Matkaopas: Efstidalur

Efstidalur is a farm that holds a hotel, cafe, and restaurant.

Visit the farm while on a self drive tour in Iceland.

Facilities at Efstidalur

Efstidalur is primarily a dairy farm, run by four siblings and their families; it has been in their family for generations. Recently, it has become more focused on tourism, with people coming to see horses and enjoy the facilities.

With both a restaurant and ice cream barn, it is a perfect place to stop for refreshment. Efstidalur is the embodiment of ‘farm-to-table’ living, with the meat, dairy and vegetables either grown here or nearby.

There is also a hotel on site, with everything from twin to family rooms. The guests will have access to a hot tub, and are welcome to play with the dogs, horses and cows that make Efstidalur their home.

The hotel has beautiful views over the surrounding farmlands and mountains.

Horses can be rented from the farm for those who want to roam the idyllic countryside in an unconventional way.

Those interested in Icelandic agriculture can learn here about how farms survived the brutal Icelandic climate (to say nothing of the regular eruptions) and how national food items such as Skyr yoghurt is produced.

Sites surrounding Efstidalur

Located on the Golden Circle route, Efstidalur is within easy reach of some of the country’s most popular sites. These include Gullfoss, the iconic waterfall, Geysir, the geyser which leant all others their name, and Þingvellir National Park, a site of historic and geological wonder.

Those who want to dip into a pool can do so at Laugarvatn and Flúðir, for the Fontana Spa and Secret Lagoon respectively.

For those self-driving this tourist trail, therefore, Efstidalur is a great place to stop for a snack, meal, horseback ride, or just for a greeting with some gorgeous animals.