Ancient Homes of Iceland: Insular Constructions Crafted from Earth and Turf
Venturing into Iceland's stunning landscapes, you'll likely stumble upon image-worthy turf houses. Despite the island's scarcity of trees, these turf abodes were widespread, serving as perfect insulation against the chilly climate. These houses, though delightful, require extensive maintenance, which is why only a fragment remains standing today.
Though they may seem like relics from a bygone age, turf homes weren't that disconnected from the present. In 1910, about half of Iceland's populace resided within these homes. Yet, as time ticked on and Reykjavik expanded (leaving little space for turf houses), their numbers steadily dwindled. By 1960, there were only 234 inhabited turf homes left in Iceland, most of which were deserted in the following decade.
Many of the surviving turf homes now belong to Þjóðminjasafn Íslands - the National Museum of Iceland and are part of the National Museum's Historic Buildings Collection at Árbæjarsafn in Reykjavik. However, there are still several well-preserved turf houses scattered around Iceland, many of which have been transformed into cultural museums to offer visitors a peek into the country's recent past.
For instance, the turf farm located in West Skaftafellssýsla's easternmost farm, Núpsstaður, houses one of Iceland's remaining turf churches. Another noteworthy museum is nearby Glaumbær Farm, where visitors can explore authentic turf construction techniques and living quarters from centuries past. The Víðimýrarkirkja Turf Church, built in 1834, is another valuable addition, being one of the few remaining preserved turf churches in Iceland.
Laufás Museum in North Iceland near Akureyri also provides a deep dive into Iceland's rural life. Housed in a historic turf-roofed building dating back to the 19th century, the museum showcases well-preserved interiors, traditional farming tools, furnishings, and artifacts, offering an immersive experience into the country's agricultural heritage.
These museums play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Iceland's unique architectural history, taking visitors on a journey through the daily lives, challenges, and rural traditions of the Icelanders in past centuries. These cultural gems make for captivating destinations for those seeking to connect with Iceland's rich history.
The National Museum of Iceland houses many surviving turf homes within its Historic Buildings Collection, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's recent past. Furthermore, cultural museums like the turf church at Núpsstaður, Glaumbær Farm, Víðimýrarkirkja Turf Church, and Laufás Museum in North Iceland provide insight into Iceland's unique home-and-garden architectural history, as well as its lifestyle and agricultural practices from past centuries.
