In rural Iceland Farmholidays have historically always been popular with guests traveling around Iceland or for those who prefer to stay for a long time in one place. Farmholidays give guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local nature and culture.

A good example of such a place is Sölvanes Farmholiday (https://solvanes.is/) , which lies in the tranquil countryside of Varmahlíð in the North of Iceland and offers an authentic Icelandic farm stay experience and is part of Hey Iceland, which is an Iceland´s Farm holidays organisation that offers around all of Iceland – https://www.heyiceland.is/.

This family-run farm invites guests to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of rural Iceland, enjoying comfortable accommodations and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Sölvanes provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience traditional Icelandic farm life. It is also quite unique in that this is the organic only sheep farm in Iceland and guest who stay there can buy the tasty lamb meet directly from the farm and barbeque it at their accommodation. Sölvanes Farmholidays is one of many unique Epic Stays in Iceland, https://epicstays.eu/en_gb/locations/iceland/.

Sölvanes Farmholidays embodies sustainable tourism and rural development. The farm integrates environmentally friendly practices in its daily operations, promoting a sustainable lifestyle and offering guests an eco-conscious stay. The collaboration between local farmers and the community has fostered economic growth and cultural preservation in Varmahlíð.

Guests can participate in farm activities, explore the scenic landscapes, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. Sölvanes stands as a model of how rural tourism can contribute to local economies while preserving traditional ways of life, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive and sustainable travel experience in Iceland.

Picture 1 – Sölvanes Farmholidays is a typical rural farm in North Iceland – Source: https://solvanes.is/gallery#&gid=1&pid=12

Picture 2 – On a good summer day you can watch your clothes dry. Source: https://solvanes.is/gallery#&gid=1&pid=6
Written by:
Kjartan Bollason
Lektor/Assistant Professor
Ferðamáladeild/Department of Rural Tourism
Háskólinn á Hólum/Hólar University , Iceland