Private 7-Hour Skagafjordur Tour with Glaumbaer & 1238 Battle Museums Starting from Akureyri

Discover the beauty of a picturesque fjord in North Iceland and two of its on this private shore excursion from Akureyri. This seven-hour enriching adventure takes cruise ship travelers to see Skagafjordur fjord, the Glaumbaer Turf Museum, and the 1238: The Battle of Iceland Exhibition.

The action starts at the harbor, where a friendly local guide picks you up on a comfortable vehicle for a scenic drive. You'll head toward the Troll peninsula on the way to Skagafjordur fjord.

The Troll peninsula, or Trollaskagi, features dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes. Trollaskagi is also home to the highest mountains in Iceland outside of the Highlands. You'll also pass by the Hraundrangi mountain peaks with their sharp, spire-like formation rising above the Oxnadalur valley.

You'll then reach Skagafjordur fjord, renowned for its rich history, rugged landscapes, and vibrant horse culture. Skagafjordur fjord offers stunning views of mountains, fertile valleys, and the sea. One of the main attractions in Skagafjordur is its strong connection to Icelandic horses. The region is considered the heart of horse breeding in Iceland.

Skagafjordur is also steeped in history. The town of Hofsos, located along the fjord, is home to the Icelandic Emigration Center, which provides insight into the emigration of Icelanders to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

However, your first stop is the Glaumbaer Turf Museum, a preserved turf farmhouse that will give you an idea about traditional Icelandic life from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Glaumbaer Turf Museum has been part of the National Museum Historic Buildings Collection since 1947. It is renowned for its distinctive turf architecture, which reflects Iceland's ingenious methods of building durable, insulated homes in a harsh climate.

The main structure at Glaumbaer consists of 13 interconnected houses, where thick layers of turf cover the wooden frames, providing warmth and stability. Interestingly, each of these houses serves a specific function, like a pantry and a kitchen, among others.

You can explore the old farm's interior and see the rooms furnished with period-appropriate household items, tools, and furniture. Walking through the cozy, low-ceilinged rooms, you'll gain an understanding of how Icelanders adapted to living in remote and rugged conditions.

Next, you’ll head to the town of Saudarkrokur to see the 1238: The Battle of Iceland Exhibition, a cutting-edge, interactive exhibit. This innovative exhibition will take you back to the 13th century, a troubled period in Iceland's history known as the Age of the Sturlungs.

The central focus is the epic Battle of Orlygsstadir, fought in 1238, which marked a turning point in the civil war between Icelandic chieftains vying for power. The exhibit recreates this battle using virtual reality (VR) technology. You'll wear VR headsets and step directly into the action, immersing in the sights and sounds of medieval Iceland.

At the end of the tour, your guide will take you back to the harbor, where you'll board your cruise ship, carrying the unforgettable memories of your North Iceland adventure.

Take advantage of this chance to see North Iceland's natural beauty and learn about its rich history on this private Skagafjordur Shore adventure. Check availability now by choosing a date.