Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/varmahlid 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. --- # Varmahlíð: Horse Country in Skagafjörður The hub of Skagafjörður, Iceland's main horse breeding region, with the Glaumbær turf farm and river rafting nearby. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~150 Northwest Iceland • Horse country ## Quick Answer Varmahlíð, a village of about 150 in Skagafjörður, Iceland's main horse-breeding region, offers riding tours, river rafting, and the Glaumbær turf farm nearby. 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 page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Varmahlíð is the gateway to Iceland's main horse breeding region. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Glaumbær Museum]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region Northwest Iceland Skagafjörður valley 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 has weekday-only shoulder-season hours and winter visits by arrangement; Vidimyri Turf Church closes to visitors September through May. ## Choose the turf-house visit that fits the season Glaumbaer and Vidimyri Turf Church have different calendars. The [museum’s 2026 visitor page]() lists Glaumbaer daily 10:00–18:00 through September 20, then weekdays 10:00–16:00 through October 20. From October 21 through March 31, arrange a visit in advance. Ringing the ticket-office bell on a winter weekday may work if staff are available; it is not a confirmed booking. [Vidimyri’s 1834 turf church]() opens June–August, 12:00–17:00 except Mondays, and closes September–May. In summer, the 2026 adult ticket for both sites is 2,600 ISK, valid on the same day. Glaumbaer alone is 2,200 ISK. Check that both are open before choosing the combined ticket. For a museum-and-swim day, a separate [2026 offer]() combines Glaumbaer with one municipal pool for 3,000 ISK per adult, again on the same day. Varmahlid is one of the participating pools. This is a different ticket from the church combination; select it only if a swim fits your day. Planning help ## Varmahlíð FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Varmahlíð?** Varmahlíð has approximately 150 residents. **Why is Varmahlíð famous for horses?** Skagafjörður region is Iceland's main horse breeding area, with the highest concentration of Icelandic horses in the country and many horse farms that offer riding tours. **How far is Varmahlíð from Akureyri?** Varmahlíð is about 95 km from Akureyri, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car via Route 1. **What is Glaumbær?** Glaumbær is a well-preserved turf farm museum 8 km from Varmahlíð, showing traditional Icelandic rural life from the 18th-19th centuries. **What activities are available?** Popular activities include horseback riding, river rafting on the East and West Jökulsá rivers, visiting Glaumbær museum, and exploring the Skagafjörður valley. **What services does Varmahlíð have?** Varmahlíð has a hotel, guesthouses, swimming pool, restaurant, grocery store, and fuel station serving travelers on the Ring Road. **Is river rafting available near Varmahlíð?** Rafting tours run on different sections of the glacial rivers. Check the specific trip’s difficulty, minimum age and requirements with its operator; the options are not interchangeable. **Does Varmahlíð have a swimming pool?** Yes, Varmahlíð has a geothermal swimming pool with hot tubs, a popular stop for Ring Road travelers. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().