Up until the 19th century, farming was among the most important economic branches in Iceland. In fact, between 70 and 80% of Icelanders lived on farming. Over the years, these numbers had a dramatic drop, and today, farming is only practiced by 5% of the population in Iceland. It is estimated that at the moment, there are 2000 farmers in the country and less than 20 named farms. The two most popular farm animals are sheep and cattle. However, poultry and pigs are popular as well. There are also several horse farms, but they are kept for breeding and as a hobby. Despite the small number of farmers and farms, iceland is self-sufficient when it comes to meat, eggs, and dairy.
Here is a list of the farms in Iceland:
- Sveitagardurinn
- Daladyrd
- Hradarstadir
- Erpsstadir
- Haafell
- Vallanes
- Kaffi Kú
- Efstidalur II
- Slakki
- Fridheimar
- Giljar
- Stora
- Stori Kalfalaekur
- Illugastaðir Farm
- Langhús Farm
- Nupsstadur
- Smaratun Farm.
1. Sveitagardurinn
Sveitagardurinn Farm in Iceland is located in the southwest of the country. The Sveitagardurinn Farm’s coordinates are64.0368° N, 21.0434° W. Sveitagardurinn is a Zoo farm that first opened in 2018 and works during June, July, and August. Sveitagardurinn houses many farm animals such as horses, goats, calves, pigs, sheep, roosters, ducks, doves, hens, rabbits, and some wild animals like Arctic foxes. Sveitagardurinn offers horse riding activities for children. Tours and Tour Guides for the Sveitagardurinn Farm in Iceland are available. Being only one hour away from the capital, Sveitagardurinn is popular.
2. Daladyrd
Daladyrd Farm in Iceland is located in the north. The Daladyrd Farm’s coordinates are 65.6545° N, 17.8605° W. Daladyrd is a family-owned petting Zoo farm with various animals such as horses, goats, sheep, dogs, pigs, hens, roosters, doves, and bunnies. Daladyrd has a cafe where you can try some homemade pies and delicacies. Tours and Tour Guides for the Daladyrd Farm in Iceland are available. The moderate climate in the area is another reason Daladyrd is a popular attraction for tourists and locals.
3. Hradarstadir
Hradarstadir Farm in Iceland is located in the southeast. The Hradarstadir Farm’s coordinates are 64.1778° N, 21.5902° W. Hradarstadir is a special place where children can see and learn a lot about calves, bunnies, kittens, lambs, pigs, hens, roosters, and horses. Children can stay in Hradarstadir for several days while learning about farm life and enjoying horse-riding activities. Tours and Tour Guides for the Hradarstadir Farm in Iceland are available. To suit the needs of the visitors, Hradarstadir even offers hostel-like accommodations.
4. Erpsstadir
Erpsstadir Farm in Iceland is located in the west. The Erpsstadir Farm’s coordinates are 64.9998° N, 21.6250° W. Situated in the Budardalur Valley, Erpsstadir is a dairy farm and famous creamery. Erpsstadir offers visitors ice cream, skyr, cheese, and skyr chocolate. Tours and Tour Guides for the Erpsstadir Farm in Iceland are available. Like most Icelandic farms, Erpsstadir is open during the summer months.
5. Haafell
Haafell Farm in Iceland is located in the west. The Haafell Farm’s coordinates are 64.7090° N, 21.2519° W. Situated in the Reykholt Geothermal Area, Haafell is a goat farm whose owners depend entirely on their animals. The Haafell Farm is dedicated to preserving sheep and promoting their different products, from meat and milk to wool and soaps. Tours and Tour Guides for the Haafell Farm in Iceland are available. Haafell is open for visits during June, July, and August.
6. Vallanes
Vallanes Farm in Iceland is located in the east. The Vallanes Farm’s coordinates are 65.1822° N, 14.5572° W. Vallanes is a green wonderland offering organic products and a cozy restaurant. Vallanes also has accommodations, both huts and sleeping bag areas, so basically, there is something for everyone’s taste. Tours and Tour Guides for the Vallanes Farm in Iceland are available.
7. Kaffi Kú
Kaffi Kú Farm (Cafe Cow) in Iceland is located in the northeast. The Kaffi Kú Farm’s coordinates are 65.6033° N, 18.0329° W. Kaffi Kú is a dairy farm and cafe that offers traditional Icelandic cakes, waffles, and hot chocolate. Kaffi Kú is an excellent stop for travelers in the area. Visitors have a view over the cow stables, and if they want, they can also visit them. Tours and Tour Guides for the Kaffi Kú Farm in Iceland are available.
8. Efstidalur II
Efstidalur II Farm in Iceland is located in the south. The Efstidalur II Farm’s coordinates are 64.2424° N, 20.5516° W. Efstidalur II is a farm and stay hotel offering horse rental services, a restaurant, and homemade gelato parlor. Efstidalur II is run by siblings and has been in the family for seven generations. Tours and Tour Guides for the Efstidalur II Farm in Iceland are available. Efstidalur II is a must-stop destination for all ice cream enthusiasts.
9. Slakki
Slakki Farm in Iceland is located in the south. The Slakki Farm’s coordinates are 64.1153° N, 20.5075° W. Slakki is a farm in truth and the closest settlement to an actual Zoo in Iceland. Slakki keeps many small farm animals such as puppies, kittens, rabbits, foxes, geese, turkeys, chickens, and ducks. Slakki also features a restaurant and a mini-golf course. Tours and Tour Guides for the Slakki Farm in Iceland are available. Slakki is the perfect stop for travelers to the Golden Circle, especially if traveling with kids.
10. Fridheimar
Fridheimar Farm in Iceland is located in the south of the island. The Fridheimar Farm’s coordinates are 64.1775° N, 20.4449° W. Fridheimar is a tomato and horse farm. The farm grows and offers tomatoes of all sorts and in different recipes. The Fridheimar Farm is also proud of its horse breeding programs and preservation of the Icelandic horse. Tours and Tour Guides for the Fridheimar Farm in Iceland are available. Fridheimar is open year-round, from noon till 4 p.m.
11. Giljar
Giljar Farm in Iceland is located in the west. The Giljar Farm’s coordinates are 41.5588° N, 48.2579° W. Giljar is a horse rental offering calm riding tours in the beautiful surroundings of the farm. Tours and Tour Guides for the Giljar Farm in Iceland are available.
12. Stora
Stora Farm in Iceland is located in the west. The Stora Farm’s coordinates are 65.16666° N, 22.3000° W. Tours, and Tour Guides for the Stora Farm in Iceland are available.
13. Stori Kalfalaekur
Stori Kalfalaekur Farm in Iceland is located in the west. The Stori Kalfalaekur Farm’s coordinates are 64.6701° N, 22.2971° W. Stori Kalfalaekur is a family-owned farm offering horse riding activities. Tours and Tour Guides for the Stori Kalfalaekur Farm in Iceland are available.
14. Illugastaðir Farm
Illugastaðir Farm in Iceland is located on the west side of the Vatnsnes Peninsula. The Illugastaðir Farm’s coordinates are 65.6071° N, 20.8785° W. Illugastaðir is the best place for observing seals in their natural environment. Tours and Tour Guides for the Illugastaðir Farm in Iceland are available.
15. Langhús Farm
Langhús Farm in Iceland is located in the northwest. The Langhús Farm’s coordinates are 66.0611° N, 19.1219° W. Langhús Farm offers customized and individually tailored horse riding trips. Tours and Tour Guides for the Langhús Farm in Iceland are available.
16. Nupsstadur
Nupsstadur Farm in Iceland is located in the southeast. The Nupsstadur Farm’s coordinates are 63.9604° N, 17.5778° W. Nupsstadur is an abandoned farm featuring 15 houses and a few ruins. Nupsstadur is the perfect depreciation of how farms looked in Iceland in the past. Tours and Tour Guides for the Nupsstadur Farm in Iceland are available.
17. Smaratun Farm
Smaratun Farm in Iceland is located in the south. The Smaratun Farm’s coordinates are 63.7242° N, 20.0118° W. Smaratun Farm offers eco-lodges for visitors. Tours and Tour Guides for the Smaratun Farm in Iceland are available.
What are the facts about the Farms in Iceland?
Today, Iceland has less than 20 popular farms and around 2000 farmers. In the past, farming was a popular job, and many Icelanders lived on farming alone. Today, its popularity is declining. However, there are several farms that are still true to their rural culture and methods. These farms offer a variety of activities and organic products. Plus, some of the farms feature accommodation and educational services for children.
What is the biggest farm in Iceland?
The biggest farm in Iceland is Grímsstaðir. Grímsstaðir covers an area of 300 square kilometers. Located in the northeast of the country, Grímsstaðir lies on large stretches of the rough central highlands. Today, Grímsstaðir is privately owned by the British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.
What are the economic activities done on farms of Iceland?
Economic activities on the farms of Iceland include animal breeding, offering accommodation, and activities for tourists. In terms of activities, petting Zoo services and horse riding are the most popular. Restaurants working as part of the Icelandic farms focus on offering homemade and organic products.
What Animals are Grown in Farms of Iceland?
The Beasts of Iceland are not grown on the farms. However, most of Iceland’s farms focus on breeding and raising domestic farm animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, bunnies, foxes, doves, hens, roosters, turkeys, and chickens.
What Farm type is more common in Iceland?
Agricultural farms, horse farms, and petting Zoo farms are prevalent in Iceland. Some farms are defined as a specific type while others are a combination, working as both agricultural and animal farms.
What are the Characteristics of Horse farms in Iceland?
Horse farms are dedicated to breeding horses for hobby purposes such as horse riding. Some horse farms use the blood of female horses for research. Also, horse meat is a popular food in Iceland. Most of the horse farms offer horse riding activities as well as access to the stables where visitors can work as horse farmers for a day.
What are the Characteristics of Agricultural Farms in Iceland?
Agricultural farms focus on growing fruits and vegetables. They usually feature restaurants where they serve the usually organic foods in special recipes and dishes. Most agricultural farms entertain visitors by allowing them to work on the farm and experience what it is like to be a farmer.
What is the prominence of Farms for Iceland Geography?
The prominence of farms in Iceland’s Geography is huge. First, farms support the country’s economy on two levels, producing goods and attracting tourists. Farms also affect life as they represent a farm side escape from city life. Finally, they impact culture by educating children about animals and farming practices in the region.
What is the effect of Farms on Iceland’s Economy?
Farms have a positive impact on Iceland’s economy. First, the production of meat, dairy, and eggs is sufficient for the country’s needs meaning Iceland does not have to import these goods. Plus, the farms are a popular attraction for tourists, which once again has a positive effect on the overall economy and wealth in Iceland.
What are the Farm Tours in Iceland?
There are different farm tours in Iceland. Horse riding is one of the most popular activities on the farms, so basically, all horse farms are offering this. Other tours include degustation of local and homemade products like ice cream and cheese as well shopping for high-quality and handmade wool products. Some Farm Tours last a couple of hours and others up to several days when the farm offers accommodation.
What are the Experiences to have in Iceland’s Farms?
Experiences to have in Iceland include:
- Horse riding the lands around the farms
- Trying homemade ice-cream
- Watching animals in their natural habitats
- Being a farmer for a day
- Hiking the mesmerizing surroundings.
Basically, there are a number of popular activities and something for everyone’s taste.
What are the Hotels found in Farms of Iceland?
Here is a list of some of the best farm Hotels in Iceland:
- Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse
- Cora´s House & Horses
- Eiði Farmhouse
- Thorbrandsstadir Farm
- Stóra-Mörk III Guesthouse.
A one-night stay in these hotels usually costs around $55. However, the price depends on the hotel, number of guests, and location. All of the farm hotels have high ratings and are liked by previous visitors.
