Reykjavík Grapevine - 16.06.2017, Qupperneq 62

Cabin Hunting
A guide to Iceland’s smaller spaces
Words: Anisha Chandar
Pictures: Art Bicnick
Accomodation: hoteledda.is
Car from: gocarrental.is
TRAVEL I have always been fasci-
nated by small spaces. I grew up
in a concrete jungle, inhabited by
more than 1.1 million people, and
had to trek for miles to escape the
city. That’s what brought me here.
In Iceland, it’s easy to feel small,
and for those who feel claustro-
phobic in the city, cabin life is
idyllic.
I’m not the only one with a
cabin fetish. The tiny house move-
ment is sweeping the globe, as ur-
banites become increasingly des-
perate to go off grid and reconnect
with nature. Those lucky enough
to own a home are downsizing too,
amongst environmental and eco-
nomic concerns. The movement
has gained cult-like status over
the last five years, with TV shows,
books and websites showcasing a
variety of amazing spaces. Late to
the party, I decided to orchestrate
my very own cabin hunt around
the west of Iceland to capture bite-
sized buildings in all their glory.
By definition, a cabin is a “small
wooden shelter or house in a wild
or remote area.” I use the term very
loosely, as in Iceland, you’re spoilt
for choice. The vast landscape is
scattered with unique cabins and
shelters, serving a range of pur-
poses. Driving around the coun-
try, you’ll see abandoned houses,
old barns, emergency huts, sum-
mer houses and log cabins. Here’s
a pick of some favourites, spotted
on a road trip from Reykjavík to
Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords.
The Old Mill - Brúarfoss
The safari began en route to
Snæfellsnes. In the distance, a
turquoise-coloured roof grabbed
my attention. The roof belongs to
an old mill, offset by azure blue
waters. Located close to the Brúa-
foss waterfall, the house overlooks
stunning scenery and in the early
summer, you can see the famed
harlequin duck hanging out on the
rocks.
The Moomin House -
Miklaholtshreppur
The Moomins may not be Icelan-
dic, but if they took a vacation, they
would definitely visit this spot.
This rotund building is set in pic-
turesque farmland, surrounded
by mountains. On the approach, I
came across a burnt-out building,
masked behind young trees. Noth-
The Old Mill - Brúarfoss
The Moomin House - Miklaholtshreppur
The Moomin House - Miklaholtshreppur
The Cabin - Reykhólahreppur
The Salthouse (Salthús)The Salthouse (Salthús)
The Emergency Shelter - Vestfjarðarvegur
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60 The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 10 — 2017