Saenautasel farm dates back to the year 1843. People farmed the area until 1943, except for the Askja Volcano eruption years (1875-1880).  Now rebuilt, the interior and exterior of the turf houses are on show to visitors, with guided tours that helps reveal the conditions of earlier Icelandic generations.
Many people say this farm served as a model for Independent People, the most popular novel by Iceland&#8216;s only Nobel Prize winner, <a href="https://icetstg.wpengine.com/blog/icelandic-authors-books/">Halldor Laxness.</a>
A visit here will give you an idea of what  Icelandic farmhouses were like 150 years ago. There is a a museum on site, as well as a restaurant where you can have coffee, tea, hot chocolate and pancakes. You can also see Icelandic farm animals around the house.
<h2>Is it open all year round?</h2>
No, the turf house is only open to visitors during summer time.
<h2>How to get to Saenautasel?</h2>
The farm is located quite remotely in the <a href="https://icetstg.wpengine.com/the-highlands/">highlands</a> of <a href="https://icetstg.wpengine.com/east-iceland/">East Iceland</a> by Road no. 907. It is only a 12km detour from the main road.
GPS: 65.26261 N, -15.516326 W

Saenautasel Farm

Safety & Responsibility

Check the weather forecast and road conditions every day.

Weather can be unpredictable

Put litter in the bin and recycle when possible.

Help keep Iceland clean

Follow the Icelandic road rules, and remember that off-roading is strictly forbidden as it damages natural landscapes.

Safe roads, safe people

Keep to marked trails and read any warning and safety signs. If in doubt, use common sense or turn back.

Saenautasel Farm

Photo Gallery