Region
North Iceland
290 km from Reykjavik
Dalsmynni, Skagafjordur
A small agricultural settlement in North Iceland's Skagafjordur district, surrounded by horse farms and close to the Glaumbaer turf farm museum.
Population
~50
North Iceland • Skagafjordur District
Dalsmynni is a small farming settlement in the Skagafjordur district of North Iceland, a region where Icelandic horses outnumber people and the farming landscape has changed little over centuries. The Glaumbaer turf farm museum is nearby, and local farms run riding tours in the surrounding valleys. Skagafjordur's wide valleys, braided rivers, and mountain-ringed pastures are classic rural Iceland.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Population is approximate for this dispersed rural settlement.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~50
Small farming community in Skagafjordur
Known for
Horse Country
Near Glaumbaer turf farm museum
Top Attractions near Dalsmynni
Glaumbaer Turf Farm Museum
One of Iceland's best-preserved traditional turf farmsteads, dating from the 18th-19th century. The museum shows how Icelanders lived for centuries in these sod-roofed buildings.
Skagafjordur Horse Riding Tours
Ride the five-gaited Icelandic horse through valleys, along rivers, and across highland pastures. Tours range from one-hour beginners' rides to multi-day highland treks.
Jokulsá River Rafting
White-water rafting on the glacial rivers Jokulsá Austari (East) and Jokulsá Vestari (West) runs Class 3-4 rapids through canyon scenery with local guides.
Drangey Island
A steep bird cliff island in Skagafjordur bay, accessible by boat from Reykir. Known from the Grettis Saga as the outlaw Grettir's last refuge, with large puffin and seabird colonies.
Holar i Hjaltadal
A historic bishopric and Iceland's first university seat, now an equestrian and agricultural college. The stone cathedral dates from 1763 and the site has been culturally important since the 12th century.
Skagafjordur Heritage Museum
Located in Saudarkrokur, this museum covers the district's history from Viking settlement through the Age of Sturlungs to modern farming. Includes exhibits on the 1238 Battle of Orlygsstadir.
How to Get to Dalsmynni
From Reykjavik: Drive north on Route 1 (Ring Road) through the Hvalfjordur tunnel and past Blonduos to Skagafjordur. The 290 km drive takes approximately 3.5-4 hours on well-maintained paved roads. Turn off Route 1 near Varmahlid to reach Dalsmynni and Glaumbaer.
By bus or air: Strae.is operates bus services along the Ring Road with stops in Varmahlid and Saudarkrokur. Domestic flights from Reykjavik to Saudarkrokur airport are available but infrequent. A rental car is strongly recommended for exploring the Skagafjordur countryside.
Best Time to Visit Dalsmynni
Summer (June-August): The valley is green, horse riding tours run at full capacity, Glaumbaer museum is open daily, river rafting operates, and there is nearly 24 hours of daylight. The annual Skagafjordur horse competitions take place in late June.
Winter (October-March): Snow covers the valley, and horse riding is available year-round from some farms. Northern lights are often visible in the dark skies. Some museums have limited hours. Roads are maintained, but winter driving requires caution and proper tires.
Planning help
Dalsmynni FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.