Just 15 minutes northeast of Reykjavik lies the town of Mosfellsbaer, the seventh largest – and fastest growing – municipality in Iceland.
Things to do in Mosfellsbaer
Mosfellsbaer is perfect for outdoor lovers, with well-marked coastal biking and walking paths that connect to trails in Reykjavik. Mosfellsbaer’s beautiful nature is perfect for horseback riding, playing golf, and fishing for trout and char in the small lakes.
Besides offering natural beauty, the town has an emerging arts district, Alafosskvos. Former wool factory buildings have been converted into workshops, galleries and sound studios. During weekends, out-of-towners flock to Mosfellsbaer to shop at the Alafoss factory outlet with its artisan handiwork. In addition, they also enjoy perusing the organic farmers’ market selling greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables, flowers and locally made gourmet products.
Former home of the author Halldor Laxness
The attraction that put Mosfellsbaer most prominently on the map is the former home of Nobel Laureate, Halldor Kiljan Laxness (1902-1998). Today it serves as a museum. Known as Gljufrasteinn, the museum is dedicated to the writer’s life. Laxness penned 62 books and won the Nobel Prize for his book, Independent People in 1955.
Mosfellsbaer – “the green town”
Mosfellsbaer enjoys geothermal activity, and quite a few greenhouses have been built here. Thus, the locals call it “the green town”. Since 1933, it has supplied the capital area with natural hot water for heating homes and swimming pools. In addition, the mountainous area around the town is ideal for walks and hikes, skiing and fishing for trout and char in the small lakes.
