Grenjaðarstaður - The Old Turfhouse

The historic settlement of Grenjaðarstaður in Aðaldalur is one of Iceland’s largest turf houses, situated 30 km south of Husavik. In its heyday Grenjaðarstaður was a prosperous vicarage and the oldest part of the existing turf house was built in 1865 and inhabited until 1949.

The house is unique, primarily insulated with lava rocks, which are abundant in the surrounding area, and the interior is panelled with driftwood. Grenjaðarstaður has been a folk museum since 1958, and through the approximately 2000 objects and artefacts on display, guests will gain an understanding of what the living conditions were like when living in the turf house in the past centuries as well the vicarages progress through time.

There is also a functional Lutheran church built in 1865 at Grenjaðarstaður. In the cemetery, visitors can see a rune-stone dating back to the Middle Ages.

The old, renovated barn houses the museum´s reception, restrooms, cafe and locally made handicrafts can be purchased. The turf house at Grenjaðarstaður belongs to The National Museum of Iceland but is run by the District Cultural Center.

Grenjaðarstaður is open to visitors in the summer. 1 June - 15 August: Every day 11-17

Entrance fee Admission: 2.200 ISK Pensioners/Students*: 1.700 ISK Disabled*/Children: Free Members of ICOM*: Free Groups (10+): 1.900 ISK *ID required A single entry ticket gives you access to The Husavik Museum - Safnahúsið, Grenjaðarstaður - The Old Turf House, Snartarstaðir - District Folk Museum & Sauðaneshús - District Folk Museum once during the calendar year 2024.

Please note: · Children must be accompanied by an adult due to the age and fracturable nature of the museum · Due to the age of the house the floors are uneven and staircases steep, therefore access is challenging for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users and some areas are inaccessible.