Friðheimar is a unique tomato farm located on Iceland's Golden Circle that offers lunch inside a greenhouse. You can enjoy a delicious feast of tomato soup with freshly baked bread and cucumber salsa while surrounded by greenery. Additionally, guests can purchase tasty food souvenirs such as Tomato Jam, Cucumber Salsa, and Tomato Drinks. Be sure to visit Friðheimar when you're next in Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice!
About Friðheimar Greenhouse
A family-run greenhouse called Friðheimar is located about 30 minutes away from the Gullfoss Waterfall. Despite the cold, wet, and windy weather outside, the greenhouse uses artificial lights to create Mediterranean conditions, allowing tomatoes to grow all year. The greenhouse is heated by geothermal energy and water from a borehole located 200 meters away, which flows into the greenhouse at a temperature of around 95°C /203°F.
Friðheimar is situated at Reykholt in Biskupstungur, along road number 35, and is just a 20-minute drive away from the Geysir hot spring area and the Gullfoss waterfall. This makes it an ideal location at the center of the Golden Circle route.
Friðheimar is a large greenhouse that primarily produces tomatoes using geothermal heat and green energy. They do not utilize any harmful chemicals during the production process and instead rely on environmentally friendly methods, even using bees to fertilize the tomato plants.
Modern technology and green energy are used in the greenhouse. The greenhouse has a climate-control computer system for temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and lighting. Approximately 4,200 m² of the total 5,000 m² horticultural facilities are used for cultivation.
Pre-booked groups can visit the greenhouses throughout the year.
FRIÐHEIMAR TOMATOES RESTAURANT
Friðheimar farm in Iceland produces over a ton of crops per day, resulting in an annual harvest of 370 tons. Despite the harsh Icelandic winters, the farm is able to maintain its productivity. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a delicious meal of tomato soup, tomato beer, and even tomato ice cream at the farm.
The restaurant has a unique greenhouse atmosphere, allowing customers to dine surrounded by plants growing tomatoes. Each dish features tomatoes as the main ingredient, making it a standout feature of the restaurant.
At Friðheimar, there are approximately 10,000 mostly green tomato plants grown in greenhouses that require weekly trimming and picking. Bumblebees that live and work within the greenhouses, specifically those from Friðheimar, are responsible for pollinating the tomato plants.
The restaurant offers a straightforward menu featuring tomato soup and freshly baked bread, as well as fresh pasta and grilled tortillas with tomato for the main course. They also provide a side of fresh salad sourced from their on-site greenhouse. Notably, sour cream for the tomato soup is made from newly picked and fresh tomatoes that come from the greenhouse located near your table.
The restaurant has a unique setting where you dine inside a greenhouse, and the warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere to eat in. It's an ideal place to visit during cold and dark days of winter or rain, and you can enjoy their delicious soups. The restaurant guarantees the use of top-quality ingredients. Don't forget to try the tomato schnapps served in a hollow tomato filled with Icelandic Birch schnapps for a refreshing drink.
At their shop, they sell fresh tomatoes grown in their greenhouse, along with other products. You can learn about green tomatoes and how Icelanders use geothermal water and green energy to produce vegetables near the arctic circle. Across the island, there are approximately 120 hectares of greenhouses that mainly grow cucumbers and tomatoes.
FRIÐHEIMAR HORSE SHOW
During the summer, there is a horse riding show offered on a riding field near the main greenhouse here. Even in winter, you can often see the horses outside the stable.
Apart from tomato cultivation, Friðheimar is also renowned for its involvement in horse shows and horse breeding. The farm's objective is to produce attractive horses with a receptive temperament and a good neck and shoulder structure. At present, they have participated in breeding evaluations with seven horses and three of those horses were awarded first place.
Friðheimar hosts its own horse show, "A Meeting with the Icelandic Horse," a horse show that takes place during the summer months. The show offers information about the history of the Icelandic horse breed, which was introduced to Iceland by Scandinavian settlers approximately around 900 AD.
THE STORY BEHIND FRIDHEIMAR TOMATO FARM
Friðheimar started practicing horticulture with natural hot water in 1946. In 1995, Knútur and Helena bought Friðheimar with the intention of merging their expertise in horses and horticulture.
Between 1995 and 2001, they built a greenhouse that covered an area of 1,174 square meters and still managed to run the farm alongside it. Between 2002 and 2006, they expanded their operations to grow tomatoes throughout the whole year round, put up lighting, and constructed another greenhouse that covered 1,000 square meters.
Between 2007 and 2013, an equestrian center and tourist services were developed. The construction included building a stable that could accommodate 20 horses and an outdoor arena with seating capacity for 120 spectators. They also initiated a horse show for tourists and subsequently introduced visits to the greenhouse.
Since 2011, the emphasis has been on enhancing tourism, enlarging the area for crop cultivation (by 60%), and creating a variety of food items and souvenirs for tourists to buy and bring with them.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Organic Tomato Farm in the Golden Circle
- Restaurant, greenhouse and horse show.
- We recommend that you book a table at the restaurant in advance.
Friðheimar tomato farm is a popular attraction in Iceland that draws the attention of many people including agronomists, botanists, spectators, connoisseurs, travelers, and explorers. Iceland is renowned worldwide for its spectacular landscapes, distinctive wildlife, and beautiful flora, which includes lava fields, mountains, rivers, caves, volcanoes, and cultural and artistic heritage centers.
The Friðheimar tomato farm is situated along the Golden Circle route in southwest Iceland and is famous for its fresh food products, welcoming atmosphere, and horse performances. It's recommended by many to bring your family for an enjoyable visit.
Things to Look For….
In addition to its impressive tomato and crop production, Friðheimar is located near several popular attractions. Many sightseeing tours that include the Golden Circle also make a stop in Friðheimar. The classic Golden Circle route often includes visits to Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park.
At Friðheimar restaurant, you can savor the delightful atmosphere while relishing three different types of tomatoes. This exceptional and exciting culinary encounter adds a distinct flavour to your Iceland visit.
You can enjoy a lovely horse show at Friðheimar that features 14 different languages. Friðheimar is also where the horse breeding programs occur. Icelandic horses are a unique breed with five gaits, unlike most horses that only have four gaits. This is one of the reasons why Icelandic horses are extremely popular worldwide.
The Icelandic horses are friendly and well-behaved, making it a great experience for kids to meet them. After meeting the horses, you can also visit the stable to meet the riders and their horses, enjoy hot drinks, and take photos of the experience.
Don, you should check out the Friðheimar tomato farm's online store where you can buy freshly prepared cucumber salsa, BBQ sauce, tomato jam, chutney, juices, and gift cards. These amazing products are not just available in Iceland, but can also be shipped overseas to many countries such as India, Bahrain, Indonesia, the United States, and Canada.
If you plan to dine at the Friðheimar restaurant, which is a popular destination in the Golden Circle, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.
WHERE IS FRIÐHEIMAR LOCATED?
GPS: 64°10’42.0″N 20°26’50.0″W
Address: Friðheimar, Reykholti, Bláskógabyggð, 801 Selfoss.
While on the Golden Circle tour route, Friðheimar can be easily found as it is located off the highway. Just keep an eye out for the sign, as it might be easy to miss.
Friðheimar is located in Reykholt, a small village in the southern region of Iceland. Reykholt is part of the Bláskógabyggð municipality and has a population of about 100 people. The village is home to hot springs and greenhouses and is close to popular tourist attractions such as Skálholt, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
HOW TO GET TO FRIÐHEIMAR
Fridheimar is located on the Golden Circle route, approximately 50 minutes away from Thingvellir National Park, half an hour away from Gullfoss, and 20 minutes away from Geysir.
To get to Fridheimar from Geysir or Gullfoss, take Route 35 via Biskupstungnabraut.
To get to Gjabakkavegur/Gjábakkavegur from Route 365, start at Thingvellir Park.
To reach Friðheimar from Reykjavik, you need to take Þjóðvegur 1 and Biskupstungnabraut, which will take approximately an hour and a half (96.5 km).
Friðheimar Opening Hours
Friðheimar Greenhouse is open all year round with just being closed for 4 days. It is open 7 days a week from 12 pm to 4 pm.
The off days are the 24th, 25th, and 31st of December and the 1st of January.
ACCOMMODATION FOR FRIÐHEIMAR
The following hotels are located within a 20-mile radius of the farm:
- Hotel Geysir
- Hotel Borealis
- Fosshotel Hekla
- Hotel Grimsborgir
- 360° Hotel
Skjól campsite is situated within a distance of 25 km.
Efra-Sel Hostel is also a cost-effective accommodation option and is located within 30 km of the farm.
TIPS FOR VISITING FRIDHEIMAR
- The Golden Circle tour has a perfect lunch spot!
- It is recommended to call in advance to enjoy lunch amidst the tomato plants during the unique food experience available daily from midday to 4 p.m.
- If you're visiting as a group, you can schedule a greenhouse visit as well as a horse show, but it's important to book ahead of time.
- To secure your booking, please send an email to fridheimar@fridheimar.is or call (+354) 486 8894 ahead of time.
- A soup, along with home-baked bread and coffee/tea, can be purchased for around 2000 ISK, which is quite reasonable.
- Also Don't forget to visit the famous Little Tomato Shop
FRIDHEIMAR IN WINTER
The Fridheimar greenhouse and restaurant remain open during the winter season, and the hot food available there is a welcome relief. The only days when Fridheimar is closed are December 24th, 25th, and 31st, as well as January 1st.
To attend the "A Meeting with the Icelandic Horse" show, you must book in advance and it is only available from May 1st until September 30th.
INTERESTING PLACES NEAR FRIDHEIMAR
The location of Fridheimar on the Golden Circle route is advantageous. The area also boasts various popular sites and attractions worth exploring.
- Geysir Hot Springs
- Thingvellir National Park
- Faxi Waterfall
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Kerid Crater
- Selfoss Town
- Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
- Secret Lagoon
- Bruarfoss Waterfall
- Sólstaðir ehf
- Slakki Petting Zoo
- Skalholt Cathedral
Visit Friðheimar With Golden Circle Day Tours!
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FAQs
Is it worth going to Fridheimar?
I'm glad! After visiting a geothermally heated greenhouse, we visited the Fridheimer hydroponic tomatoes plant. The hotel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What is Fridheimar?
Frheimar is a tourism orientated tomato farming site in South Island famous for its fresh produce horse-breeding programmes, and for its horse-shows it hosts in 14 languages.
How do I get to Fridheimar?
Tell me the route in Friheimar. Fridheimer is on Golden Circle route 50 mins from the Thingvellir National Park, half an hour from Gullsoss or 20 minutes from Geysir. From Geysir, use Highway 35 to Biskupstungnabraut. It's exactly as easy as going to Friderheimer.
Do they grow tomatoes in Iceland?
Since about 1920 many types of edible fruits and vegetables are cultivated in a geothermated greenhouse in Iceland such as tomato lettuce, tomato shop cucumber, pepper and strawberry plants.
