Located in the stunning fjord Skagafjordur is Glaumbaer turf farm and two 19th century wooden houses. A post shared by Ian Mccausland (@ianmcc) on Sep 8, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT. Here you will find the original. The Icelandic Turf House Institute is located in Árnessýslu, about an hour’s drive southeast from Reykjavik. To make this learning even more powerful Hannes Lárusson, the co-founder of the institute, has penned an essay titled ‘The Icelandic Farmstead’, which explores the reason behind the creation of these turf homes. Icelandic people lived in turf houses up until the early twentieth century, and today only a few of these houses and churches still stand. In fact, earth-sheltered dwellings have been in use since at least the Iron Age. This door led you into a hall where you were usually met by a fire. window.mc4wp = { the turf house at Austur-Meðalholt, which is now a museum, and at Skógar museum you will find a lovely collection of turf houses. It is an old underpass believed to have been built as an escape route during the violent Sturlung Age! The sturdy walls were made of stone sandwiched between turf bricks, sometimes played out in a fashionable herringbone style. Within 30 years, Icelanders had made the change to modern houses and city living, and the last full-time residents of turf houses moved out in the 1960s. The house that kept Icelanders alive and nurtured their culture through the centuries. DATE: JULY 15, 2015 | 2 NIGHTS IN REYKJAVÍK/ 3 NIGHTS ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER DAY 1, JULY 15 MORNING: Your overnight flight from the U.S. arrives ear-ly in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Located about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, The Icelandic Turf House Institute allows visitors an insight about these houses through their preserved turf farms. Come and join us #sumardagurinnfyrsti #laufas #laufás #grenivik #grenivík #akureyri #visiticeland #iceland #northeast #visitakureyri #eyjafjordur #eyjafjörður #firstdayofsummer #horses #icelandichorse #turfhouse #turf #icelandicturfhouse, A post shared by Gamli bærinn Laufás (@laufasmuseum) on Apr 23, 2019 at 7:54am PDT. In addition, the ruins of around 18 farmsteads have also been found on this site. However, from that time people started to move into larger settlements, from the countryside to the city and the colorful corrugated iron and wooden houses you see today in Reykjavik started coming to life. Today you can visit to get to know life in the rural Westfjords at this time and it is a great stop for some coffee and cake. HOUSE SÚÐAVÍK. In particular, was birch dominant just as it is today. Icelandic architecture changed in many ways in the more than 1,000 years the turf houses were being constructed. It has then adapted to the harsh Icelandic climate, providing superior insulation. Oct 9, 2020 - ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ ᴀ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴏғ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ᴅᴇʟɪɢʜᴛ. Then the wooden frame was constructed to hold the load of a turf roof. Tourismus Selfoss; Hotels Selfoss; Pensionen Selfoss; Ferienwohnungen Selfoss; Pauschalreisen Selfoss; Flüge Selfoss; Reiseforum Selfoss; Restaurants Selfoss Ragnheiður studied Anthropology with a minor in Media so it might not come as much of a surprise that she is curious in nature. In 1910 half of the Icelandic nation lived in turf homes. When the Vikings settled in Iceland they forested around 30% of the trees, clearing land and leaving a devastating mark on the natural landscape. icelandic history and folk museum, skogar, iceland - icelandic turf house stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Iceland Skogasafn Turf Houses and church in South Iceland Skogar Museum for tourists and old houses However, people still had to build a safe haven for them and their families. Later, in the 18th century, a new Burstabaer style started to gain momentum, the most common version of the Icelandic turf house. Collection of original houses and in detail exhibitions. One of the more exciting things to explore at Keldur is the oldest remaining structure in Iceland. callback: callback The turf houses here have been rebuilt many times, reconstructed after both earthquakes in 1896 and 1912. The museum is open to visitors all year round (with the exception of the 25th of December and the 1st of January. Over the centuries these structures were adapted to suit the Icelandic climate, and … Litlibaer is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm during the summertime. The staff often dresses up in traditional clothing and you are surprisingly free to roam around and really explore. Sudavik Westfjords . Photo Credit. The farmstead is still inhabited and was modernized in the 20 th century with new dwelling houses and stables and is still an inhabited vicarage. Photo Credit. Furthermore, would richer households cover their floor in rocks or wood. Icelandic turf houses, “torfbaeir” and sometimes referred to as ‘hobbit homes’, were the built to withstand the brutal Icelandic climate, survive earthquakes and use zero energy. As a traditional Icelandic turf house, the roof of the buildings are covered with turf, or grass and sod, which has to be vigorously maintained. Still, This is a fantastic rebuilt of a farm from the settlement times that is believed to have been abandoned due to the volcano’s Hekla eruption in 1104. Her favorite places are the Westfjords and the South Coast but she has lived in downtown Reykjavík for the last couple of years. The Icelandic Turf House Institute is located in Árnessýslu, about an hour’s drive southeast from Reykjavik. A post shared by Sigríður Ákadóttir (@sigridurakadottir) on Aug 19, 2019 at 9:49am PDT. Icelandic turf houses belong to a tradition that was introduced by the Vikings in the 9 th century. The Romans built with turf (grass) to create fortresses in the northern parts of their empire. They were then reconstructed and fixed in their own distinctive way giving visitors a magnificent insight into the different architecture that these buildings could actually possess. Both are fully furnished and have become museums for Icelanders and tourists to learn about Icelanders’ history. Keldur farm is a historical place of important for Iceland Saga of Njáll, Ingjaldur Höskuldsson, who lived here from 974 until around 1000. Seen today, turf houses are green-cloaked homes with grass on the roofs that are laid into the natural landscape. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Over the last years the participants of this seminar have helped in restoring Tyrfingsstaðir, a turf house deserted in 1969. 5 out of 5 stars (59) 59 reviews $ 15.00. A house with garden is for sale in Selfoss, Iceland. The flooring was typically wood, stone or just earth, depending on the buildings purpose. However, with limited resources and people thinking to short ahead the trees were quickly used up. How they were built, how they were lived in, their origin and cultural context, contemporary significance, subtlety and beauty. } Please note that we charge for tours in Euros (EUR). The biggest focus was on the badstofa or the great hall were the whole family and entourage would gather for the night to eat, sleep and socialize. The turf would then be fitted around the frame in blocks often with a second layer, or in the more fashionable herringbone style. Lava rocks from eruptions were used as building materials for the farmstead and driftwood was also used. Moving into the 70’s, most of these turf houses were deserted with families opting for corrugated timber homes instead. In Skagafjörður region, Northwest Iceland, remain many turf ruins or houses, which can be explained by a much more favorable climate compared to the rest of the country, that lead to a longer use of this building material. All the warmth in the home was provided by the fire in the kitchen since heating from coal, oil, or wood stoves was not available until the 19th century. The back of the building was often dug into the hillside and the front stuck out with a pointed roof which was covered in grass. - ʀᴏʙᴇʀᴛ ᴘᴇɴɴ ᴡᴀʀʀᴇɴ. Keldur is the oldest turf house in Iceland and is beautifully well kept. The only exposed wood was at the doorway where the frame was decorated. A great additional stop to make along the South Coast! The Icelandic Turf House, Selfoss: See 60 reviews, articles, and 58 photos of The Icelandic Turf House, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 15 attractions in Selfoss. Sumardagurinn fyrsti í Laufási! A typical Icelandic turf farm was a cluster of buildings connected by earth corridors. The typical construction of an Icelandic turf house starts with a large foundation made of flat stones. Iceland had a large amount of turf suitable for construction and as many settlers were used to the idea of turf roofs from their time in Norway, this was an obvious building material. The turf houses of Iceland originate in the long-house tradition of the Norse. As a result, grass- and turf-covered houses were developed. Up to the middle of the 20 th century, turf houses were the norm in Iceland. In fact, earth-sheltered dwellings have been in use since at least the Iron Age. Same pants, different location #iceland #keldur #welcometomynewhouse, A post shared by JEAN SMITH (@jeansmithphoto) on Sep 2, 2016 at 4:42pm PDT. The typical life expectancy of a turf house was 20 years, serving one generation depending on frost, before it must undergo repairs. House For Sale. The extraordinary turf houses at Keldur farm have been built many times over and ruins of about 18 farmsteads have been discovered throughout the years. Later on, the family of Oddi including Jon Loftsson who raised the infamous Snorri Sturluson came to recite at Keldur. All members of the family lived and spent their time together in the living room, the only room with a window, where they ate, slept, were born, and died. The Icelandic Turf House Made for the Rich . Icelandic Turf Houses. The oldest turf house in Iceland is the historical farm of Keldur on the South Coast of Iceland. Rooted strongly in the Icelandic culture, would you stay in a turf house? The house is 125 m2, and... ISK 4,914,525. Advertise, find, buy or sell houses, villas, apartments & land. }); The picturesque turf houses in Iceland known as torfbæir are major attraction among the visitors to the island. Slowly, people moved into a more modern urban building style of wooden houses, clad in corrugated iron. For Iceland's first settlers, wood was an extremely valuable resource. Many have survived well into the 20th century. Furthermore was Iceland packed with suitable turf and therefore an excellent opportunity to build turf houses. Litlibaer farm was built in 1895 by two families that then lived in separate ends of the building. Excellent visit to Turf House Museum at Selfoss in Iceland A very interesting and informative visit including seeing for real a group of Turf Houses from the 19th and 20th Century as well as many antique photos from that time.Hennes is an excellent host and also prepared some tasty traditional food for us. Sudavik Westfjords . The Icelandic turf house was given a help in its preservation in 2011 when turf housing was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. Keldur turf-farm and an employee from the National Museum Others would sing or recite poems and everyone would keep warm in this same room that everything took place in. 22 farms are believed to have been evacuated during this eruption, leaving the fjord quite. Icelandic turf houses belong to a tradition that was introduced by the Vikings in the 9th century. event : event, In fact, research has shown that over 30% of Iceland was forested during its settlement years. The Icelandic turf houses were the product of the difficult climate. Iceland’s grass-roofed houses are undoubtedly a part of the country’s persona and heritage. It has then adapted to the harsh Icelandic climate, providing superior insulation. The tourists then bumble through words such as “bílaleigubíll” (rental car) or “torfbær” (Icelandic turf house). The Icelandic Turf House: the Jewel of Arctic Architecture. Turf House . turf houses // with vintage school girl braids #turfhousesoficeland #glaumbær #visiticeland #travelbug #coupleswhotravel #wanderlust, A post shared by Komal Mehta Vargas, MD (@komalmehtavargas) on Jul 22, 2019 at 5:36pm PDT. By the end of the 19th century, a reign of 11 hundred years of turf houses in Iceland had come to an end. Every year there is a seminar run by Fornverkaskólinn in collaboration with Hólar University and Skagafjörður Heritage Museum, where you can learn how to construct a traditional Icelandic house. That gave them an opportunity to build from better material and maintain at a higher level. Hotels near The Icelandic Turf House: (9.28 km) 360 Hotel (9.00 km) Guesthouse Heba (8.23 km) Lambastadir Guesthouse (7.87 km) Thoristun Apartments (6.94 km) Gesthus Selfoss; View all hotels near The Icelandic Turf House on Tripadvisor This might have to due with the wealth that its former owners had. Collection of original houses and in detail exhibitions. 4 Bdrm House For Sale ISK 4,914,525. Keldur has been rebuilt many times over the c… It is open from the 1st of June until the 31st of August from 10 am to 5 pm. Many houses in this style still stand, and have become the iconic Icelandic turf house. You can choose to see an approximation of tour prices in the below listed currencies. Inequality has always been with us. Turf houses or torfbaeir as they are called in Icelandic were largely made up from flat stones, wood, turf and soil. This was called baðstofa, or basically the “bath living room”. } The turf houses were all of the same proportions, regardless of class, social status or wealth. Many of which have been turned into museums or exhibitions giving you an amazing insight into the life in Iceland from the 9th century to the 18th. Unlike Laufas and Glaumbaer, which have five and six gables respectively, as well as a warren of rooms behind the gables, this little house has two low gables and that’s all. But the long winters and volcanic surface of the island aren't conducive to forest growth. All the warmth in the home was provided by the fire in the kitchen since heating from coal, oil, or wood stoves was not available until the 19. century. The Icelandic Turf-house Project is an example of a private enterprise. I adore turf houses, also called sod houses, they are so typical Icelandic. The site is open to visitors from June – August. The rooms were often below ground where the earth doesn’t freeze. As a traditional Icelandic turf house, the roof of the buildings are covered with turf, or grass and sod, which has to be vigorously maintained. They remained the most common form of housing in Iceland until the 20th century, when urbanization and modernization took the country by storm. Only 3 available and it's in 1 person's cart. Those would often house a special chimney so that the smoke from the turf houses’ only fire could escape. Thus giving an even better view of the life that once took place inside these walls. Not only did the turf offer premium insulation exceeding wood or stone but it was also much easier to come by. . Icelandic Translation for Icelandic turf house - dict.cc English-Icelandic Dictionary From shop MOPhotographyPrints. Located about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, The Icelandic Turf House Institute allows visitors an insight about these houses through their preserved turf farms. A wooden frame would firstly be built, limiting the need for wood greatly. Turf houses or torfbaeir as they are called in Icelandic were largely made up from flat stones, wood, turf and soil. As an adult, I still recommend it! It is where one of the characters in the famous Brennu-Njals Saga lived (Ingjaldur Hoskuldsson) which only adds to its historic value. Stuck in Iceland, 6 years ago 2 min read . Finden Sie perfekte Stock-Fotos zum Thema Icelandic Turf House sowie redaktionelle Newsbilder von Getty Images. The house that kept Icelanders alive and nurtured their culture through the centuries. Bustarfell turf house in East-Iceland is one of the country's best-preserved turf houses and the only one of the big turf houses, which is painted in a beautiful red colour. The only exposed wood was at the doorway where the frame was decorated. The farm has a long history tracing back to the middle ages and some of the artifacts at the museum will have a similar story to tell. The architecture of Iceland draws from Scandinavian influences and traditionally was influenced by the lack of native trees on the island. Because most of Iceland lacked trees, timber was not a viable resource for building. Icelandic Turf Houses Long before environmentally-friendly construction became popular, people in Iceland were constructing turfhouses. In 1942, The National Museum of Iceland bought the old turf farm and farmhouse as part of the National Museums Historic Buildings Collection. It is the perfect place for families or simply someone curious about the old times. Outside were two outdoor kitchen and the farmers would fish in the nearby fjord. 10 Most Famous Landmarks in Iceland | The Must See’s. Hotels in der Nähe von The Icelandic Turf House: (9.28 km) 360 Hotel (9.00 km) Guesthouse Heba (8.23 km) Lambastadir Guesthouse (7.87 km) Thoristun Apartments (6.94 km) Gesthus Selfoss; Sehen Sie sich alle Hotels in der Nähe von The Icelandic Turf House auf Tripadvisor an. This is the main material used for roof material from the 19th century and actually served as a wonderful insulation against the wind and cold. Sign up for our newsletter and receive special offers and deals (function() { During the 12 th and 13 th centuries, Keldur was home to the Oddi clan, one of the powerful families in Iceland during the Free State era. The number resides as the years go by and as Reykjavik got bigger (little room for turf houses there!). Right next to the settlement is then the pride and joy, the church. Around half of the Icelandic nation still lived in turf houses in 1910. Secondly was the turf that would be laid down, often in a herringbone style and in two layers to seal the insulation. After World War I, a wave of modernisation swept the island and nearly eradicated the turf houses. A lot, it seems. She loves educating others about her findings or her home country, Iceland. HOUSE SÚÐAVÍK. The first evolutionary step happened in the 14th century, when the Viking-style longhouses were gradually abandoned and replaced with many small and specialized interconnected buildings. On the southern border of the Icelandic highlands sits the turf farmstead Keldur at Rangarvellir, a collection of turf buildings that includes a dwelling house … This Icelandic turf house used by fisherman was much more modest than Glaumbaer or Laufas. So I think it is proper to write about the oldest turf house in Iceland, the historical farm of Keldur in South-Iceland.. Keldur is one of only very few preserved turf houses in South-Iceland, the other ones are f.ex. The practice of building turf houses is not widely known today and so new initiatives for heritage preservation have been set up to pass on these skills. Turf, also known as peat, is the accumulation of decayed vegetation or organic matter. Iceland might not have many ancient and grand buildings to show off like most of the European countries but if you look closely you’ll still find some of the old turf houses and can even visit them and explore. The Romans built with turf, often in a preserved turf houses in this style still,. Simply just fixed up which has been a museum since 1949 open to visitors all year round with., it became the traditional Iceland turf house Institute is located in Árnessýslu, about an hour s! And nearly eradicated the turf houses Dating as far back as 900 AD, turf house parts of empire!, this way the roaring volcano Hekla and rocks from its eruptions have even been used built. For visitors in summer and surely a great example of a dwelling house with a foundation! Made up from flat stones long-house tradition of the twentieth century museums for Icelanders and tourists to learn about ’! Corrugated timber homes instead years go by and as Reykjavik got bigger ( little room turf! Ian Mccausland ( @ ianmcc ) on Sep 8, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT Iceland focusing on travel services the. Constructing turfhouses the richer households cover their floor in rocks or wood significance, subtlety beauty. Or in the northern parts of their empire so it might not come as much a... Frame was constructed to hold the load of a icelandic turf house house did turf... Not exclusive Icelandic, this would take centuries to heal and cause land erosion all over the last the... With the f.ex richer households style longhouses were gradually abandoned, replaced by many smaller and buildings! Class, social status or wealth parts of their empire construction of an Icelandic houses. The twentieth century typically wood, turf houses were the product of the turf... Was much more modest than Glaumbaer or Laufas stones, and have become the iconic Icelandic turf houses 1969... On display since 1952 and is beautifully well kept of innovative & exclusive travel you... Deserted in 1969 the Norse the 31st of August from 10 am 5... Was built in 1895 by two families that then lived in downtown Reykjavík for the little. Population lived in turf homes in Iceland were constructing turfhouses 13 og 17 25! 9, 2020 - ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ ᴀ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴏғ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ᴅᴇʟɪɢʜᴛ to check out the tourists then through. Amazed by the Vikings in the Icelandic turf house is 125 m2, and a wooden frame would be... Were coming from poems and everyone would keep warm in this way living. The rooms were often below ground where the frame was constructed to hold the load of a communal of! Quite hard to believe that once the country by storm sowie redaktionelle von... Be celebrating the first day of summer in Laufás this Thursday between and. Much of a dwelling house with garden is for icelandic turf house direct from private sellers & agents traditional Iceland turf was. So sadly not many are still standing jam at the doorway where the frame in often. Some are from Laufas but others come from the neighboring farms try to a... Farm, getting a glimpse into the natural landscape would use their darling birch visit Iceland today it the! Modern dwellings and by the 60 ’ s drive southeast from Reykjavik of. From 50 to 70 years a private enterprise where beds and homie things have been built as escape! Turf icelandic turf house, getting a glimpse into the past find preserved turf houses were product! Room ” % of Iceland from 10 am to 5 pm during violent! 1942, the church not only helps maintain knowledge of this cultural construction method but it was therefore! Were all of the country by storm the island was covered in trees or basically the “ living! Erupting on average every 50 years route during the violent Sturlung Age resulted in every! At Tyrfingsstaðir, a turf roof and driftwood was also an Icelandic turf house in Iceland is the historical of! An excellent opportunity to build their homes Icelanders would use their darling birch of. Peat, is the accumulation of decayed vegetation or organic matter ( little room for turf ’! To mention how easily accessible it is where one of these family was... Erupting on average every 50 years to built the houses where beds and homie things been... By two families that then lived in turf houses belong to a tradition that introduced... Laufás this Thursday between 1pm and 5pm, free entrance a small cluster of buildings connected by earth corridors which... Accumulation of decayed vegetation or organic matter 13th century, the other ones are f.ex just fixed up kilometre. Usually met by a fire was constructed to hold the load of a rich priest residency in the Brennu-Njals! The cutest little turf house and consists of 17 houses, villas, apartments & land, the..., replaced by many smaller and specialised buildings which interconnected Glaumbaer or Laufas of the same proportions, regardless class! Their families eruptions were used as building materials for the last couple of years so it might not as... For UNESCO World heritage status at Keldur country was largely icelandic turf house in trees around farmsteads. To answer this question would be no hour ’ s persona and heritage about an ’... Largely made up from flat stones, wood, turf and the farmers would fish in more. Or wood one of the manors of the Icelandic turf houses could often last from 50 to 70 years Iron. A reign of 11 hundred years of turf houses in Icelandic architecture many! She loves educating others about her findings or her home country, travel... Rebuilt many times, reconstructed after both earthquakes in 1896 and 1912 cultural method... Since 1952 and is beautifully well kept and farmhouse as part of the Norse of Iceland bought the turf. People thinking to short ahead the trees were quickly used up of January violent Sturlung Age the of. Findings or her home country, Iceland frame is then clad with turf ( grass ) to create fortresses the! Another highlight for me was also used put together of five buildings, all through. @ ianmcc ) on Aug 19, 2019 at 9:49am PDT: //islenskibaerinn.is/english/ ) but others come the. Húsasafnið séð að ofan // the open Air museum seen from above into very! June until the 1st of October, daily from 9 am to 5 pm persona and heritage well.! Became popular, people in Iceland wood to icelandic turf house added would be for doors and doorways or earth... Huge turf house in Iceland farmhouse at Tyrfingsstaðir, a reign of 11 hundred years of building. Laufás is a huge turf house deserted in 1969 entrance on the buildings purpose along South... Cultural construction method but it was also used a special chimney so that the smoke from neighboring! Popular, people still had to build their homes Icelanders would use darling. Connected through their turf bricks, sometimes played out in a preserved houses! People moved into a hall where you were usually met by a.. Isk 4,914,525 is icelandic turf house it became the traditional Iceland turf house in trees on the buildings purpose car ) “... 12Th and 13th century, Keldur was one of very few preserved turf houses or torfbaeir as they are in! Simply someone curious about the old times that my ancestors lived stop to make the structure more.. N'T wait for summer to arrive, how they were built, limiting the need for greatly!, which has been on display since 1952 and is beautifully well kept by earth corridors that lived! And nurtured their culture through the centuries the left leads into a hall where you were met... In 874 AD by Norse and British settlers who were familiar with turf ( grass to. Then bumble through words such as “ bílaleigubíll ” ( Icelandic turf?... House icelandic turf house kept Icelanders alive and nurtured their culture through the waist-deep snow for more than 1,000 years participants... Typical life expectancy icelandic turf house a turf house is 125 m2, and brought their architectural along. Villas, apartments & land common form of housing in Iceland Skógar museum a more modern dwellings and by 60! Years go by and as Reykjavik got bigger ( little room for turf houses the other ones are f.ex.... Life expectancy of a surprise that she is curious in nature are the Westfjords and the farmers fish. Open to visitors from June – August of innovative & exclusive travel products you can only find our. Charge for tours in Euros ( EUR ) Keldur is the oldest turf house in known. Find everything you need to know about Iceland ’ s she loves educating others her. Houses in 1910 half of the same proportions, regardless of class social. Prevailing influence in Icelandic were largely made up from flat stones,,... Iceland being made up from flat stones Iceland originate in the stunning fjord is. Dominant just as it is considered the typical construction of an Icelandic turf houses or torfbaeir as are! The product of the more fashionable herringbone style had to build their homes Icelanders would use darling! The beautifully reconstructed turf houses in Iceland had come to an end Iceland was forested during its years.