Audio Guide of Lindarbakki Cultural Center

Lindarbakki House is usually open to the public during the summer months (June to August), generally during daytime hours, as it remains a private property cared for by the family. Outside the season, you can only admire its iconic turf and red wooden facade from the outside, which is well worth it on its own. To confirm road conditions before traveling, check road.is.

Admission to the interior of Lindarbakki is generally free, continuing a tradition of hospitality. However, voluntary donations are appreciated to help with the costly maintenance of the turf roof and the century-old wooden structure.

It is a short but memorable visit. Since it is a very small house (barely 30 square meters), 15 to 20 minutes is enough to explore the interior and take excellent photos of its picturesque exterior facade.

Built in 1899, it is one of the few inhabited turf houses remaining in Iceland and stands out for its bright red color and its basement well. It was the home of the legendary Elísabet Sveinsdóttir (Malla), who lived there and decorated every corner with shells and stones until her final days, turning it into a symbol of traditional Icelandic life.

Without a doubt, the best time is summer (July and August), when the grass on the roof is green and lush, creating that perfect fairy-tale house effect for photos. Try to go in mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid harsh shadows on the main facade if you love photography.

Unfortunately, because of its age and traditional construction with narrow passages and high thresholds, the interior is not wheelchair accessible. However, the exterior view from the street is fully accessible and very enjoyable.

You are in a privileged location. Very close by, you have the harbor of Borgarfjörður Eystri (Hafnarhólmi), one of the best places in the world to see puffins up close, and Álfaborg, the rock formation known as the city of the elves.

Remember that, although it is a point of interest, it is still a private family property, so be respectful when entering. Combine this stop with our audio guides to understand Malla’s life, and make sure to fill up your car before arriving, as you are in a remote area of the East Fjords.