Sólheimar Ecovillage Travel Guide

Sólheimar is an eco-village in Southwest Iceland, in the municipality of Grímsnes og Grafningshreppur. It is famous for its devotion to community living, artistic ethics, and sustainability.  

Sólheimar (“Home of the Sun”), established in 1930 by the pioneering Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, is celebrated as Iceland’s oldest eco-village. Located 80 kilometers east of Reykjavík in southwest Iceland, this extraordinary community is home to approximately 100 residents.

Sesselja envisioned a society where individuals with and without special needs could live and work together, fostering inclusion, sustainability, and personal growth while promoting environmental stewardship.

Sólheimar first began as a foster home, with Sesselja moving to the property with her five fostered children. The land was purchased in March 1930 by the Childcare Committee of the Church of Iceland for 8000 ISK and leased out to Sesselja. Thankfully, the land—then known as Hverakot—was blessed with its very own hot spring, reinvigorating the potential for sustainable energy.

Before any buildings were constructed, the family lived in tents. The first building was erected as the first children with learning disabilities were introduced to Sólheimar in 1932. Sesselja Sigmundsdottir died in 1974 and is commemorated for her contribution to Icelandic environmentalism as the face of the 2002 Icelandic postage stamp. 

Sólheimar Eco Village Today

Today, the residents of Sólheimar still hold Sesselja’s values close to their hearts, though the village looks quite different today than at its founding. Now powered with thermal and solar energy, the village is fully sustainable, boasting a greenhouse, an arboretum, egg-laying facilities and forestry programs.

Aside from the care the village provides, Sólheimar is also home to a great number of sustainable local businesses and workshops, including those dedicated to candle-making, carpentry, weaving, soap-making, and arts and crafts.

At the heart of Sólheimar is a strong commitment to sustainable living and self-sufficiency. The village operates various eco-friendly projects, including organic greenhouses that produce fresh vegetables, forestry initiatives that support the environment, and facilities for egg production.

These ventures not only meet the needs of the community but also allow visitors to purchase fresh produce and handmade goods. The village’s café and shop feature organic vegetables and artisanal products crafted by residents, showcasing their creativity and dedication to sustainability.

Sólheimar is also a thriving center for arts and culture. Residents and visitors can participate in workshops for woodworking, ceramics, and candle-making, which provide meaningful employment and opportunities for creative expression. These artistic activities are central to the village’s identity, emphasizing the power of creativity as a means of connection and empowerment.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of Sólheimar by staying at the Sólheimar guesthouse, which offers accommodations in two buildings: Brekkukot and Veghús.

The guesthouse provides comfortable rooms and apartments with free Wi-Fi and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Staying at Sólheimar allows guests to experience the tranquility and sustainability of this remarkable community firsthand.

Surrounded by Iceland’s striking natural landscapes, including rolling hills, volcanic terrain, and lush greenery, Sólheimar is ideally situated near the famed Golden Circle. This makes it a perfect base for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders while enjoying the peaceful and inclusive environment of the eco-village.

More than 90 years after its founding, Sólheimar remains a shining example of sustainable and inclusive living. It continues to thrive as a self-sustaining community, embodying Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir’s groundbreaking vision. Sólheimar inspires visitors and communities worldwide by demonstrating how society can coexist harmoniously with nature while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for all.