Watch Global Treasures: Glaumbaer - Iceland

Global Treasures: Glaumbaer - Iceland is a visually stunning documentary about the Glaumbaer turf houses, located in northeastern Iceland. The film is part of the Global Treasures series by Questar, which explores historical and cultural sites around the world. The documentary begins with breathtaking shots of Iceland's rugged landscapes and coastline, giving viewers a sense of the country's natural beauty. The camera then takes us to Glaumbaer, which consists of a cluster of historic farmhouses that were built in the traditional Icelandic style - using turf, stone, and timber.

The film provides a detailed history of Glaumbaer, dating back to the late 9th century when the Vikings first settled in Iceland. The turf houses were originally built as simple structures to house livestock, but eventually, they became more complex and were used as homes for families.

The documentary provides an in-depth look at the unique features of the turf houses - their thick walls made of turf and soil, which provide excellent insulation and protection from the harsh Icelandic winters. The houses are also fitted with turf roofs, which helps with insulation and blends seamlessly with the landscape.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to some of the people who live and work at Glaumbaer, including historians and craftsmen who have dedicated their lives to preserving Iceland's cultural heritage. We learn about their efforts to reconstruct and maintain the turf houses, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The cinematography in Global Treasures: Glaumbaer - Iceland is stunning, with sweeping shots of the surrounding countryside and close-ups of the intricate details of the turf houses. The film also utilizes drone footage to capture the landscape from a bird's eye view, giving viewers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Icelandic countryside.

One of the highlights of the documentary is its focus on the cultural traditions of Iceland. We are shown examples of traditional music, dance, and cuisine, all of which have been influenced by Iceland's Viking past. We also learn about the importance of storytelling in Icelandic culture, and how the country's harsh landscape has shaped its folklore and mythology.

Overall, Global Treasures: Glaumbaer - Iceland is a fascinating and informative documentary that provides a comprehensive look at one of Iceland's most unique and fascinating cultural sites. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, architecture, or cultural heritage, and it offers a rare glimpse into a world that is too often overlooked by mainstream tourism.