Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is a municipality in the Capital Region of Iceland, located immediately north of Reykjavík. It lies in the Mosfell valley and is bordered by the Esja mountain range to the north and west, with extensive natural areas that include lava fields, forests and rivers. The town combines rural farmland with suburban neighborhoods and serves as a commuter community for the capital area, with many residents traveling to Reykjavík for work. Strætó public buses connect Mosfellsbær to the city center.

Historically, the area has been inhabited since the early settlement era and has long been associated with agriculture. In the late 20th century, several rural communities in the area were organized into the modern municipality of Mosfellsbær, reflecting growth in the capital region and a shift toward residential development.

A notable cultural site is Gljúfrasteinn, the former home of Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness, which is now a museum and part of the Laxness Foundation. The surrounding Mosfell area is known for outdoor recreation, including hiking routes and horse riding, with Esja serving as a prominent backdrop. The municipality provides local services including schools, a library and recreational facilities, supporting a population of families, commuters and residents drawn to the area’s blend of countryside and access to Reykjavík.

Notable figures associated with Mosfellsbær include Halldór Laxness, who lived at Gljúfrasteinn and contributed to Icelandic literary culture.