iron cladding
Many of the old houses in Akureyri are covered with corrugated iron, a material traditionally used for roofing and farm buildings. In Iceland, however, it became common to use corrugated iron as an external wall covering to protect wooden structures. This practice began in the late 19th century, as the material proved highly effective against the elements. Beneath the corrugated iron, these houses are typically made of timber, which had to be imported due to Iceland’s limited natural forests.
A unique feature of Akureyri, rarely found elsewhere in Iceland, is the use of pressed iron plates resembling tiles. These were imported from the United States in the 1930s, and many of the town’s oldest houses still retain this distinctive exterior.
The colorful facades of these historic buildings contribute to the charm and character of Akureyri’s old town, making it a visually striking part of Icelandic architectural heritage.
Photo: María H. Tryggvadóttir