Most of my trip around Iceland was meticulously planned out, as is most of my travel in general. So as I was driving in Southern Iceland from Point A (Skogafoss) to Point B (Seljavallalaug Pool) I was excited to stumble upon a surprise in the middle of the route: the Turf Houses of Drangurinn.
Turf houses aren’t unique to Iceland, but the fact that both rich and poor lived in them is unlike how they were used elsewhere. Residing in this kind of domicile was essential due to the fierce elements and limited resources of the country, along with frequent earthquakes.
It is possible to carefully enter some of the abandoned homes here, and while they aren’t in the greatest condition you can imagine what it would be like to live inside.
First you may notice that they are indeed lower than the ground, about a foot and a half underground because the earth doesn’t freeze that far down. The walls have layered bricks and some rare wood, likely sourced from driftwood, for support.
Generally a turf farm would have multiple buildings connected by corridors, and there are many to find surrounding the large rock standing isolated at the base of the Eyjafjöll Mountains.
This rock has a tale of its own in which Grettir Ásmundsson, a strongman, displayed his power by grabbing the boulder right off of the cliff! It’s a delight to spot turf houses all over the country, and especially wonderful to be able to explore them up close and personal.
Nearby:
+Seljavallalaug Pool
Thanks for following! I will be writing about the Canary Islands soon.
I read your posts on Facebook. Where are you going next?
I plan it all out myself, if you are ever interested in an itinerary feel free to reach out.
Do you uses travel company? If so, which one?
I research profusely before a trip and have daily itineraries from sunrise to sunset filled with activities to never miss a beat!
I am curious what you mean in your intro with regard to your vacations being “meticulously planned out”