Iceland's ancient dwellings constructed from sod and earth
Exploring Iceland's Turf House Heritage: A Journey Through Time
Iceland, a land of fire and ice, is known for its unique architecture, and none more so than the turf houses that once dotted the landscape. Although these homes are now rare, a few well-preserved examples have been transformed into museums, offering a glimpse into Iceland's recent past.
Turf houses, or stofa, were a common sight in Iceland, particularly in rural areas. However, as Reykjavik grew and space became limited, many of these homes were abandoned. By the next decade after 1960, most of the inhabited turf houses were deserted.
Despite their decline, these homes are an integral part of Iceland's history and culture. The lack of trees in the country meant that turf houses were the preferred building material, thanks to their insulating properties that ward off the cold.
One such well-preserved turf house is the Stekkjarkot Turf House near Keflavik. This 19th-century fisherman’s cottage, now a museum, showcases traditional Icelandic turf architecture with thick turf walls and a timber-framed, sod-covered roof. Visitors can step back in time and experience how Icelanders once lived in these energy-efficient homes adapted to harsh climates [1].
Another example is The Icelandic Turf House near Selfoss. Here, visitors can explore restored turf farmstead buildings, offering insights into how Icelanders survived in these naturally insulated homes over centuries. The site also features gardens and sod-cutting areas, with an exhibit hall displaying photographs and local sculptures [2].
In North Iceland, the Laufás Heritage Site and Museum near Akureyri is a must-visit. This collection of turf houses, with both walls and roofs made from turf, offers a unique insight into Icelandic farm life in the early 1900s. Inside, the rooms are arranged and curated to display the traditional uses of space [3].
These museums are not just cultural and historical landmarks, but also architectural marvels. They provide a tangible connection to Iceland's past, showcasing the traditional turf housing style that once defined the country.
Other notable turf houses turned museums include Núpsstaður, located in the easternmost part of West Skaftafellssýsla, and Bakkagerði in Borgarfjörður Eystri. Núpsstaður, while a reconstruction made for the film Paradisarheimt, is one of the few places where a turf church remains in Iceland. Bakkagerði, on the other hand, is associated with Golli / Kjartan Þorbjörnsson, and is home to a well-preserved turf house [4].
Helgi Bjarnason is associated with Hofskirkja church, located in Öræfi. While not a museum, this turf church is a significant part of Iceland's remaining turf churches [5].
These museums and sites are prime examples of Iceland's turf house heritage conserved for future generations to appreciate. They offer a fascinating look into a bygone era, providing a connection to Iceland's past that is as solid as the turf upon which these homes were built.
[1] Reykjanesbaer Heritage Museum: https://www.reykjanesbaer.is/en/museums/stekkjarkot [2] The Icelandic Turf House: https://www.turfhouses.is/ [3] Laufás Heritage Site and Museum: https://www.laufas.is/ [4] Núpsstaður: https://www.visitwestfjords.is/nupsstadur [5] Hofskirkja church: https://www.hofskirkja.is/en/
News about cultural preservation in Iceland highlights the significance of museums such as Stekkjarkot Turf House, The Icelandic Turf House, Laufás Heritage Site, Núpsstaður, and Bakkagerði, each offering unique insights into Iceland's lifestyle and home-and-garden practices from centuries past. Visiting these places allows visitors to time-travel and experience the traditional Icelandic way of life, showcasing the country's remarkable cultural and architectural heritage.
