Tremendous TURF HOUSES

69 Lauf S

Laufás

616 Grenivík

Northeast Iceland

+354 895 3172 minjasafnid.is

Early settlers used up most of Iceland’s timber for boats, construction and fuel, meaning their descendants had to get creative when ensuring shelter during the long winters. Thus, turf houses soon became the staple abode for both poor and affluent residents. Operated by Akureyri Museum, the turf houses of Laufás are an excellent example of an opulent residency, once a wealthy manor and vicarage capable of housing up to 30 people. During the summer, visitors can appreciate this architecture for themselves, including a small church built in 1865. The last people living at Laufás left in 1937.

70 Skagafj R Ur

HERITAGE MUSEUM

Glaumbær

560 Varmahlíð

Northwest Iceland

+354 453 6173 glaumbaer.is

Inhabited until 1947, settlement of the Glaumbær farmstead dates back as far as 874 AD. The latest additions to the 13-building property were added between 1876 and 1879, meaning guests can be sure they’re visiting an attraction steeped in authentic history. Preserved and operated by the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum since 1952, Glaumbær is particularly notable for being the home of Snorri Þorfinnsson (1010-1090), considered by many to be the first European born in North America, or Vínland, as it was then known.

71 Sk Gar Museum

Skógar

861 Hvolsvöllur

South Iceland

+354 487 8845 skogasafn.is

The first turf house ever showcased at Skógar Museum was moved from its original location in 1968. It was reconstructed to showcase the iconic abodes once found across South Iceland. Since then, a further six fully furnished turf houses have been rebuilt, each highlighting how this island’s ancestors lived and worked without modern amenities. Today, Skógar has split into three parts. The first is a Folk Museum, which showcases over 15.000 regional artefacts. The second is an OpenAir Museum, focussed on historic architecture, and the third, the Technical Museum, explores transport and communication in Iceland throughout the ages.

72 GRENJAÐARSTAÐUR – THE OLD FARMHOUSE

Grenjaðarstaður

641 Húsavík

Northeast Iceland

+354 464 3688 northiceland.is

Once home to regional chieftains known as Goðar, Grenjaðarstaður in North Iceland is today considered one of the nation’s most famous turf houses. Home to over 1000 cultural artefacts, as well as a rectory, post office and church, Grenjaðarstaður is Iceland’s biggest collection of period buildings. With their bright white paint jobs, lush rooftops and rustic wooden interiors, visiting these turf houses is akin to stepping back into the pages of history.