16 May 2025

Between fire and ice

Iceland welcomes us with wind, vastness, and this very special landscape that never fails to leave us speechless. Our first stop: the Barn House – a place that doesn’t feel like a classic holiday home, but rather like a temporary home.

As soon as we arrive, we sense that thought has gone into this space. Nothing is cluttered; everything has its place. Reduced, clear, and open—yet warm and inviting. It's the kind of house you arrive in.

A story that began almost by chance

It all began about ten years ago, when the owner, his wife, and a couple of friends owned a vacation home in Akureyri, in the far north of Iceland. It was originally intended to remain private, but at some point they hesitantly decided to rent it out. They were afraid: What if strangers didn't treat their home with the same respect?

But the opposite happened. The first guests were so attentive, so welcoming, that the hosts sensed that sharing their home could be a beautiful thing. More than that—it was enriching. From that small spark, an idea was born, and from that idea, a project close to their hearts. The idea was to create a place where travelers could not just sleep, but truly feel at home.

Minimalism that warms – the Barn House inside and out

The Barn House was built in 2010 – a blend of clear, modern architecture and lovingly preserved tradition. From the outside, it appears simple: like a barn, restrained and peacefully positioned in the landscape. The facade is made of untreated Siberian larch, which will naturally weather to a silver-gray color over time – entirely without chemical sealing. It is this conscious approach to nature and materials that runs through the entire concept.

Inside, the house surprises with a breath-taking aesthetic. Everything is open, flooded with light, and full of natural elements. Light woods, warm earth tones, and window fronts that draw the view outside – to the sea, the hills, the clouds. It's a house that doesn't seek to ostentatiousness, but rather embraces.

It's heated by geothermal energy, and electricity comes from a nearby hydroelectric power plant. The insulation is so good that it stays pleasantly warm even on cold days without consuming unnecessary energy. Sustainability isn't just a concept here, but a lived reality.

Cooking, relaxing, marveling – our everyday life in the Barn House

The fully equipped kitchen was a real treat for us. Dining out in Iceland can quickly become expensive, and cooking from scratch is not only practical but also a real highlight in this house – the large windows always offer a view over the dike to the sea.

After long days of exploring, the hot tub in the garden was our favorite retreat. Warm water, cool air, a glass of wine in hand – and above us a sky that never gets boring. On clear nights, the Northern Lights danced above our heads as if they had arranged to meet just for us.

Adventure right on your doorstep

Directly behind the house, a narrow path leads over a dike down to the sea. The coast is wild and pristine—black sand, rough rocks, seaweed, and shells. Our daughter couldn't be contained. She spent hours collecting snail shells, building little stone men, and letting the wind blow through her hair. It was as if nature itself had become her playmate.

And it didn't stop there. The location of the Barn House is ideal for exploring many facets of Iceland – without long car journeys. Kayaking on tranquil fjords, birdwatching, excursions to the Westman Islands, or walks through moss-covered lava landscapes – everything is within easy reach.

An absolute highlight was our visit to Krýsuvík, a geothermal area on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Steaming springs created a mystical atmosphere, and the air was filled with the smell of sulfur and steam. The snow on the surrounding hills enhanced the surreal feeling—as if we had landed on another planet.

Insider tips and favorite places: Stokkseyri & black dunes

Nearby is Stokkseyri, a sleepy coastal village with colorful fishermen's houses and a historic atmosphere. We were particularly moved by the restored Þuríðarbúð – a tiny fisherman's hut that commemorates the brave Þuríður Einarsdóttir. It's places like this where you can truly feel Iceland's history.

Not far away, endless black sand dunes stretch out, created by volcanic activity. Here, the deep black lava rock meets golden dune grass – a contrast so beautiful it's hard to grasp. The walk along the coast was a quiet highlight for us: just us, the sound of the sea, and an awe-inspiring landscape.

More than a holiday – the Barn House as a place for life moments

What made the Barn House so special for us wasn't just its beauty or location—but also its soul. It's a place run with love. A home that's been thoughtfully designed. And a place where not only vacation dreams come true, but also life choices are celebrated.

The owner, his eyes shining, told us about couples who chose to have an elopement—an intimate wedding just for two—at the Barn. Others celebrated their love here in small groups, surrounded by Iceland's tranquility and the sound of the wind. "There's hardly anything more beautiful," he said, "than helping people experience such a unique moment in their lives."

And we believe every word he says.