Laufás Heritage Site: Where Iceland’s Past Lives On

Nestled in the fjords of North Iceland, Laufás Heritage Site and Museum offers a window into the country’s rural history. This beautifully preserved cluster of turf houses, along with its elegant 19th-century church, tells the story of Icelandic farm life in centuries past.

For travellers driving the North Iceland coast or exploring the Diamond Circle, Laufás is a cultural gem worth the stop. With a Höldur rental car, collected at Reykjavík, in Akureyri or Keflavík International Airport, you can chart your own course to this living museum and connect with Iceland’s heritage in an authentic and memorable way.

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What is Laufás?

Laufás is a historic manor farm dating back to the Settlement Era (9th–10th centuries). While the current turf houses date mainly from the 19th century, the site has been continuously inhabited for centuries, serving as both a farmstead and parsonage.

The Laufás turf houses have been carefully restored and furnished with period artefacts, giving visitors a vivid sense of how Icelanders lived, worked, and worshipped in the past. From the smoky kitchens to the communal baðstofa (living quarters), each room feels like stepping into another time.

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Why Visit Laufás on a Self-Drive Journey?

Visiting Laufás with your own rental car allows you to immerse yourself in Iceland’s cultural heartland. Here’s why self-drive is ideal:

• Flexibility: Spend as long as you like exploring the museum, church, and scenic surroundings.

• Scenic Route: The drive to Laufás takes you through fjords, mountains, and river valleys — landscapes that rival the destination itself.

• Authentic Connection: Unlike busier tourist sites, Laufás often feels peaceful and intimate.

• Cultural Depth: Pair Laufás with nearby Akureyri, museums, and local farms for a complete cultural itinerary.

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Getting to Laufás

• From Akureyri: Only 30 minutes’ drive (30 km) northeast, making it a perfect half-day trip.

• From Reykjavík: Around 5.5 hours (430 km) via the Ring Road.

• From Keflavík International Airport: About 6 hours (450 km).

With Höldur rental cars available in Reykjavík, Keflavík, and Akureyri, reaching Laufás is simple — whether you’re beginning your trip in the capital or flying directly north.

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What You’ll See at Laufás

• Turf Houses: Restored 19th-century farmhouses, connected by grassy walls and sod roofs. Inside, each room displays furniture, tools, and household objects used by Icelandic families.

• Laufás Church: Built in 1865, its white-painted walls and red roof stand out against the fjord backdrop. The church interior features an ornate pulpit and altar, offering a glimpse into Icelandic religious traditions.

• The Surroundings: Laufás sits in the Eyjafjörður fjord, framed by mountains and fertile valleys. In summer, wildflowers brighten the paths; in autumn, the hills glow in golden tones.

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Practical Information

• Opening Hours: Typically open from May to September, with shorter hours in the shoulder seasons.

• Admission: Small fee supports preservation.

• Facilities: Parking on site, small gift shop, and local guidance available.

• Accessibility: Some uneven ground due to turf construction, but staff are welcoming and helpful.

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Combine Laufás with North Iceland Highlights

Thanks to its proximity to Akureyri and the Ring Road, Laufás fits neatly into a wider self-drive itinerary. Consider adding:

• Akureyri, the “Capital of the North,” is a charming spot with beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, and a lively café scene. 

• Discover the stunning Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." Just a 45-minute drive away, this historic site is a must-see. 

• Experience whale watching, visit unique museums, and relax at the GeoSea baths in Húsavík, just 90 minutes northeast.

• The steaming geothermal fields of Námaskarð, near Lake Mývatn, offer a stunning natural spectacle just two hours from Laufás.

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FAQs About Laufás Heritage Site

How do I get to Laufás from Akureyri?

It’s just a 30-minute drive northeast, making it an easy half-day self-drive excursion.

Are the turf houses original?

Yes, the Laufás houses are historic structures dating from the 19th century, carefully preserved and furnished with authentic items.

How long should I plan to spend at Laufás?

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the turf houses, church, and surrounding scenery.

Is Laufás family-friendly?

Absolutely. Children often enjoy the “hobbit-like” feel of the turf houses and the chance to step into Iceland’s past.

Can I visit Laufás in winter?

The museum is usually closed in winter, but you can admire the exterior and church. A rental 4x4 from Höldur is recommended if travelling in snowy months.

Why rent a car to visit Laufás?

Public transport is limited in the region. Renting a car in Reykjavík, Keflavík, or Akureyri gives you independence to explore Laufás and other North Iceland highlights.

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Final Thoughts: Laufás, A Living Museum of Iceland’s Heritage

At Laufás Heritage Site, history is not just preserved — it’s alive in every turf wall, every wooden beam, and every story told within its houses. For self-drive travellers, it’s a journey into Iceland’s soul, connecting you with the resilience and traditions of those who shaped life here centuries ago.

At Höldur, we take pride in being Iceland’s largest car rental operator, offering over 8,000 vehicles and convenient rental locations across the country. As Iceland’s official Europcar franchisee, we deliver professional, reliable service you can trust every step of the way.

Whether you set off from Reykjavík, Keflavík International Airport, or Akureyri, you’ll discover that the drive itself — through fjords, fields, and valleys — is as memorable as the destination.

So take the wheel, journey north, and let Laufás reveal the timeless story of Iceland’s rural life.

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