From what we know and archaeological findings in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, the log cabin has been around as long as 3500 BC, that’s almost 6000 years ago!
Most log cabins had a single room, or “pen,” some 12 to 16 feet square, some with lofts for extra space. Logs were stacked on top of one another, with the logs overlapping at the corners. The interlocking corners were made by putting notches into the logs at the end, making it a stronger, more robust structure.
Covering the log cabin with moss or other dense material pressed into the joints ensured they were weather-tight and thus enhanced. There was one door, and usually no windows. If windows were cut into the walls, animal skins or boards fixed to slide across the openings were used. Some builders used paper greased with animal fat, which made it both translucent and waterproof.
Originally they installed a fireplace in the centre of the cabin for cooking and warmth, but they did not install chimneys. Instead, they cut holes in the roofs, allowing minimal ventilation for their homes. The stone fireplace with chimney was invented much later during the Middle Ages.
Back then, Scandinavia and Northern Europe were perfect for log construction dwelling, with the tall, straight pine and spruce trees readily available for cutting. With a group of skilled men from a Scandinavian clan or ætt/ätt (pronounced [ˈæːtː] in Old Norse), a log cabin could be ready, from start to finish in a week.
