Laufás

Laufás, situated on the eastern bank of Eyjafjörður near Akureyri, is an impressive example of a wealthy Icelandic rectory and turf farm from the pre-modern era. The site has been inhabited since the early settlement of Iceland and served for centuries as a vital religious and administrative hub for the surrounding region. The current complex of turf buildings was largely constructed in the mid-19th century, designed to reflect the high social standing of the resident pastors. Unlike more modest rural dwellings, Laufás features spacious interiors and numerous specialized rooms capable of accommodating a large household and many guests. The thick turf walls and steep timber roofs showcase expert craftsmanship designed to withstand the heavy snowfall and winds of Northern Iceland. The adjacent church, built in 1865, houses significant historical artifacts, including an ornate pulpit dating back to 1698. Today, Laufás is part of the National Museum's historic building collection, serving as an ethnographic museum that documents the daily lives and social structures of the 19th-century Icelandic countryside.

Nearby cities

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.

Húsavík

Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.

Ísafjörður

The largest town in the Westfjords, known for its dramatic mountain setting and fishing heritage.

Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is the economic and cultural hub of the Westfjords region.

Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.

Sauðárkrókur

The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.

Borgarnes

Borgarnes is located on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður and serves as a key service hub for West Iceland.

Höfn

Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.

Dalvík

Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.

Stykkishólmur

Stykkishólmur is a charming town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its well-preserved old houses and views over the island-dotted B…

Siglufjörður

Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.

Siglufjörður

Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.

Blönduós

Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.

Vopnafjörður

Vopnafjörður is a small settlement in northeast Iceland, situated on a deep bay.

Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður is an artistic town in the East Fjords of Iceland.

History & landmarks

Goðafoss

The 'Waterfall of the Gods' is a historic gem in North Iceland with a striking horseshoe shape.

Goðafoss

Goðafoss, the 'Waterfall of the Gods', is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall in northern Iceland.

Nature

Hrisey Island Bird Reserve

Hrisey in Eyjafjordur is known for its high density of rock ptarmigans.

More places

Laufás Turf House

Laufás is an ancient turf farm and rectory in northern Iceland.

Gásir

Gásir was the main medieval trading post in Northern Iceland.

Möðruvellir

Möðruvellir was a significant monastery in the Middle Ages and later a major educational center.

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Dalsminni Settlement Remains

Archaeological remains of a medieval farmstead.

Dalvík Port

Dalvík is a significant port for deep-sea fishing in the north.

Akureyri Port

Akureyri Port is an important hub for fishing and tourism in the north.

Akureyrarkirkja

Akureyrarkirkja is a prominent Lutheran church and the symbol of Akureyri.

Akureyri Botanical Garden

One of the world's northernmost botanical gardens hosts almost all Icelandic plant species and thousands of foreign plants from cold regi…