Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/mosfellsbaer Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # 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. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~12,000 Capital Region • Gateway to highlands ## Quick Answer Mosfellsbaer, population about 12,000, sits at the edge of Greater Reykjavik, with the Laxness Museum, Mosfellsdalur horse farms, and roads to the 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 page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Mosfellsbaer has easy access to both Reykjavik's services and the countryside beyond. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Mosfellsbaer Municipality]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region Capital Region Northeast edge of Greater Reykjavik 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:** Gljufrasteinn has seasonal opening days. In November–February its published timetable is Tuesday–Friday only. ## Gljufrasteinn: match the house visit to the season [Gljufrasteinn’s visitor page](), checked September 10, 2026, lists March–May and September–October hours of 10:00–16:00 Tuesday–Sunday, June–August daily 10:00–17:00, and November–February 10:00–16:00 Tuesday–Friday. That winter weekend closure matters if you are adding the writer’s house to a Golden Circle drive. Adult admission is 1,500 ISK, with a 1,200 ISK rate for pensioners and students; children and disabled visitors enter free. Groups should book ahead through [gljufrasteinn@gljufrasteinn.is]() or +354 586 8066. The ground floor has wheelchair access and accessible toilets, but the upper floor does not. An audio guide and virtual visit are available on the ground floor, so contact the museum to plan the visit around your access needs. Planning help ## Mosfellsbaer FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Mosfellsbaer?** Mosfellsbaer has approximately 12,000 residents and is a medium-sized municipality in the Capital Region. **What is the Laxness Museum?** The Laxness Museum is the former home of Halldor Laxness, Iceland's Nobel Prize-winning author. It's now a museum about his life and work. **Why is Mosfellsbaer called the gateway to the highlands?** Mosfellsbaer is located at the edge of the Greater Reykjavik Area, where roads lead to Thingvellir and the interior highlands. **Is Mosfellsbaer known for horses?** Yes, the Mosfellsdalur valley is known for Icelandic horse farms. Many riding tours and horse shows operate from the area. **How far is Mosfellsbaer from Reykjavik?** Mosfellsbaer is about 15 km northeast of Reykjavik, approximately 20 minutes by car. **Does Mosfellsbaer have swimming pools?** Yes, Mosfellsbaer has a good geothermal swimming pool (Lagafellslaug) with hot tubs and family facilities. **What nature is near Mosfellsbaer?** Mount Esja (914m), Mosfellsdalur valley, and the route to Thingvellir are all close by for hiking and other outdoor activities. **Is there geothermal activity in Mosfellsbaer?** Yes, geothermal hot water from the area supplies heating to much of the Greater Reykjavik Area. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().