north iceland
Laufás Turf Farm Museum
About Laufás Turf Farm Museum
A beautifully preserved turf farmstead near Akureyri, active from the 17th century until 1930s. From the Viking settlement era through centuries of resilience, places like this serve as tangible links to Iceland's past. The historical significance of this location is enhanced by its setting in the striking Icelandic landscape, creating a meaningful experience for visitors interested in history and culture. Laufás has been a farm site since at least 1047, when it was owned by Þorvarður Tjörv, one of Iceland's early bishops. For nearly 900 years, people lived here in turf houses — dark, low-ceilinged buildings that provided shelter from Iceland's brutal winters. The current structures date from the 1860s and were inhabited until the 1940s. Walking through Laufás today means stooping through narrow passages between rooms where entire families once slept, worked and survived the long northern winters. Iceland's National Museum now preserves it as one of the finest turf farm museums in the country. Visitor Information: This site is located in North Iceland, Iceland. As a historical, it provides visitors with a distinctive experience of Iceland's remarkable natural and cultural heritage. What to Expect: - A unique historical experience in one of Iceland's most scenic regions - Opportunities for photography and exploration - Connection to Iceland's natural landscape and cultural heritage - Accessible during the main tourist season (June-September) - Can be combined with other nearby attractions in North Iceland Best Time to Visit: The site is most accessible during summer months (June-August) when daylight hours are longest and weather is mildest. However, each season offers its own unique character — winter brings possible Northern Lights, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds. Nearby: Explore other attractions in North Iceland to make the most of your visit to this beautiful region of Iceland.
🐉 The Lagarfljót Wyrm
The lakes and rivers of North and East Iceland are said to harbor the Lagarfljótsormurinn, a fearsome serpent similar to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. According to legend, a young girl placed a gold ring on a heath serpent to make it grow, but the creature grew so large and fierce that she threw it into Lagarfljót lake. The serpent continued to grow and has terrorized the area for centuries. Sightings have been reported well into the modern era, with some photographs and videos purporting to show the creature. Whether real or imagined, the legend reflects Iceland's deep connection to its watery landscapes and the mysteries they hold.
📖 History of Laufás Turf Farm Museum
This site in North Iceland stands as a witness to Iceland's rich and eventful past. Iceland's history begins with the Norse settlement around 870 AD, led by figures like Ingólfur Arnarson, who established the first permanent settlement in Reykjavík. The medieval period saw the creation of the Alþingi parliament in 930 AD, the adoption of Christianity in 1000 AD, and the writing of the great Icelandic sagas. This site connects to these broader historical currents, preserving stories and memories from centuries past. Through periods of Norwegian and Danish rule, natural disasters, and eventual independence in 1944, places like this have served as anchors for Icelandic cultural identity.
✈️ Why Visit
Step into 19th-century Icelandic farm life — interconnected turf buildings showing how generations lived in North Iceland.
💡 Did You Know?
Laufás has been a farm site since 1047 — that's nearly 1000 years of continuous habitation in the same location.
Key Facts
Current buildings from 1866
Inhabited 1047–1948
Multiple interconnected turf houses
19th-century church adjacent
Managed by Akureyri Museum
💎 Hidden Gems
Saga Connections
Research which Icelandic sagas mention this area before your visit to this attraction.
Reading the relevant saga passages brings the site alive and connects you to events that happened here over 800 years ago.
Landscape Reading
Try to imagine what this place looked like during the settlement era — fewer roads, more birch forests, similar mountains.
The natural landmarks remain largely unchanged, meaning you're seeing much of what the original settlers saw.
Local Heritage Centers
Nearby heritage centers or information boards often have additional context about the site.
Local communities preserve detailed knowledge about their area's history that enhances your understanding.
🕐 Best Time
Summer (June-August) for full opening hours
🚗 Access
Most historical sites are accessible by car with nearby parking.
⏱ Duration
30 minutes to 1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee?▾
Many historical sites in Iceland are free to visit. Some may have a small fee or request a donation for upkeep.
Are there information signs in English?▾
Most popular historical sites have information boards in both Icelandic and English.
Can I visit year-round?▾
Most outdoor historical sites are accessible year-round. Indoor exhibitions may have seasonal hours.
📍 GPS Location
Book a Tour to Laufás Turf Farm Museum
Find guided tours, day trips and activities. Compare prices and book instantly with free cancellation.
🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.