Sheep houses in Álftaver
The sheep shelters in Álftaver seamlessly blend into their natural surroundings. Such structures are rare but speak volumes about Icelandic architectural history up to the 20th century in their modesty.
Located in Álftaver near Þykkvabæjarklaustur, there stands a farm alongside a church site. Just a short distance south of these farmsteads lie two adjacent sheep shelters. One was constructed shortly before the turn of the 20th century, while the other came a little later.
Living on an isolated island for centuries with limited wood resources, the inhabitants had to utilize available materials for construction and develop their own techniques. Álftaver boasts an abundance of turf, and the western sheep shelter there is a prime example of its use in construction. The older shelter's frame uniquely features roof rafters resting on stones that protrude from the stonewalls at sill level.
The word klaustur in Þykkvabæjar-klaustur means monastery. The site has its name from a Catholic monastery founded there in 1168. Since 1974, these houses have been under the supervision of the National Museum of Iceland, undergoing restoration in 1976. While not easily accessible, guests are welcome at their own risk. Kindly ensure to take care of the houses and their surroundings during your visit.