sólskjól

Sólskjól is an Icelandic word that translates to "sun shelter." It generally refers to any man-made structure designed to provide shade and protection from the sun. Historically, in Iceland, this often took the form of simple windbreaks or low walls built from stone or turf. These structures were not intended for prolonged habitation but rather as temporary resting places for farmers or travelers during sunny, albeit often still cool, days.

The concept of sólskjól can also be applied more broadly to modern structures that offer sun protection. This could include awnings, pergolas, gazebos, or even large umbrellas. In contemporary contexts, sólskjól might also be used in a figurative sense, referring to anything that provides comfort and respite from a harsh or overwhelming situation, much like a physical shelter from the sun. The term emphasizes the basic human need for protection from the elements and the creation of comfortable microclimates.