Laufás Turf Houses
Step back in time at Laufás, exploring remarkably preserved 19th-century turf houses and a charming turf church.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Laufás Turf Houses
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Laufás, exploring remarkably preserved 19th-century turf houses and a charming turf church.
"Worth the detour to learn about Icelandic history and traditional life."
Watch Your Head! 📏
Ceilings are low in the turf houses. Duck to avoid bumping your head as you explore the historic interiors.
Climb the Church Loft ⬆️
The church has shallow steps leading to a loft. It's a unique experience to see the church from this perspective.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interconnected Turf Houses
Main village area
Step back in time exploring the surprisingly spacious, interconnected turf houses and their cozy interiors.
Historic Turf Church
Adjacent to the houses
Climb the shallow steps into the charming turf church, a unique architectural gem offering a glimpse into past worship.
Agricultural Machine Exposition
Outdoor area
Discover a collection of old agricultural machinery, showcasing the tools that shaped early Icelandic farming.
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Planning Your Visit
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What to Expect Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Watch Your Head! 📏
Ceilings are low in the turf houses. Duck to avoid bumping your head as you explore the historic interiors.
Climb the Church Loft ⬆️
The church has shallow steps leading to a loft. It's a unique experience to see the church from this perspective.
Coffee & Tea Included ☕
Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea as part of your admission, a warm welcome from the friendly shop staff.
Worth the Detour 🚗
Even if it's a bit off your main route, Laufás is highly recommended for its historical insights and unique setting.
Tips
from all over the internet
Watch Your Head! 📏
Ceilings are low in the turf houses. Duck to avoid bumping your head as you explore the historic interiors.
Climb the Church Loft ⬆️
The church has shallow steps leading to a loft. It's a unique experience to see the church from this perspective.
Coffee & Tea Included ☕
Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea as part of your admission, a warm welcome from the friendly shop staff.
Worth the Detour 🚗
Even if it's a bit off your main route, Laufás is highly recommended for its historical insights and unique setting.
Explore Through Windows 🖼️
If houses are locked, you can still peek inside through the windows to see the layout and furnishings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Laufás Turf Houses for its unique historical insight into 19th-century Icelandic life. The well-preserved turf houses and church offer an immersive experience, with many appreciating the friendly staff and included coffee/tea. Some note the low ceilings and shallow church steps as points to be mindful of.
"It was temporarily closed, yet we were able to look around, visit church, and also use the toilet - which was open, clean, and warm. The old agricultural machine exposition was outside. Houses were locked, but we were able to look inside through the windows."
Greg N
"Laufás Museum and heritage site with its turf houses is a unique and interesting place to visit. From the outside the houses appear to be individual and small. However, most are interconnected inside and have multiple rooms and even an upstairs! You can climb up into the loft of the church. I say climb as the steps are very shallow in depth. We recommend visiting. We were on a tour through our cruise line. We did not feel rushed at this stop."
Carlee Cat
"Worth the detour. Had full access to everything. So cool to walk inside the sod houses and the church. Great historical information. Wonderful people in the shop. Coffee and tea are part of the admission."
Corie Naugle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laufás Turf Houses are located in North Iceland, near Akureyri. Many visitors reach it by car along the Ring Road (Route 1). It's a common stop for tours exploring the region.
Public transport options to Laufás are limited. Renting a car or joining an organized tour is the most convenient way to visit this historical site.
Laufás Turf Houses are approximately a 30-40 minute drive northeast of Akureyri, making it an easy day trip or stopover.
Yes, Laufás is a popular stop for cruise ship excursions in North Iceland, offering a convenient way to experience the site without independent travel.
Many visitors combine a trip to Laufás with exploring nearby waterfalls and natural attractions in the Skagafjörður region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours for Laufás Turf Houses vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Admission fees apply for Laufás Turf Houses. The price typically includes access to the houses, church, and any exhibitions. Coffee and tea are often included.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for Laufás, especially if you are visiting independently. However, for large groups or during peak season, it might be advisable.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is usually available on the official website or at the ticket counter.
If the houses are locked, you can still get a good sense of the site by looking through the windows. The church and outdoor areas are usually accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Laufás features a collection of well-preserved 19th-century turf houses, a turf church, and an outdoor exhibition of old agricultural machinery.
Yes, you can explore the interiors of many of the turf houses, which are surprisingly interconnected and spacious. Be mindful of low ceilings.
The turf church is typically open to visitors, and you can even climb up into its loft via shallow steps.
Laufás provides a unique insight into the traditional Icelandic way of life in the 19th century, showcasing how people lived in turf houses.
Restroom facilities are available on-site and are usually clean and warm, even if the main houses are temporarily closed.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic exterior of the grass-roofed houses, the unique turf church, and the surrounding scenic Icelandic landscape. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful. 
Photography inside the turf houses is generally permitted, but always be respectful of the historical artifacts and other visitors.
There are usually no major photography restrictions, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage or ask staff if unsure.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for capturing the beauty of Laufás.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scope of the turf houses and landscape. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site is generally safe, keep a close eye on younger children, especially around the church steps and any uneven ground. The complimentary coffee and tea in the shop can be a nice treat for parents. It's a relatively short visit, making it ideal for keeping children engaged without overwhelming them.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with other North Iceland attractions like Goðafoss waterfall or the Mývatn area. The scenic drive to Laufás itself is part of the experience, offering beautiful Icelandic landscapes. Make sure to check opening hours, as they can vary seasonally, especially outside the main summer months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Life in 19th Century Iceland
The site also includes a turf church, a testament to the enduring faith of the Icelandic people. The church's architecture mirrors that of the houses, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. Exploring Laufás is not just about seeing old buildings; it's about understanding the resourcefulness and resilience of early Icelanders who adapted to their challenging environment. The outdoor exhibition of agricultural machinery further illustrates the daily struggles and innovations in farming that sustained these communities.
Many visitors find the experience deeply immersive, feeling as though they've stepped back in time. The historical information provided, combined with the authentic setting, makes Laufás a highly recommended stop for anyone interested in Icelandic history and culture. It's a place where the past feels remarkably present.
Navigating Laufás: Practicalities for Visitors
While the houses themselves might be locked at times, visitors can often still peer inside through the windows to get a sense of the layout and furnishings. The outdoor areas, including the church and the agricultural machinery exhibition, are usually accessible. Restrooms are available on-site and are typically kept clean and warm.
For those traveling with mobility concerns, it's worth noting that navigating the uneven terrain and low interiors might present challenges. However, the overall experience is designed to be accessible and informative, offering a valuable glimpse into Iceland's heritage.
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