Solheimar Eco-Village

Tucked into the gentle farmland of southwest Iceland, Sólheimar is the world's oldest eco-village — a living, breathing community that has been practising sustainable and inclusive living since 1930. Founded on July 5th of that year by the visionary Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, it began as a foster home for children with special needs and grew into an internationally recognised model of intentional community.

A Pioneer in Sustainable Living

Long before "eco-village" entered the vocabulary, Sólheimar was doing it — organically certified farming, geothermal energy, forestry, and waste recycling woven into everyday life. It was among the first communities in Iceland and the Nordic region to practise certified organic agriculture, and today it remains a member of the Global Ecovillage Network. Around 100 people — with and without disabilities — live and work here together, embodying the founding principle of "cultivation of humans and nature."

What to See and Do

Visitors are warmly welcomed, and there is plenty to explore:

• Sesseljuhús Environmental Centre — an exhibition honouring the founder and the village's history, also used for conferences and educational events
• Craft workshops — ceramics, candle-making, weaving, woodworking, and more, many staffed by community residents
• Græna Kannan café — a cosy stop for coffee and home-baked goods
• Vala shop — organic produce, handmade crafts, and local goods to bring home
• Gardens and arboretum — a rare sight in Iceland; the mature trees and greenhouse reflect decades of careful cultivation

Visiting Tips

The café and shop typically open midday, making Sólheimar a natural lunch pause on a driving day. Dress for the outdoors — the garden paths reward a slow wander. Most facilities are accessible, and the community atmosphere is unhurried and genuinely welcoming to curious travellers.

On the Golden Circle Route

Sólheimar sits just off the main Golden Circle corridor, roughly equidistant between Þingvellir and Geysir. It makes an ideal off-the-beaten-path detour that adds depth and human warmth to the classic volcanic highlights. Pairing it with nearby Skálholt Cathedral gives a rich picture of Iceland's history — both its spiritual past and its forward-thinking present.