Courses

Turf Construction Course

A course in turf construction will be held at Tyrfingsstaðir in Skagafjörður from June 3–5, 2026. At Tyrfingsstaðir, several turf buildings—including a turf farmstead, outbuildings, and barns—have been restored and repaired, forming a unique heritage site. Plans include repairing a turf wall in the horse stable, which is attached to the old dwelling house. In summer 2025, the timber frame of the building was erected during a Fornverkaskólinn course, and the goal this summer is to complete the structure.

Course Description

This course is intended for those interested in learning how to build with turf. Part of the course consists of presentations and site visits, but the main emphasis is on hands-on instruction. Participants will learn the basics of material selection, turf cutting and harvesting, and key construction methods using turf blocks and strips. Essential tools will be provided on site, such as spades and turf knives.

Main Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn key terminology, tools, and construction types used in turf building
• Gain practical experience in turf construction and material harvesting, and be able to build and finish a turf wall
• Develop good working practices for repairs and respectful handling of historic and protected structures

When: June 3–5, 2026, 9:00–16:00
Where: Tyrfingsstaðir, Skagafjörður
Instructor: Helgi Sigurðsson (Fornverk ehf.)

What to bring: Warm clothing, waterproof protective clothing, work gloves, and boots/sturdy shoes. Work will take place in wet conditions, and participants should expect to get muddy and wet.

Participants: Minimum 6 – maximum 12
Price: ISK 70,000 (includes materials, tools, refreshments, and a light lunch)

Registration is via the official link. A registration fee of ISK 20,000 is non-refundable.

Participants must arrange their own accommodation and meals outside course hours.

Fornverkaskólinn encourages participants to check eligibility for union education funds that may subsidize course fees.

Inquiries: Inga Katrín D. Magnúsdóttir – fornverkaskolinn@skagafjordur.is

Participants are advised to arrange their own insurance, as the school is not liable for accidents.

Timber Paneling Course

A timber paneling course will be held at Tyrfingsstaðir in Skagafjörður from June 6–7, 2026. The site includes restored turf buildings and outbuildings forming a unique heritage complex. In summer 2025, the timber frame of a horse stable was constructed, and during this two-day course, participants will build wall panels and doors to complete the structure.

Course Description and Objectives

This course is intended for those interested in learning the fundamentals of carpentry in traditional outbuildings. The course is primarily practical, with participants planing timber and constructing panels and doors while learning relevant terminology.

Participants will:

• Become familiar with key concepts in timber framing and tools
• Learn proper working practices for restoration and handling of historic structures
• Gain skills in planing wood and constructing simple timber panels and doors

When: June 6–7, 2026, 9:00–16:00
Where: Tyrfingsstaðir, Skagafjörður
Instructor: Snædís Traustadóttir, master carpenter

What to bring: Warm clothing, waterproof protective clothing, work gloves, and sturdy shoes

Participants: Minimum 6 – maximum 10
Price: ISK 70,000 (includes materials, tools, refreshments, and a light lunch)

Participants must arrange their own accommodation and meals outside course hours.
Registration requires a non-refundable ISK 20,000 fee.

Participants are encouraged to check union education funds for possible subsidies.

Inquiries: Inga Katrín D. Magnúsdóttir – fornverkaskolinn@skagafjordur.is

Participants should arrange their own insurance.

Band Weaving Course

Note: Registration is closed; the course is fully booked.

From August 8–9, 2026, Skagafjörður Heritage Museum, Húnvetningar and Strandamenn Heritage Museum, and the Icelandic Textile Museum will host a band weaving course. Swedish craftswoman Kerstin Neumüller will teach participants how to carve a heddle (weaving tool) and the basics of band weaving.

The course lasts two days (14 hours) and is structured as follows:

Day 1 – Carving: Step-by-step instruction on carving a heddle; participants will make and decorate their own.
Day 2 – Weaving: Participants will weave using their own heddle (or borrow one). Basic techniques will be taught, providing a foundation transferable to larger looms.

The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced craftspeople. Note that participants should have sufficient hand strength for carving on the first day.

Instructor: Kerstin Neumüller (see www.kerstinneumuller.com)
Duration: 2 days / 14 hours (August 8–9, 2026; exact times to be announced)
Location: Skagafjörður Heritage Museum (exact location to be announced)
Max participants: 15

Fee: ISK 5,000 registration fee (non-refundable). The course itself is free, funded by the Museum Fund.

Included: carving tools, yarn, lunch, and refreshments.

Participants should bring: ruler, pencil and eraser, notebook, scissors, and colored pencils.

Participants must arrange their own accommodation and meals outside course hours.

The museum reminds participants to check union education funds for possible subsidies.

Inquiries: Inga Katrín D. Magnúsdóttir – ingakatrin@skagafjordur.is

The course is supported by the Museum Fund, and the organizing institutions express their sincere thanks for the support.