Historic Turf House

Litlibær in Skötufjörður is a historic turf house from 1895, restored and open to visitors with a small café serving cakes and cream waffles. This charming little house is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Westfjords, attracting both travellers and locals who wish to experience the region’s history and culture.

Construction and Settlement

Litlibær was built by two families who lived on each side of the house, separated by a dividing wall. The building is made of timber with stone‑built walls and a traditional turf roof. The surrounding field is enclosed by a carefully crafted stone wall covering around three hectares.

Life at Litlibær

At its busiest, up to twenty people lived here. The ground floor measures only 3.9 × 7.4 metres, illustrating the close but communal lifestyle of its inhabitants. A loft room stood above the main floor, and two outdoor kitchens were located a short distance from the house.

Restoration and Café

The residents relied on the rich fishing grounds of Skötufjörður and used the land for farming. Litlibær was inhabited until 1969. The house was restored and opened to visitors in 2013. Today, it hosts a family‑run café that delights guests with cakes, cream waffles and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

History and Heritage

The story of Litlibær shows how cooperation and hard work enabled people to thrive in a harsh environment. We recommend visiting the Litlibær website and the National Museum of Iceland website to learn more about the history of the site.