As a geographer originally interested in the history of settlement in Iceland, I have always been fascinated by traditional Icelandic houses, with their turf walls and grass roofs. Some, such as Laugur in northern Iceland, are beautifully preserved as rural museums, but the remains of others are to be seen on many farms throughout Iceland. This remnant of an abandoned farm in Öxnadalur brings to mind the home of Bjartur, the hero of Halldor Laxness's epic novel, Independent People. Previous photograph || Next photograph || Öxnadalur page || Home page