Farming for over 1,100 years
Steindórsstaðir has been a working farm since the Settlement Period. Descendents of the same family have been living and farming here for the last 200 years. The farm’s domestic animals including cows, sheep, horses, dogs and cats are enjoyed by children and adults alike. The farmers also practice forestry and cultivate grain for their dairy cows.
Accommodation, cooking facilities, hot tub
Accommodation is available in a separate building on the farm. Guests can choose from 6 neat and tidy single, double or triple rooms. Each room comes with a handbasin. Guests share three bathrooms and have access to a kitchen, washing machine and a hot tub on the veranda. Free Wi-Fi. The nearby village of Kleppjárnsreykir has a geothermal swimming pool (9 km).
In the footsteps of a chieftain
Reykholt, an important cultural centre in the Middle Ages, is only a short distance away from Steindórsstaðir (2 km). Snorri Sturluson, Iceland's most famous scholar, lived in Reykholt during the first half of the 13th century. Today there is a special exhibition dedicated to his life and work. Outside one can see the remains of a hot spring pool named after Snorri, who was slain in Reykholt in 1241. Reykholt also has a good geothermal swimming pool.
Wonders of nature
Europe’s largest hot spring (volume of water per sec.), Deildartunguhver, is located nearby at the bottom of Reykholtsdalur valley (9 km). A short drive across the hills to the north brings one to the beautiful Hraunfossar falls (15 km). There is another popular leisure spot slightly farther away; Húsafell, with a geothermal swimming pool, golf course and ideal terrain for walks. To the east, mountains, glaciers and the tranquil interior beckon.
Hiking trails and longer excursions
Rauðsgil, a small canyon with a few wonderful waterfalls is almost at the doorstep. Walks up and along the canyon are quite popular. A short drive leads into the next valley, Norðurárdalur, where nature has created a remarkable setting around one of Iceland‘s best salmon rivers. The nearest town is Borgarnes (44 km) with shops, all the usual services, a geothermal swimming pool and a heritage museum. The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes offers the opportunity to learn about the settlement of the norsemen more than 1,100 years ago.
Hosts: Guðfinna and Þórarinn