Tremendous turf houses in Iceland

Early settlers used up most of Iceland’s timber for boats, construction and fuel, meaning their descendants had to get creative when ensuring shelter during the long winters. Thus, turf houses soon became the staple abode for both poor and affluent residents. Operated by Akureyri Museum, the turf houses of Laufás are an excellent example of an opulent residency, once a wealthy manor and vicarage capable of housing up to 30 people. During the summer, visitors can appreciate this architecture for themselves, including a small church built in 1865. The last people living at Laufás left in 1937.