Iceland's Turf Houses
I made a point of visiting many intriguing turf-constructed sites, ranging from churches and restaurants to residences. Indeed, turf houses are ubiquitous in Iceland. If you share a similar interest in distinctive architecture, consider including the following attractions in your Icelandic itinerary:
Glaumbær Farm & Museum
Image 1: This farm and museum, situated in Skagafjörður, northern Iceland, is conveniently en route from the second-largest city, Akureyri, to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The terraced white and brown turf houses showcase the rural lifestyle of Icelanders in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Remarkably, the architecture here is a near-identical replica of a refrigerator magnet I purchased! A heartwarming and faithful recreation.
Víðimýrarkirkja Lutheran Church
Image 2: This turf church is located adjacent to the aforementioned farm and museum, with a driving distance of less than ten minutes between the two, making it convenient to visit both. Its red-framed windows, whitewashed walls, and turf roof are exquisitely charming. According to the custodian, a combination ticket for visiting the church interior and the farm museum is available; however, I found that viewing it from the exterior was sufficient, as its primary appeal lies in its aesthetic allure.
Lindarbakki
Image 3: If you plan to visit the East Fjords to observe puffins during the summer months, this red-and-green turf cottage is located along Route 94, the road leading to the birdwatching site, making it an unavoidable landmark. It ranks among my top three favorite architectural structures in Iceland! Regrettably, it was closed on the Sunday of my visit, but it is typically open for tours.
Hofskirkja Church
Image 4: A turf church that can be visited en route from the town of Vik in southern Iceland to the Glacier Lagoon, featuring a pastoral palette of yellow and green.
Rútshellir Caves
Images 5 and 6: This stop was a serendipitous discovery encountered along the road from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall to Skógafoss Waterfall. It can be seen from the left side of the road. This is a man-made cave, once used for storing hay and also as a blacksmith's shop.
Viking Village
Image 7 and onwards: Located beneath Mount Vestrahorn, this movie set recreates a Viking-era turf village, complete with an ancient ship moored just outside the village. Docile Icelandic horses graze peacefully in the meadow, inviting gentle petting. The scale of this site is significantly larger than the preceding attractions, providing ample opportunities for photography and exploration. I, for one, am particularly drawn to its enigmatic, primeval ambiance!
Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant
The final image depicts a Viking restaurant located near Selfoss, not far from Reykjavik. Due to time constraints, we were unable to make a reservation. I recommend it to those interested in indulging in a Viking-themed culinary experience.
