Glaumbaer and Viðimyri
The north of Iceland, in the region of Varmahlið and Sauðarkrokur, is home to two points of interest that you should not miss if you are in the area.
The Glaumbær farm is located halfway between the two towns along Road 75, while Viðimyri is near Sauðarkrokur.
The two sites are only about ten kilometers apart, and are basically the two tourist hotspots in the Sauðarkrokur region, conveniently located near Road number 1 on the stretch from Akureyri to Reykjavík.
Viđimýrarkirkja and the Viðimyri church
This church is a perfect example of traditional Icelandic architecture. This charming little structure covered in peat and grass was built in 1834 on the remains of other churches. In fact the Viðimyri Church is made up of many recovered parts, for example the altar dates back to the 17th century, and in front the cemetery door is dated 1936, while the two enormous bells date back to the year 1630.
For a few crowns, you can visit the interior of the tiny church.
Opening times:
- From June 1st to August 31st: 10AM - 6PM
2021 prices:
- Adult: 1,000 ISK
- Child: free
- Student: 700 ISK
- Senior: 700 ISK
This church has a historic and cultural significance, as according to the Icelandic sagas it belonged to one of the most important dynasties in the north of the country, the Asbirningar.
The Glaumbaer Museum
A few kilometers further south, along Route 75, is the Glaumbaer farm which became a museum, the Skagafjörður Folk Museum.
This farm, recognizable by its peat and grass roofs, was inhabited until 1947 when it became the property of the National Museum of Iceland.
The farm buildings date back to different periods throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, but they are share a common grass construction, which was common in rural Iceland until around 1900.
The farm is made up of 16 small rooms, each with a different function (guest bedroom, kitchen, dairy...) and these magnificent buildings can be visited for a modest fee.
Opening times:
- May 20th to September 20th: 10AM - 6PM
- September 21st to October 20th: 10AM - 4PM
- October 21st to March 31st: upon request
- April 1st to May 19th: 10AM - 4PM
2021 prices:
- Adult: ISK 1,700
- Child: free
- Student: 1,500 ISK
- Senior: 1,500 ISK
The visit takes about thirty minutes and builds on an extensive collection of artifacts to showcase rural life in local history.
Behind the farm on the same site as the museum you will also find 2 small houses, “Gilsstofa” and “Áshús”. Gilsstofa is the museum office and gift shop, while Áshús is home to the “Áskaffi” café which also features the museum's temporary exhibitions.
The picturesque Glaumbaer Ecomuseum offers a very interesting visit that sheds light on just how tough life in Iceland was at that time.
