Oxnadalur and Glaumbaer turf houses (Iceland) – Tips + photos

As you leave Akureyri and drive West on Road 1, you arrive in the beautiful and peaceful sceneries of the Oxnadalur valley. And after that I recommend a detour to the Glaumbaer turf houses. Below are some information to decide if you want to stop.

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PLANNING TIPS - Valley of Öxnadalur Iceland

​Oxnaladur is a long barely habited valley (over 30 km) in North Iceland. Both sides are stunning with high mountains and sharp peaks. Its most prominent feature is the spire of Hrandrangar reaching 1075 meters which is 80 meters over the ridge. Oxnaladur is considered one of the best scenery on Road 1 between Aukureyri and Reykjavik.

I must admit that I was not expecting much as I did not do much research before hand on this area. I had 7 hours left and just decided to drive. And as the clouds dispersed I discovered this stunning landscape. I even stopped at a small grove dedicated to the Icelandic poet Jónas Hallgrímsson who was born in this valley. This location had great views of the spire and a nice feel with all the trees.

• It is 25 kilometers West of Akureyri on Road 1
• Take your time to drive the 30 km.
• A nice spot to stop is the grove of Jonasarlundur - you cannot miss it.
• Very easy drive

Öxnadalur in pictures

I wish I had had more time to admire this region but I had a flight later that day. I thought the sharp edge mountain and the contrast of the farms made for some really interesting pictures.

Other nearby landscape on Road 1

As I continued on road 1 towards Varmahlid I discovered other beautiful and peaceful sceneries. The one below especially caught my eyes and I turned around to photograph it. It is just few kms before the crossing or road 1 and road 76, when driving from Akureyri.

PLANNING TIPS - Glaumbaer Iceland

Before taking road 76 for the Trollaskagi peninsula, I decided for a detour to visit the turf houses of Glaumbaer.

Glaumbaer is a farm which has been located on that same site for hundred years (although buildings have changes).  This is a great location to have a close look at turf houses. They have several of them plus a nice little church. As I visited end of September the museum was closed but the houses were opened with some display of old farming equipments.

Visiting the Glaumbaer turf houses

• Along Road 75, 8 km North from the crossing of Road 1 and Road 75
• Site is well indicated with a small parking
• Easy walk
• Toilets are available
• Skagafjordur Heritage museum opened 1st June to 10 September - 9am to 6pm. Official website

Both locations are listed in my eBook with GPS coordinates:

Glaumbaer turf houses in photos

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