Laufás Turf Farm

Laufás

A well-preserved 19th-century turf-roofed farmhouse offering insight into traditional Icelandic rural life with original furnishings and buildings. The museum provides cultural context for understanding how Icelanders lived in harsh northern conditions.

Things to do

• Explore the Turf-Roofed Main House — Walk through the meticulously preserved 19th-century farmhouse to see original furnishings, traditional beds built into walls, and the central hearth that heated the home during harsh winters.
• Tour the Outbuildings and Farm Complex — Discover the interconnected stone and turf structures including a byre for livestock, storage buildings, and workshops that demonstrate how a self-sufficient farm operated in isolation.
• View Traditional Icelandic Furnishings — Examine handcrafted furniture, traditional textiles, and household implements that reveal the resourcefulness and craftsmanship of rural Icelanders before modern industrialization.
• Learn About Turf Construction Techniques — Observe the distinctive layering of turf walls and grass-covered roofs that provided insulation against Iceland's extreme weather while using locally available materials.
• Walk the Surrounding Farmland — Stroll the grounds around Laufás to appreciate the dramatic northern landscape and understand why farming in this remote location required extraordinary resilience.
• Visit the Small Museum Exhibition — Review photographs, artifacts, and historical documentation that contextualize daily life, social structures, and economic conditions in 19th-century North Iceland.

Food to try

• Rye Bread from Local Bakeries — Sample traditional Icelandic rye bread, historically baked using geothermal heat, which pairs with preserved foods that sustained farmers through long winters.
• Salted and Dried Fish — Taste harðfiskur or other preserved fish preparations that were essential protein sources for rural Icelandic families without access to fresh supplies year-round.
• Lamb Stew (Kjötsúpa) — Enjoy this hearty traditional dish of slow-cooked lamb with root vegetables, a staple comfort food that reflects the importance of sheep farming in the north.
• Skyr or Cultured Dairy — Try Iceland's traditional yogurt-like dairy product, which was produced fresh at farms like Laufás and provided crucial nutrition during harsh seasons.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Turf House Fragility — Walk carefully on wooden pathways and follow staff guidance, as the preserved turf structures are delicate and require conservation measures to survive future generations.
• Dress for Variable Weather — Bring waterproof clothing and layers even in summer, as North Iceland's coastal weather can shift rapidly and the farmstead offers limited shelter once you begin exploring exterior buildings.
• Learn Icelandic Settlement History — Understanding how Icelanders arrived around 874 AD and adapted to this harsh environment enriches appreciation for how families like those at Laufás survived for centuries with remarkable ingenuity.
• Visit During Summer Months — Plan your visit between June and August when the site has extended hours and the landscape is most accessible; winter weather makes the remote location challenging for casual tourists.