Ancient, earth-roofed dwellings of Iceland
Chatting with a Buddy About Iceland's Turf Homes
You've probably come across those quaint little turf houses when browsing pictures of Iceland. Given its scarcity of trees, building with turf was a common practice in Iceland, and thick turf walls were a lifesaver against the icy cold. Believe it or not, these homes weren't relics of an ancient era; half of Iceland's population dwelled in them as recently as 1910!
As time passed and Reykjavik grew, there was less room for these homes to thrive. By 1960, there were only 234 inhabited turf homes left in Iceland, many of which were abandoned in the following decade.
The bulk of Iceland's surviving turf houses now belong to Þjóðminjasafn Íslands - Iceland's National Museum - and are part of the National Museum's Historic Buildings Collection at Árbæjarsafn in Reykjavik.
But fear not, there are still some beautifully preserved turf houses scattered around Iceland. Most have been repurposed into museums, allowing tourists a peek into Iceland's recent past.
One such reconstruction is at Núpsstaður, the easternmost farm in West Skaftafellssýsla, where one of the few remaining turf churches is located. Another well-preserved turf house can be found at Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður Eystri.
Check out the Hofskirkja church in Öræfi for a taste of traditional Icelandic culture as well.
You might stumble upon the Núpsstaður turf farm, which is interestingly a set built for the film "Paradisarheimt."
Now, I'm not claiming these homes to be restaurants or luxury pads, but for catching a glimpse of Iceland's heritage, these museum houses are the real deal! Some, like the Glaumbær Museum in Skagafjörður, are protected buildings that stand as living testimonies to Icelandic architecture's glory days.
Other notable sites include the Bustarfell Museum in Vopnafjörður, which boasts a history dating back to the 16th century, the Laufás Museum near Akureyri, and the Árbær Open Air Museum in Reykjavík, with its costumed guides providing an immersive experience.
So, next time you're in Iceland, be sure to take a detour to these turf homes and soak in its rich history!
After exploring the culture and landscapes of Iceland, step into the past by visiting the National Museum's Historic Buildings Collection, home to several well-preserved turf houses. To appreciate lifestyle and home-and-garden designs unique to Iceland, don't miss both the Glaumbær Museum and the Árbær Open Air Museum, showcasing traditional Icelandic architecture and providing an immersive experience for tourists.
