Within the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, Nýibær provides visitors with a glimpse of the past.  Public access to this historic turf house allows one to see what rural Icelandic life was like in the past and it really is cool to see!

Nýibær, an Icelandic Turf House

Nýibær, which means “new farm”, was built in 1860 by Benedikt Vigfússon.  Vigfússon bought the property in 1824 shortly after the bishopric at Hólar was closed.  Since 1956, Nýibær has been in the care of the National Museum as it is a wonderful example of the old architecture of the area.  Between 1997 and 2000, it underwent major renovations.

Nýibær is a wonderful example of the traditional Icelandic turf house that were erected in Iceland in the 19th century.  It consists of three gables and disparate structures that are connected in the rear of the house by a passageway.  All of the gables of the house face forward in a westerly direction and all of the buildings in the rear are at right angles.  The front of the buildings have a wood facing, which was a rare commodity back in those days, and was usually made from either imported wood, or driftwood.  This facade was generally covered over in tar to help prevent wood rot.  The white trim along the house frame and windows was a popular trend in the 19th century.

Inside of Nýibær, though quite sparse, the house is decorated to the period of its construction.  Visitors get a glimpse of what life might have been like through the furniture and old tools.

As a traditional Icelandic turf house, the roof of the buildings are covered with turf, or grass and sod, which has to be vigorously maintained.  This is the main material used for roof material from the 19th century and actually served as a wonderful insulation against the wind and cold.  The sides and foundation of the buildings are made of stone, which allow for easy drainage from the turf roofs, which depending on rainfall, can store lots of water.

See Also…

There is so much history within Hólar.  Besides Nýibær (New Farm), visitors can see the Hólar Cathedral, the statue and bell tower dedicated to Jón Arason, the Hólar Bishop’s Office, and the statue dedicated to Iceland’s national saint, Guðmundur Arason.

Where is it Located?

Nýibær (New Farm), the Icelandic Turf House, is located in the town of Hólar, Iceland, approximately 1 hour 30 minute drive from Akureyri.