New Skagfjörðsskáli hut preserves its 1954 predecessor’s style

A new Skagfjörðsskáli mountain hut in Þórsmörk has been built in the style of its 1954 predecessor and already appears to belong to the landscape, mbl.is reports.

“The new hut fits well with the surroundings and the landscape. It is almost as if it has always been here,” said Sigurður R. Ragnarsson, a board representative of the Iceland Touring Association and chair of its building committee. The hut stands in Langadalur, on the site of the old building, which was dismantled in September.

The new structure closely resembles the former hut in its architecture and appearance. The association chose to rebuild in the old style after initially considering a more modern design. The hut has also become a symbol of the association, with its atmosphere helping shape the organisation’s culture, Sigurður said.

After the old building was removed, foundations were laid for the new one. Its seven large modules were built by SG-hús in Selfoss and transported to Þórsmörk on 20 October. The journey involved a difficult road and unbridged rivers. Cranes unloaded the modules onto the foundations, and the structure was assembled in about two days from the time the convoy left Selfoss.

Carpenters are now working inside, installing wall coverings and partitions and preparing for electricians and plumbers to begin their work. Eight workers from SG-hús are on site. They are expected to remain in Þórsmörk through November and return in spring to complete the remaining work.

“Everything fits together to the millimetre,” said Sveinbjörn Jóhannsson, SG-hús’s site foreman. He said the remote location means the crew must bring all their tools and building materials with them.

The new hut will keep the name Skagfjörðsskáli and will provide accommodation for 80 people. The name honours Kristján Ó. Skagfjörð (1883–1951), a well-known traveller and former director of the Iceland Touring Association. Yrki Arkitektar designed the new building.