or from Akureyri
Driving the Arctic Coast Way? Then a short detour to the Glaumbær Museum is definitely worth it. It’s also easy to visit from Akureyri, especially if you combine it with a few other stops like the turf church Víðimýrarkirkja, Sauðárkrókur and Hofsós.
Looking to rent a car in Akureyri? Check the available options for car rental, but make sure to double-check what’s included in the insurance. Being fully covered is definitely a good idea on Icelandic roads; it’ll save you a lot of stress.
