Region
Capital Region
Northeast edge of Greater Reykjavik
Mosfellsbaer: Town at the Edge of the Highlands
Gateway to Iceland's highlands: a town at the edge of open country, known for horse farms, the Laxness Museum, and access to Thingvellir.
Population
~12,000
Capital Region • Gateway to highlands
Mosfellsbaer sits where the capital area meets open country. The town holds Nobel laureate Halldor Laxness's home, the horse farms of Mosfellsdalur valley, and the road out to Thingvellir and the highlands.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Mosfellsbaer has easy access to both Reykjavik's services and the countryside beyond.
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Official sources to check
Population
~12,000
Growing municipality with nature access
Known for
Laxness Museum
Home of Nobel Prize-winning author
Top Attractions in Mosfellsbaer
Laxness Museum (Gljufrasteinn)
Nobel laureate's preserved home and estate
Mosfellsdalur Valley
Valley of horse farms
Mount Esja
Popular hiking mountain near town
Lagafellslaug Pool
Geothermal swimming with hot tubs
Horse Riding Tours
Riding tours on Icelandic horses
Route to Thingvellir
Gateway to Golden Circle
How to Get to Mosfellsbaer
From Reykjavik: 20 minutes by car via Route 1 north, or Strætó bus service.
Best Time to Visit Mosfellsbaer
Summer: Best for horse riding and hiking Mount Esja.
Year-round: The Laxness Museum is open all year.
Planning help
Mosfellsbaer FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.