A turf house is a type of dwelling made from stones and layers of grass or sod. It was traditionally used as a home during the winter months. Before winter arrived, people would build these houses to provide shelter from the cold.

The types of turf house

Originally, turf houses were built in a circular shape. However, around the 1600s, the Inuit began constructing longer, rectangular houses to accommodate larger groups of people, sometimes up to 30 or 40 individuals. As time passed into the 1700s, changes in architectural styles and the needs of the community led to the adoption of square-shaped turf dwellings.

When European traders came into contact with the Inuit, they introduced new materials such as wood and glass. This allowed the Inuit to improve their turf houses by adding features like windows and wooden doors. These changes helped keep the traditional charm of the houses while adapting to new technologies and living standards.

Are turf houses still in use?

Today, turf houses are mainly preserved as historical sites, offering visitors and locals a glimpse into how the Inuit lived centuries ago.

Locations

Turf Houses you can actually visit are placed in Aasiaat, Qasigiannguit and in a settlement Niaqornaarsuk. 

There are also many old turf house foundations along the Greenlandic coast, and those you are not allowed to go near closer than 2 meters.