Best Farms You Can Visit in Iceland

About Farming in Iceland

Iceland's unique climate and landscape have fostered a long tradition of resourceful agriculture. Due to its cool temperatures and short growing seasons, most arable land is dedicated to pastures for livestock.

It's commonly said that there are more sheep than people in Iceland, and it's true! (Take that, New Zealand!) They've adapted to Iceland's often harsh environment, and while they're kept inside during winter, they spend the summers roaming nature freely.

The unique breed, diet, and living conditions are part of why Icelandic lamb is considered some of the best in the world, having even received a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the European Union in 2023!

Chicken, pigs, and even goats are raised in Iceland, though they're not as common as sheep. You'll also spot plenty of cattle during a summer self-drive tour, along with the famous Icelandic horse.

While fresh produce might seem like a difficult thing to grow in Iceland, innovation has changed the game. Geothermal energy, a natural resource in abundance, is harnessed to heat greenhouses!

This allows farmers to cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and other crops year-round. Hydroponic and vertical farming techniques are also used. Iceland is even said to have Europe's largest banana plantation, though this depends on whether you count the Canary Islands as part of Europe or Africa.

This is why visiting an Icelandic farm is a great addition to your itinerary. You can witness firsthand the close connection between farmers and the land and gain an appreciation for the resourcefulness that defines Icelandic agriculture.

Best Icelandic Farms to Visit

If you want a glimpse into life on an Icelandic farm, there are plenty of options. Whether you want to meet the Icelandic horse, sheep, goat, or other animals, these are the best places to add to your Iceland itinerary!

The Háafell Goat Farm

The Háafell goat farm is probably the cutest place to visit in Iceland! It's the perfect addition to a West Iceland self-drive tour, as it's very close to many attractions of the Borgarfjordur fjord, such as the Hraunfossar waterfalls and the Krauma spa.

Háafell is pretty unique as it's one of the few places where you can find the Icelandic goat breed. It has long been endangered, and in the 1990s, there were less than 100 Icelandic goats in the world! The farmer of Háafell, Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir, has been credited for saving the Icelandic goat, as today, thanks to her efforts, their numbers have risen to around 800, with half belonging to Jóhanna herself!

It's best to visit Háafell in summer, as you can sit in the field with the goats, pet them, and play with them. Just make sure these adorable pranksters don't chew your shoelaces off during the cuddles! One of the goats is also quite the celebrity, as it was featured in an episode of Game of Thrones. Make sure to say hi!

Check out the small store they have, as they sell a lot of great farm-produced products. The feta cheese is delicious, and if you want a souvenir, it's a good idea to pick up a jar of homemade hand cream or goat soap. Both do wonders for the skin.

• Check out the Ultimate Guide to Game of Thrones in Iceland

Fridheimar Tomato Farm

Photo from Golden Circle Minibus Tour With Visit to Fridheimar & Kerid Crater Lake.

Iceland might not be the first place you think of for tomatoes, but the Fridheimar Tomato Farm challenges that idea. It's located on the Golden Circle route and is likely the most popular farm to visit in Iceland.

This Iceland tomato farm uses geothermal energy to grow delicious tomatoes year-round, even through Iceland's long winters. You can find these in grocery stores around Iceland, but most importantly, they're used at the farm's fantastic restaurant!

Their tomato soup buffet is famous, served with delicious bread and cucumber salsa. There are also great tomato-based dishes on their menu, along with special desserts like tomato ice cream! To go with your meal, try the fun cocktails or grab the unique tomato beer.

There's a small store in the restaurant where you can find items made from their tomatoes. You can also book a greenhouse visit to see more of the facilities, and don't forget to stop by and say hello to the Icelandic horses before you leave!

We can't stress enough the importance of booking your table at Friðheimar ahead of time, preferably a few days before you plan to go. This really is one of the most popular restaurants in the Golden Circle area, and while they accept drop-ins, the chances of a table being available with no booking are very low

• Friðheimar is one of the Best Restaurants on the South Coast of Iceland
• See also: Shopping for Groceries in Iceland

Bjarteyjarsandur Sheep Farm

Photo taken from Bjarteyjarsandur.

In the beautiful Hvalfjordur fjord, about an hour's drive from Reykjavik, is Bjarteyjarsandur, a family-run sheep farm with a long history. The same family has lived on the farm since 1887, being passed down through generations, raising Icelandic sheep with sustainable practices.

The Bjarteyjarsandur farm welcomes visitors year-round. You can explore what life is like on a working sheep farm, and sometimes, you can even lend a hand! Just remember to book your visit. They also offer guided tours, and in the summer, you can enjoy delicious food made with fresh local produce.

It's a great place to experience Icelandic farming traditions firsthand and connect with the country's rural way of life. There are also plenty of things you can do in the near vicinity, such as hiking to the Glymur waterfall, and enjoying a soak at the luxurious Hvammsvik Hot Springs!

• See also: The 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

Daladýrð Farm Zoo

Photo from  Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir.

If you're planning a Ring Road tour and are taking time to explore North Iceland, include a stop at the Daladýrð Farm Zoo. It's located in the picturesque Fnjoskadalur valley and is just a 25-minute drive from Akureyri, the largest town outside the Capital Region.

There are plenty of different animals to see, such as goats, pigs, cats, hens, rabbits, and, of course, Icelandic sheep and horses. You may also be able to see an Arctic Fox during your visit, the only native land animal in Iceland.

The animals are very well treated and love visitors! You'll get plenty of chances for pets and cuddles, making this a great place to visit with children.

While there, take the chance to check out the charming Daladýrð café, known as "Café Animal." We highly recommend trying the waffles with a tasty cup of hot chocolate. There's also a small store with local products and clothing, and you can even find your own traditional lopapeysa sweater!

• Check out: A Visit to Fnjóskadalur Valley & a Cute Petting Zoo in North Iceland
• See also: 13 Best Things to Do in Akureyri (and Nearby)

Erpsstaðir Creamery

Photo from Rjómabúið Erpsstaðir.

For a taste of some of the best dairy products in Iceland, stop by the Erpsstaðir Creamery. It's just under a two-hour drive from Reykjavik and can be visited as a detour when exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula with an affordable rental car.

This family-run farm specializes in producing high-quality dairy products, including fantastic ice cream, traditional skyr, and various cheeses. One must-try item, however, is their "Skyrkonfekt," an assortment of skyr chocolates that are absolutely delicious.

You can try their products in the Erpsstaðir farm's store. It's mainly open during summer, but you can request a visit ahead of time if you're planning a winter self-drive tour!

• See more: The Best Ice Cream Parlors in Iceland

Hraðastaðir Horse Riding & Farm

Photo from Hraðarstaðir Horse Riding & Farm.

The Hraðastaðir farm is just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik. The fully functioning farm has a charming petting zoo, surrounded by beautiful nature on the edge of the Capital Region. This is a fantastic stop for those staying in Reykjavik accommodation throughout their trip and want a glimpse into life in the countryside.

You can see sheep, horses, goats, cats, rabbits, cows, pigs, chickens, and a glamorous rooster! Between June and August, it's also possible to go on horseback by the farm, but if you want more, private horseriding tours are available through the Mosfellsdalur valley.

Take the chance to explore some of the sights around the farm. You can stop by the town of Mosfellsbaer and see the nearby natural attractions, such as the Trollafoss waterfall and the Esjan mountain!

• Learn more: Tröllafoss - Trolls' Falls in Mosfellsdalur Valley in South-West Iceland

The Reindeer Park

Photo from Reindeer Park / Hreindýragarður.

If you're planning to explore the beautiful Eastfjords, a must-stop on your travels is the Reindeer Park. It's just outside Egilsstadir, the largest town in the region, and is home to two adorable reindeer!

Garpur and Mosi were rescued in 2021 by farmer Björn Magnússon when they were just a few days old. He has since dedicated his life to these adorable animals, and they have thrived under his care. They're very used to humans, and you'll be able to learn all about them and their stories when you visit!

Reindeer roam wild in Icelandic nature but can only be found in the eastern region. They can generally only be seen from a distance as they're elusive creatures, and you can take this guided 4-our Super Jeep reindeer safari to see the herds in their natural habitat.

The best way to see them up close, however, is with a visit to the Reindeer Park. Make sure to stop by, as it's sure to be a memorable experience and supports the park!

• Book your East Iceland accommodation on Iceland's largest travel marketplace!

Vallholt Snow Dogs Farm

Photo from Incredible 2-Hour Siberian Husky Dog Sled Sightseeing Tour by the Myvatn Area.

If you're craving a very unique and adorable farm experience in Iceland, plan a visit to the Vallholt farm and see the Snow Dogs. It's a 25-minute drive from Lake Myvatn and 50 minutes from Akureyri, but it's one of the best places to go on dog sledding tours!

The Vallholt farm has 29 Siberian Husky sled dogs that love to run across the wild nature. These dogs are very well taken care of, and their owners make sure that the trips are enjoyable for all parties, most importantly, the dogs themselves!

It's very important that the dogs are excited to go out, and the owners make sure the dogs aren't overly exerting themselves. Because of this, the sledding tours are only available certain times per week.

You can book a dog sled kennel visit if you want to see the adorable dogs. They love being petted, so prepare for lots of belly rubs! For the best experience, however, go for the incredible 2-hour Siberian Husky dog sled sightseeing tour, which concludes with a kennel visit.

• Learn all about Dog Sledding in Iceland
• See also: Best Attractions by the Ring Road of Iceland

Vallanes Organic Farm

Photo from VisitAusturland.

Vallanes is a family-run farm just outside Egilsstadir that focuses on growing organic vegetables and grains, especially barley, which are then transformed into delicious and healthy products available for purchase at the farm’s on-site shop.

The farm is also known as "Móðir Jörð" or Mother Earth, and they're open for visitors between May and October. You can find some of their products in grocery stores around Iceland, but visiting the farm itself is such a charming experience! If you have the chance, stop by when exploring East Iceland.

Along with checking out their products, you can enjoy a meal at their vegetarian café. It's a great place for lunch, as they have a vegetarian buffet on offer during the summer. It has only the freshest possible ingredients, most of which come from the farm!

• Check out the Best Restaurants in East Iceland
• Also, discover the Vegan & Vegetarian Guide to Reykjavik

Efstidalur Farm Hotel

If you're planning a Golden Circle tour with a rental car and want to experience all that the route has to offer, then stop by the Efstidalur Farm Hotel. It's a historic dairy farm that has been in the same family since around 1750, being passed down through seven generations.

The Efstidalur farm is famous for its homemade ice cream, made with fresh milk from the farm, which is available in all sorts of flavors. There's also a restaurant that celebrates farm-to-table dining, with most of the ingredients coming from the farm itself. This makes it a fantastic option for lunch or dinner on your travels.

As the region has a lot to offer and plenty to explore, you can also stay at the farm's hotel. It's one of the more unique Golden Circle accommodations available, and it's highly rated among guests.

Best Farm Accommodations in Iceland

If you dream of staying in the peaceful countryside surrounded by the lively atmosphere of an Icelandic farm, you're in for a treat. There are plenty of farm accommodations in Iceland that fit all kinds of travelers, so here are some fantastic places to stay during your travels!

Stóra Ásgeirsá Farm

If you want to experience life at a horse farm in Iceland, then booking a night at the Stora-Asgeirsa Guesthouse is a great option. It's located between Akureyri and Reykjavik, and it's fantastic if you want to enjoy all that Northwest Iceland has to offer.

Guests are welcome to participate in farm chores and relax among the adorable farm animals, including goats, sheep, and, of course, horses! They all love a bit of petting, especially the farm cat and dog.

The farm offers horse riding tours around the surrounding landscapes and afterwards, you can enjoy a soak at the on-site hot tub. It's a fantastic way to really immerse yourself in the life of the lovely Icelandic countryside.

DalsSel Guesthouse

A great option for a countryside stay is the DalsSel Farm Guesthouse. It's a real farm on Iceland's South Coast, just a 15-minute drive from the town of Hvolsvollur, and you're welcome to explore the facilities during your stay. The helpful staff will answer any questions you may have as you say hello to the horses, cows, and the farm dog!

The DalSel farm can serve as a great base for exploring the region. It's just a 10-minute drive from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall and half an hour from the Skogafoss waterfall. Many other attractions, like Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Dyrholey rock arch, can be reached within an hour.

• Learn more with the Ultimate Guide to Iceland's South Coast

Hestaland Horse Farm

The Hestaland Horse Farm, situated in western Iceland near Borgarnes, is a great place for those who want to see Icelandic horses. You can choose to stay at the Hestaland Guesthouse, but they also have the Country Dream Cabin and Horse Farm Cottage available if you want a more cozy and intimate place to stay.

The Hestaland farm offers horse riding tours through nature led by experienced guides. If you're traveling in a group of around 10, you can book an informative farm visit to learn all about Icelandic horses from an expert. You can request an additional demonstration if you want to see the unique gaits of the Icelandic horse! If you're in a smaller group, you can also request a visit, though it will be more expensive.

This is a good accommodation option if you want to be surrounded by nature and close to the unique Icelandic horses. Just remember to book with good notice to get the best price for your stay.

Visiting the best farms in Iceland offers an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about sustainable farming practices, and savor the flavors of locally grown produce. These farms offer something for everyone, and each one has its own unique story to tell.

From educational tours and hands-on activities to farm-to-table dining and cozy accommodations, a visit to Iceland's best farms promises to be a highlight of your journey. So, get ready to hit the Ring Road and discover the wonders of Icelandic agriculture firsthand!

Which one of these farms would you like to visit? What farm activities would you like to try? Are there any places missing from our list? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comment section below!