Horse Breeding
Heartland
Iceland's highest concentration of Icelandic horses
Skagafjordur Valley (Skagafjörður): Horse Breeding Heartland
Skagafjörður
Iceland's main horse-breeding region, a broad valley and fjord in North Iceland. Known for Glaumbær turf farm museum, Drangey Island rising from the fjord, Grettislaug hot spring, and its saga connections.
Region
Northwest Iceland
Best time: June – August
Skagafjörður, a broad valley and fjord system in North Iceland, is the heartland of Icelandic horse culture. The area is rich in saga history and has the highest concentration of Icelandic horses in the country.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Skagafjörður is accessible year-round via Route 1. Summer tours and boat trips should be booked in advance.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Glaumbær Museum
Turf Farm
Well-preserved traditional turf farmstead
Drangey Island
Saga Site
Steep-sided island in the fjord with a puffin colony
Best Season
Jun–Aug
Horse shows, boat trips, and the best hiking
Rafting
Jökulsá Austari
White-water rafting on two glacial rivers
Museum
Glaumbær
Well-preserved turf farmstead museum covering centuries of rural Icelandic life
Key Highlights
Horse Breeding Heartland
The center of Icelandic horse culture, with annual shows and riding events
Glaumbær Turf Museum
One of Iceland's best-preserved turf farmsteads
Drangey Island
A cliff island in the fjord, known for puffins and Grettir's Saga
Grettislaug Hot Spring
Natural geothermal pool on the shore with views of Drangey and the fjord
Saga Connections
Setting for medieval Icelandic sagas, including Grettir's Saga
Hofsós Swimming Pool
Infinity pool overlooking the fjord
How to Get There
- Varmahlíð on Route 1 is the southern gateway, about 290 km (3.5 hours) from Reykjavik
- Route 75 leads north from the Ring Road to Sauðárkrókur, the main town (population 2,600)
- Domestic flights from Reykjavik to Sauðárkrókur airport shorten the journey to 40 minutes
- The valley is broad and easy to drive, with paved main roads and gravel side roads
- Glaumbær turf farm is right on Route 75, impossible to miss between Varmahlíð and Sauðárkrókur
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Horse riding tours in full swing, Glaumbær and Drangey boat trips operating
- Late June: Longest days for horse treks and exploring the broad valley farmland
- September: Autumn sheep roundup (Réttir), a cultural event visitors can join
- October-April: Horse riding still possible but limited, Glaumbær may have reduced hours
- July: Peak horse show season with competitions and breeding displays
Planning help
Skagafjordur Valley FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.