Friðheimar: Iceland’s Tomato Farm & Horses
Friðheimar Farm, located in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle, is a unique and innovative greenhouse farm renowned for its cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers using sustainable geothermal energy. This family-run farm has become a popular destination for visitors interested in Icelandic agriculture, sustainability, and culinary experiences.
What makes Friðheimar particularly special is its focus on combining farming with tourism. Guests can tour the greenhouses, where they learn about the use of geothermal heat and artificial lighting to grow fresh produce year-round, even in Iceland's harsh climate. The farm’s tomato plants thrive in the controlled environment, producing vibrant, flavourful tomatoes that are a key ingredient in the farm’s famous tomato soup, served daily in their on-site restaurant.
The restaurant itself is set within the greenhouse, offering a unique dining experience where you can enjoy freshly made dishes surrounded by rows of tomato plants. The menu features various tomato-based items, from soups and breads to refreshing drinks made from green tomatoes. The farm also offers horse shows, combining Icelandic culture with their agricultural practices.
Friðheimar Farm is a shining example of how Iceland harnesses its natural resources for sustainable agriculture, making it a must-visit for those interested in food, farming, and eco-friendly practices.
The Story of Friðheimar
Friðheimar was established in 1995 by Knútur Rafn Ármann and Helga María Björnsdóttir, who sought to combine their passions for horticulture and horse breeding. What began as a small family-run farm has since grown into a thriving agricultural and tourism enterprise. The farm is located in Reykholt, Iceland, and is recognized for its pioneering use of geothermal energy in agriculture, allowing it to produce fresh tomatoes year-round despite Iceland’s challenging climate.
- Founded: 1995
- Location: Reykholt, Southern Iceland
- Greenhouse Size: 5,000 square meters dedicated to tomato cultivation
- Daily Tomato Production: Over one ton of tomatoes harvested daily
- Visitors per Year: Approximately 160,000
Friðheimar's innovative approach to sustainable agriculture and its welcoming atmosphere have made it a popular destination for both locals and international visitors. It’s not just a farm—Friðheimar farm is an educational hub, showcasing how Iceland’s unique natural resources, such as geothermal energy, can be harnessed to promote green farming.
Tomatoes in Geothermal Greenhouses
At the heart of Friðheimar is its geothermal greenhouse where tomatoes are cultivated year-round. The Friðheimar tomato farm uses Iceland’s abundant geothermal energy to heat its 5,000 square meters of greenhouses, creating the perfect environment for growing high-quality tomatoes in the middle of the North Atlantic.
The warmth from the geothermal energy allows the tomato plants to thrive despite the long, dark Icelandic winters. This sustainable use of renewable energy makes Friðheimar one of Iceland’s most impressive examples of environmentally-friendly farming. Along with geothermal heat, Friðheimar uses artificial lighting to mimic sunlight during the darker months, ensuring the tomato plants receive the necessary light to grow and produce high yields.
A vital part of the tomato farm's ecosystem is its bees. At Friðheimar, bees are used to pollinate the plants naturally, playing an essential role in the cultivation process. The combination of geothermal heat, artificial light, and natural pollination allows Friðheimar to produce over one ton of tomatoes every day, providing fresh produce to local markets and its own tomato restaurant.
Friðheimar Tomato Restaurant
One of the highlights of a visit to Friðheimar is the chance to dine in the tomato restaurant, a unique culinary experience where guests enjoy meals surrounded by rows of tomato plants. The restaurant focuses on creating a menu that revolves entirely around the fresh tomatoes grown on the farm, offering a range of dishes that celebrate the versatility and flavor of this humble fruit.
The restaurant’s signature dish is the tomato soup, served with freshly baked bread, making for a hearty and comforting meal. But the culinary creativity doesn’t stop there. Visitors can also try more adventurous tomato-based dishes, including tomato ice cream, which adds a surprising twist to traditional flavors.
Dining at Friðheimar restaurant is not just about the food—it’s an immersive experience that allows guests to see firsthand how the tomatoes are grown while enjoying the fruits of the farm’s labor. The large windows of the greenhouse allow for a full view of the farm’s tomato plants, making every meal at Friðheimar both delicious and educational.
Horse Stables and Show
In addition to its tomato production, Friðheimar is also a thriving horse farm. The Friðheimar tomato and horse farm has long been dedicated to breeding and training Icelandic horses, a breed known for its resilience, unique gait (known as the tölt), and friendly temperament. Visitors to Friðheimar can meet these majestic animals and learn about their history and importance in Icelandic culture.
One of the highlights of the farm is the horse show, where visitors are treated to an impressive display of horsemanship. The show demonstrates the unique gaits of the Icelandic horse, including the famous tölt, and gives insight into the breed’s characteristics and capabilities. Whether you are a horse enthusiast or simply curious, the Friðheimar horse stables offer a fantastic opportunity to experience Iceland’s equestrian heritage up close.
Location
Friðheimar is located in Reykholt, Southern Iceland, approximately 97 kilometers east of Reykjavik. Situated in the heart of the Golden Circle, Friðheimar is close to several of Iceland’s most famous attractions, including Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. The farm is easily accessible and makes for an excellent stop on a day trip from Reykjavik to explore the natural beauty of Southern Iceland.
- GPS Coordinates: 64°10'39.8"N 20°26'42.0"W
How to Get to Friðheimar?
From Reykjavik to Friðheimar, the drive takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes along Route 1 (Ring Road). Turn onto Route 35, which leads to Reykholt, and follow the signs to Friðheimar farm. The scenic drive is part of the popular Golden Circle route, making Friðheimar a convenient stop for visitors exploring Southern Iceland.