Reykholt

Reykholt is a small, quietly extraordinary village on the Golden Circle, tucked into the municipality of Bláskógabyggð in South Iceland. Powered by abundant geothermal energy and home to around a hundred residents, it punches well above its size as a travel destination — largely thanks to the family farm that put it on the map: Friðheimar.

(Note: this is Reykholt in South Iceland, not the medieval Reykholt in West Iceland associated with the saga-writer Snorri Sturluson — the two are entirely separate places.)

Friðheimar: Tomatoes and Horses in the Same Afternoon

Friðheimar is the standout reason to stop in Reykholt. What began as a small horticultural experiment in 1995 has grown into one of Iceland's most visited farm attractions. The family team grows tomatoes and cucumbers year-round in large greenhouses heated and illuminated to mimic a far warmer climate, all powered by geothermal water drawn from deep underground.

The greenhouse restaurant puts you right in the middle of the action — tables set between rows of ripening tomato plants, with a menu built almost entirely around what is growing a metre away. Think rich tomato soup, fresh bread, cucumber salsa, and tomato-based drinks. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in peak season.

Beyond the table, Friðheimar is also an active horse farm. They keep a stable of Icelandic horses and run regular horse shows in an outdoor arena, a relaxed way to watch the breed's famous smooth tölt gait up close.

What Else Is Around Reykholt

• Skálholt — Iceland's most significant medieval ecclesiastical site lies just a short drive southwest; its cathedral and summer concerts draw visitors of their own.
• Geysir and Gullfoss — Reykholt sits conveniently between these two giants of the Golden Circle, making it a natural lunch stop on the classic loop.
• Geothermal swimming pool — The village sports centre has a public pool and hot tubs fed by the same geothermal water that warms the greenhouses, a genuinely local experience.

Visiting Tips

• The drive from Reykjavík to Reykholt runs roughly 95 km through the Golden Circle corridor — allow about 1.5 hours without stops.
• Book a table at Friðheimar in advance; walk-in seats are limited and the restaurant fills up quickly around midday.
• The farm shop is open during wider hours than the restaurant, so even if you miss the lunch sitting you can pick up tomato products, sauces, and fresh-grown produce.
• Reykholt is an easy pairing with Skálholt: visit the cathedral in the morning, lunch at Friðheimar, then continue north to Geysir and Gullfoss in the afternoon.