This book showcases Iceland’s large turf houses: Árbær in Reykjavík, Glaumbær in Skagafjörður, Laufás in Eyjafjörður, Grenjaðarstaður in Aðaldalur, Þverá in Laxárdalur, Bustarfell in Vopnafjörður and Keldur in Rangárvellir. We also take a look at the composite farmhouse at the Skógar Heritage Museum.

These turf buildings are unique, Iceland’s remarkable contribution to the world’s architectural heritage. Some of these turf homes were lived in until well into the 20th century, and most of them now house heritage museums. They are thus still in use, and that adds to their value.

Many more turf buildings are to be found in Iceland, although this book focuses only on few. Iceland’s turf churches are the subject of a separate volume, Turf Churches. Iceland’s unique turf-building tradition is under consideration for the UNESCO World Heritage List.