Region
Northwest Iceland
Skagafjörður valley
Varmahlíð: Horse Country in Skagafjörður
The hub of Skagafjörður, Iceland's main horse breeding region, with the Glaumbær turf farm and river rafting nearby.
Population
~150
Northwest Iceland • Horse country
Varmahlíð is the hub of Skagafjörður valley, Iceland's best-known horse breeding region. The small village is a good base for riding tours, the historic Glaumbær turf farm, and river rafting.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Varmahlíð is the gateway to Iceland's main horse breeding region.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~150
Valley service center
Known for
Horse Breeding
Glaumbær turf farm nearby
Top Attractions near Varmahlíð
Glaumbær Turf Farm
Historic museum showing traditional Icelandic life
Icelandic Horse Farms
Riding tours and horse shows
River Rafting
Adventures on glacial rivers
Hólar
Historic bishop's seat and university
Víðimýrarkirkja
19th century turf church
Tröllaskagi Peninsula
Scenic mountain landscapes
How to Get to Varmahlíð
From Akureyri: 1 hour 15 minutes west via Route 1 (Ring Road). From Reykjavik: About 4 hours via Route 1 north. Varmahlíð is a convenient Ring Road stop.
Best Time to Visit Varmahlíð
Summer (June-August) is the season for horseback riding and rafting. The annual horse round-up (réttir) takes place in September and is worth planning around. Glaumbær museum operates year-round.
Planning help
Varmahlíð FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.