Historic & Traditional Turf Houses in Iceland
Looking across the Icelandic landscape, it soon becomes noticeable that Iceland lacks the grand buildings and monuments seen in other European countries. Instead of stone, the organic building material, turf, has been the primary material for construction since the days of the settlement in 871±2 AD. Small and picturesque, these turf houses were lived in by farmers continuously from around 930 AD until the mid 20th century. Today, many are popular visitor attractions. Not only do they offer a glimpse into the history of architecture on the island, they are also a testament to the endurance and resilience of the people who lived in the harsh environment of Iceland since the days of the Vikings.
This page, part of our Iceland Travel Guide, is the most definitive online guide to visiting turf houses in Iceland. You will find an accurate, interactive map with over 30 such places included, enabling you to find them with confidence. There is also a list of the more interesting turf houses to visit, including those that are now museums or part of open air museums. Our guide is produced and maintained by Ricky Menzies, a Masters student at the University of Iceland, and Thomas Dowson, the founder of Archaeology Travel. Thomas lives and travels extensively in Europe. Read more about the authors and how we create these guides, as well as our mission and vision.
Given our mission, we support Visit Iceland’s campaign to promote responsible tourism, and encourage you to take their Icelandic Pledge.
The Tradition of Icelandic Turf Houses
It is a well known fact that there are essentially no trees in Iceland. This has been true since very soon after the first Scandinavians claimed land to make their homes. Only around 30% of the island was forested with birch and oak, and through rapid deforestation, wood was and still is hard to come by. For that reason, the Icelanders needed to use the materials that were available to them. Although turf house building was by no means an innovation, they were almost perfected by the Icelanders over many generations. They underwent an evolution of styles, with their beginnings rooted in the Viking Age.
By the 14th century the first changes began, in which multiple buildings were attached together to create a tight-knit community under one roof. 18th century turf houses took the form that would survive until today. Wooden panels were added to the front and back of the houses creating what is called the burstabær. There are examples of each type across the country which visitors can see and interact with to understand this fascinating and enduring history.
Construction & Function
Turf houses are far from simple structures. In fact they can be a surprisingly sophisticated method of adapting to the harsh climate and environment. Well insulated, the striking herringbone pattern of brick-like turf blocks combined with stone and drift-wood were astonishingly good at keeping the inhabitants safe and warm. Other ingenious designs such as creating two floor houses, where the cattle would be kept down stairs below the living space, allowing the inhabitants to capture the generated body heat of the animals.
Part of what makes these houses so interesting is the contrast between the exterior and interior. Where the exterior blends into the landscape, almost disappearing into the bumps and hills, the interiors could be quite homely, especially later models. Examples such as Laufas and Glaumbaer are deceptive at first glance, but once inside are rather comfortable, cosy and even elegant.
Not all turf houses had luxuries such as separate bedrooms. Some were very simple single living spaces used by fishermen and farmers. There was a juxtaposition between the wealthy landowners and those of the working class, which was reflected in the turf houses that were lived in.
Turf houses were temporary and adaptable. They needed regular maintenance to prevent rotting, mold, and damp. However, this also meant that they were highly customisable. They could be added to and changed each season according to the needs of the family. This speaks to a high level of flexibility and resourcefulness of the Icelandic farmers over the hundreds of years of inhabitation.
The most common method of construction was the use of flat stones to level the ground before using birch wood to create a load bearing frame. From there, blocks of turf would be fitted around the frame, usually creating a herringbone effect. These turf walls could be up to two meters thick to keep in warmth. In Viking Age turf houses, a hearth would be placed at the centre of the hall.
Churches were also sometimes built from turf. Grafarkirkja is a lovely example of a church built in much the same way as a turf house. In fact, it would be difficult to tell it was a church from the outside. This church may also be the oldest church preserved in Iceland.
Visiting Turf Houses
Many of these kinds of turf houses do not survive due to their organic nature. The turf houses you can visit today are largely based on wealthier houses. Many of the sites that can be visited are listed UNESCO World Heritage sites. Laufas is an example of a manor house owned by a wealthy family situated next to a church. Despite outward appearances being five separate houses, it is actually one dwelling shared between two or three people per room. The house is linked by a central hallway. It can be quite surprising how well decorated and furnished these houses were. This particular example was a residence until as late as 1936. Glaumbær in Skagafjörður is part of a heritage museum run by the National museum that showcases similar turf houses to Laufas, but on a larger scale. Like Laufas, Glaumbær has also been preserved for centuries.
To see what a Viking Age turf house might have looked like, Eiríksstaðir is the most interesting due to its association with the famous Erik the Red. An experimental archaeology unit holds events at the replica turf house which is situated right next to the original site. This period in Icelandic history is known as The Commonwealth Period, which spans from the establishment of the Althing in 930 AD until Iceland’s submission to the Norwegian throne in 1262. Stöng is another great example of an early longhouse recreated in the same style that would have been done during the Commonwealth. Keldur is also a worthwhile site to visit as it has one of the oldest turf houses still standing. For those looking to visit a turf house exhibition closer to Reykjavik, Árbær is an excellent option.
When reading the Sagas of Icelanders, turf houses make a prominent appearance in stories such as Njal’s Saga. Njall and his family were burned alive inside their turf house as a result of a blood feud between families. In Eyrbyggja Saga, an undead shepherd tormented a family by sitting on the roof of their turf house and shook it every night until he was vanquished. Archaeological sites such as Bergþórshvoll show evidence of a farmstead in the form of turf structures that give some credence to the sagas. Beyond this, some of the best turf house archaeological sites can be found in Reykjavik at The Settlement Exhibition or Hofsstaðir Viking Longhouse Historic Park.
Interactive Map of Turf Houses
There are over 30 places marked on this interactive map where you can see traditional turf houses. Change the map to satellite view, drag the yellow pegman into the map to see streetviews of many of the houses. If you have an account and are logged in, you can also use the buttons on the markers to add these attractions to your travel lists and itinerary (more details below).
Best Turf Houses to Visit
The following list contains some of the more interesting places and attractions to visit where you will be able to see and enter turf houses. These range from a few of the oldest remnants of turf houses excavated by archaeologists, to buildings that have been relocated to open-air museums or properties that have been transformed into open-air museums. The list also includes reconstructions of turf houses, as well as a somewhat unique attraction that was built as a filmset.
Settlement Exhibition 871±2
In 2001 workers digging in Reykjavik city centre came across the remains of a Viking longhouse dating to the 10th century. Later excavations revealed that the building was on top of an earlier structure dated to 871 ±2 AD – making this the oldest evidence of human habitation on the island. The remarkable find has been preserved in situ, and an extraordinary multimedia exhibition using state-of-the-art interactive technologies suitable for people of all ages reveals the world of Iceland’s earliest settlers.
Árbær Open Air Museum, Reykjavík
From a 13th century farmhouse, in its original position, to a re-constructed upper class town square with its 19th and 20th century two story buildings, this open air museum explores the early history of Reykjavik. Each house has been staged with period specific artefacts, allowing visitors to see what daily life was like in Iceland for farmers, fisherman and city dwellers. One of the buildings, in which the first worker’s guild was formed, houses a permanent exhibition that charts the history and development of consumption in Reykjavik.
Eiríksstaðir - Eiriksstadir Viking Home
The Eiriksstadir Viking Home museum is a replica of a Viking turf house that was built next to the archaeological remains of the house of Eric the Red. And where his son, Leifr Eiriksson was born. From this part of Iceland the Vikings set sail westwards. Eric is thought to have been the first Viking to reach Greenland, while his son the first European to reach North America. Viking re-enactors guide visitors around the site showing them what life was like around 1,000 years ago.
Skálholt Cathedral
One of Iceland’s most important historical sites, dating back to the Viking Age after the conversion. Skálholt Cathedral served as a school and cultural centre for bishops and priests from the 11th century. The first local bishop, Ísleifur Gissurarson, ordained in 1056, sat here. His son Gissur introduced the first taxes into the country. The nation’s only saint, Þorlákur Þórhallsson resided at Skálholt and his relics attract Christian pilgrims. Visitors can enter the cathedral, museum, a 13th century tunnel, and a reconstructed Þorláksbúð, a turf house that served as a temporary chapel in the 16th century.
Glaumbær Farm & Museum
Glaumbær is a historic church village that is now an open-air museum. People were living in the turf houses here up until 1947; the earliest evidence of human habitation is the 9th century. According to the Grænlendinga saga Snorri Þorfinnsson was one of the inhabitants. Snorri is said to be the first European to be born in North America in 11th century. Snorri built the first church in the village. The onsite museum is housed in a historic timber framed building.
Laufas Heritage Site & Museum
Earliest records of the historic site of Laufás date to the 10th century, although the buildings that make up the village today date from the mid 19th century. Including the church, which is dedicated to Saint Peter. On display in the turf houses are clothes, furniture, general household items and objects of everyday life from the 19th century. Of particular note is the church pulpit, made in 1698. One of the houses recreates the living room of an Icelandic Viking living room.
Skogar Open Air Museum
Part of the larger Skogar Museum in Iceland’s Southern Region, this open-air attraction features buildings from various periods of the island’s history. These include an early 20th century schoolhouse, the Skogar Church, and a series of traditional turf buildings once used as a farmhouse – as well as a turf house for elves! The museum houses over 15,000 artefacts, with a focus on agricultural and fishing equipment, but also collections of traditional costume and natural history specimens.
Turf House Museum
The Turf House Museum near the town of Selfoss, preserves several surviving examples of a style of architecture once widespread across Iceland. These timber structures are characterised by having turf across their roofs, helping to provide a source of installation, particularly during the cold Icelandic winters. As well as the preserved houses, the museum includes an exhibition hall which discusses the architecture and history of these fascinating buildings.
Keldur Turf Houses
Keldur, a historic settlement, is the location the largest turf farm in south Iceland. Parts of the central hall are thought to be from the oldest turf house still standing in Iceland. In the 12th and 13th century the settlement was inhabited by one of the most powerful clans of the time. Hence the size, the remains of 16 to 18 houses have been recorded. Much of what we see today was built in the 19th century. One of the unique features is an underground tunnel, built sometime in the 12th or 13th centuries at a time of conflict.
Hellissandur Maritime Museum
Today a popular tourist destination at the northwestern tip of Snæfellsnes peninsula, Hellissandur is one of the oldest fishing villages in Iceland. Near the town is the Snæfellsjökull glacier, made famous by Jules Verne. Visitors to the Sjómannagarðurinn maritime museum learn about the history of fishing and maritime culture in the shadow of the glacier. Highlights include Iceland’s oldest preserved fishing boat, the Bliki, built around 1826, and a reconstructed fisherman’s turf house.
Grenjaðarstaður
The historic settlement of Grenjaðarstaður has one of the largest turf houses in Iceland. The oldest part of this structure, made using lava rock, was built in 1865 and in habited until 1949. In 1958 the village became a folk museum. The village was a prosperous vicarage; the still functional Lutheran church was also built in 1865. In the cemetery you can see an original runestone, with inscriptions from the Middle Ages. On display in the houses are over 2,000 historic artefacts relating to living conditions and the history of the vicarage.
Lindarbakki Turf House
In the picturesque seaside fishing village of Borgarfjörður Eystri is the quaint red-walled turf house that was lived in until 2019. Although parts have been rebuilt, the house was one of many to have been built along the seafront in 1899 when the village was just taking off. Many were torn town with the arrival of cheaper modern builds. And now only Lindarbakki remains. The house has a basement, with a well, and only one room with a kitchen and a bathroom. Elísabet Sveinsdóttir, the last owner, gifted the house to the municipality.
Ósvör Maritime Museum
On a small piece of land between a coastal road and the sea is a replica 19th Icelandic fishing station. Visitors are greeted by a man dressed in a traditional fisherman’s outfit – protective clothing made of skin. He is there to guide you around the station, to see the rowing boat Ölver, a crew hut filled with traditional tools and other fishing equipment, a salt house and a drying hut for the fish. The buildings were rebuilt on the remains of old fishing hut, using traditional methods, including the use of stone and turf.
The Commonwealth Farm
One of Iceland’s best kept secrets, Stöng farmstead is built on the ruins of a Viking settlement manor. This farmhouse is intricately reconstructed in the image experts believed it to have been like during the age of settlement. Nestled away in Iceland’s idyllic Þjórsárdalur valley, you can see the original stone foundations. Between 1974-1977 reconstructions of the turf farm houses were built as authentically as possible. Visitors are able to see how the original saga-age farm would have looked like in an open air museum style.
Viking Village Filmset
At the foot of the dramatic Vestrahorn Mountain is a replica Viking settlement that was built to be used as a film set. Constructed in 2009 for a movie that was never filmed, the replica village was later used for the filming of the Netflix series ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’. The features of the village are based on Viking era buildings, including turf houses, surrounded by a wooden palisade. As an area of natural beauty, Vestrahorn is popular among hikers and photographers.
Create Your Own Travel Lists & Itineraries
You can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your travels in Iceland. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube, or reading the Using the Itinerary page. To make use of our itinerary builder, you will need to login or register as a new user. Follow this link to Login or Register.
To add more sites and museums to your Iceland Itinerary, see our Iceland Travel Guide.
Godafoss Waterfall & Turf House Museum Half-Day Tour
From Akureyri harbour take a 3.5 scenic drive to see two of northern Iceland’s most popular attractions. The Goðafoss Waterfall, also the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, is an important site for the conversion of Iceland to Christianity. Here chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the waters. Laufás Museum and heritage site is a 19th century turf farmhouse. Here restored buildings house historic artefacts associated with daily activities and agriculture. A perfect trip for people on cruise ships docking at the port of Akureyri.
Hrunalaug Natural Hot Spring
Near the village of Flúðir is a small, privately owned group of three pools fed by a geothermal spring. The first pool was built in 1890 for family use. A second pool was built in 1935 to bathe sheep to prevent skin diseases caused by mites. It is this structure that has a typical Icelandic turf roof. A wonderful, and historic place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The secret Lagoon in Flúðir is the country’s oldest natural swimming pool, built in 1891.
