Matkaopas: Háafellin vuohitila

Haafell is a goat farm that works towards preserving the stock of the Icelandic goat. The farm is open to visitors who can meet the goats and browse various goat-related merch.

The Icelandic goat center at Haafell is located in West Iceland, near the town of Borgarnes. The farm has been run since 1989 but opened its doors to visitors in 2012 with the aim of educating people about the Icelandic goat. 

Haafell goat farm is open to visitors throughout the summer months. The best way to explore this area is on a self-drive tour in Iceland.

History and Characteristics

The Icelandic goat, also known as the "settlement goat," is preserved at Haafell goat farm. The stock is an old one, dating back to the settlement of Iceland by the Vikings in the 9th century.

Although the goats have a long history in Iceland, they have always been few in number, having dropped below 100 animals several times.  At the end of 2012, the herd of Icelandic goats was numbered at 849, thanks to preservation efforts by farms such as Haafell.

The Icelandic goat has coarse, long guard hair and a coat of high-quality cashmere fiber. They are known for their gentle temperament, making them suitable for both farm work and companionship.

Things to Do at Haafell Goat Farm

Haafell goat farm has become a popular destination for visitors who want to experience Icelandic farm life and interact with the goats. The farm offers guided tours, where visitors can learn about the history and characteristics of the Icelandic goat breed.

The goats at the farm are friendly, and visitors can get up close and personal (as pictured above!) The farm also has a shop with various goat-related products such as soaps, leathers, handcrafts, and various meats and cheeses.

One of the goats at Haafell, Casanova, attained a brief 15 minutes of international fame when it starred in an episode of Game of Thrones, being devoured by a fearsome dragon. Thankfully, Casanova was unharmed.