In a beautiful meadow on the outskirts of Mosfellsbær town is the Halldór Laxness museum (Glufrasteinn). It commemorates esteemed Icelandic author and Nobel Prize winner, Halldór Laxness (1902-1998).
Halldór Laxness was active and prolific in his long career and wrote 13 novels as well as plays, essays, short stories and poems. His most popular novel, Sjálfstætt Fólk (Independent People), was published in four parts for 1933-1935 and tells the story of the farmer Bjartur of Summerhouses. Laxness’ writing changed through time as did his ideals and beliefs. In spite of that, his sympathy was invariably with the underdog, and he always managed to see the comic aspects of his characters and their actions.
Gljúfrasteinn museum
Opened in 2004, the Gljúfrasteinn museum is housed in his former home, unchanged since Halldór Laxness lived there, with original furniture and artwork on the walls by famous contemporaries like painter Jóhannes Kjarval. Halldór lived there with his family for more than half a century. Surrounding the house is a large garden that is open to the public, and a number of pleasant walking routes are in the vicinity.
Enjoy a multimedia presentation including interview clips with the author that showcase his strong personality. Musical performances are given on his grand piano on Sunday afternoons in summer.
Halldór Laxness museum opening hours
March – May & September – October: Every day except Mondays from 10am – 16 (4pm)
November – February: Open Tuesday – Friday 10am – 16:00 (4pm)
June – August: Every day from 9am – 17 (5pm)
How to get to the Halldór Laxness museum
The museum is located 20 minutes from Reykjavik. Take Road no. 1 to Mosfellsbaer and turn right at the junction to Thingvellir. You will see a white house on a hill on your right side about 4,5 km down the road.
GPS: 64.180932 N, -21.581773 W
