The Old Turf Farm at Keldur: Want to Travel Back in Time?

The Old Turf Farm at Keldur is that kind of place which offers a captivating peek into Iceland’s storied past. Just imagine stepping onto ground which whispers stories of Vikings and settlers, all while surrounded by the very unique architecture of turf houses. Located a bit off the main drag in South Iceland, visiting Keldur can really feel a little bit like stepping back many centuries. Now, this isn’t that kind of hyper-polished historical theme park experience. Instead, what it has to offer is a raw, very real glimpse into how Icelanders lived for centuries, their resourcefulness on full display, and just how closely they were connected to the earth. It is, arguably, an experience that is really well suited for people with a penchant for history, for cultural explorers, and for those seeking to see Iceland past those tourist hotspots. It is, in short, an open-air museum, yet a farm that is living, where you could absorb the past just by wandering near, which is precisely what I wanted when I added it to the travel plan!

What Is the Old Turf Farm at Keldur?

The Old Turf Farm at Keldur is one of Iceland’s best-preserved ancient sites. I mean, at its core, it’s a farm, but with buildings constructed in the traditional Icelandic way, using turf, that’s soil which is held together by the roots of grass. These structures, sometimes called turf houses, offer a really excellent insulation against the severe Icelandic weather, that, too is probably what made it easy for its survival through the centuries. Keldur, as a site, has roots stretching back to the Icelandic Sagas, and this gives it a hefty historical weight. According to the sagas, Keldur was at some point the home of Ingjaldur Höskuldsson, and that is a chieftain mentioned in the Njál’s Saga. One could wander around these grounds, treading in that place that some of Iceland’s key figures had, once upon a time, trod, and maybe soaking in the ancient atmosphere that has remained intact for so long.

Now, Keldur is particularly known for its underground tunnel, that one is a long, narrow passage which is believed to have been used as a means of escape or for secret meetings back then. So, picturing those hushed conversations and furtive steps taken beneath the earth is very spine-chilling, and helps to conjure those scenes from times long since past. You can, it’s almost like you’re seeing those early settlers huddled for warmth within those turf walls, or toiling outside in a landscape that asks for survival, you start to imagine the ways of living from the past.

Planning Your Visit to Keldur: What to Expect

Ok, you should get prepared for your visit, here are tips. First thing you might like your mind is to think about that location and how to get there, that could be vital to the experience. Keldur is located in southern Iceland, which is a short distance away from the Ring Road. In fact, it’s only a little bit of a detour, which makes it actually quite accessible for anybody that’s driving the full circuit of Iceland. But, it’s also this feeling of being tucked away, which contributes to its feeling of remoteness and that quiet feel. Because of this, a rental car is typically the very feasible option, particularly, really, if you wish to investigate the place on your own schedule.

When at Keldur, do prepare for a visit, and that’s one that will really involve a good deal of walking and exploring outdoors. Now, the turf houses may be entered, so you could appreciate how these spaces were crafted, and just picture how the Icelanders of those centuries lived. The underground tunnel too can, seemingly, be explored. You may like your rubber boots in tow, given the tunnel floor has a habit of gathering some water, especially during rainier periods of time.

Basically, there may not always be a tour guide readily available, though there is plentiful informational signage close at hand, giving details on the background of the site and its architecture. Actually, it might well be worth researching up on your Icelandic history beforehand. That may include the Icelandic Sagas in general, which are, after all, stories with roots in this land and will assist you a whole bunch in appreciating everything a bit deeper. It has an ethereal dimension to it all when you’re really clued into some saga stories that are deeply entwined into this place!

Why Keldur Stands Out From Other Historical Sites

Yeah, I guess there is one difference for Keldur and it is basically, just not being super-crowded and commercialized; so it could give a really special intimate encounter with Icelandic history. Loads of other historical sites end up being crowded, and even overdeveloped for visitor access, which in turn, in some way could deduct from the overall experience. Keldur instead can retain its kind of authenticity, this calm sense. This may give the tourists the chance to wonder about these sights on your time, and take photographs and think without a multitude of interruptions.

And actually, just something different concerning Keldur are its underground tunnels; basically it’s not something noticed in a lot of other ancient places on Iceland. That will probably spice it up as people think they are explorers!

Photography at Keldur: Capturing the Essence of the Past

And for those keen to take photography of the area, Keldur may give plentiful potential in this location. That’s because turf houses of course do create something very dramatic set against Iceland, which may vary sky from bleak overcast into the glowing golden hours. In the afternoon especially it is an attractive thing!

Taking the photo of the exterior of the houses in ways that may feature their organic merging with such landscape that, for sure, has an almost irresistible thing. To take a good view from down deep inside the buildings, will mean there can be shadows and maybe these raw building materials. The tunnel can potentially also lead on you if you happen to have such vision of playing, sometimes, with lights or dark!

Making the Most of Your Trip: Nearby Attractions

And actually, since the farm here is fairly nearby these bigger locations of interest in south Iceland, the location of Keldur, very conveniently, does present it something to get included to an itinerary when in the neighborhood. After seeing it here for, say, around just two hours you might want some places!

There might be Seljalandsfoss: It’s basically, a good photo if such opportunity exists where an ice flow permits hikers behind. Further exploration includes Skógafoss waterfall is very impressive along, probably along a route close towards Sólheimajökull Glacier for certain ice hiking experiences.

Dyrhólaey gives incredible perspectives over coastline, as it appears, together featuring the arch on such rock sea along, during summers then these also are ideal destinations if such interests lay on bird look out; these birds nest across its bluffs. Also worth to make available may mean exploring black beaches from Reynisfjara – yet to maintain security precautions particularly along vigorous swell tides, those appear very common by all accounts there by then! This may combine very nicely while sightseeing this vicinity when seeking diversification alongside natural scenery which the south on Iceland seems full regarding them too.

Practical Information for Visiting Keldur

Alright, as to help fully plan ones own visit consider following specifics involving visiting times as these actually exist – sometimes certain seasonal operation happens regarding specific destinations then in relation! When planning tours during less visitor seasons perhaps verifying the places are in real availability; this can avoid frustration once showing right at some off hour from visiting. The access rate could range contingent to years; consulting such existing charges just as these pertain during certain excursions ahead by arriving permits just for economical predictability if thinking along cost minimization – for real since planning trips usually, also!

Keep appropriate attire. Iceland can be not what folks often see. Be aware! Take jackets to deal to conditions there.

Basically when considering that all of South Iceland receives loads by all the sightseers booking for Iceland at that occasion and reserving those spaces early for such accommodation including transportation makes good sense. Moreover planning tours from Iceland around the time on this main visiting stretches will assure things which are normally at their max point, for some. So prepare things upfront!

This visit towards Iceland’s Old Keldur Turf farm for Iceland offers it the unique possibility when wanting for something, usually something very intimate of times once previously which occurred into Iceland. It also stands apart due to un-crowded setting/location giving ones such possible chance while being left alone by people – taking one to be quiet including appreciating history alongside undisturbed sights.

Hopefully here you got better educated on whether or not which Keldur probably makes excellent decision in being included somewhere while making these upcoming escapades or exploring ventures occurring via South Icelandic parts.

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