Evelyn Ýr, Eydís and Sigrún are three farmers located in Skagafjörður (North Iceland) that started a program together called The Icelandic Farm Animals.
The idea behind it is to provide something different than the mainstream touristic attractions by giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Icelandic farmlife. “We know that we can achieve much more than separately, by sharing our knowledge and vision of things. We also believe this project can bring more attention to the area, through a more diverse range of activities.” Sigrún explained.
Evelyn Ýr is the owner of Lýtingsstaðir, a horse and holiday farm offering riding tours at all levels, and accommodation in wooden cottages with a magnificent view over the mountains. Not to be missed is the Old Turf Stable, built in 2015 according to the old traditions, where Evelyn tells you everything about the Icelandic horse history.
Eydís runs a 300-sheep farm in Sölvanes and provides cozy accommodation at the Old Farm House, where she loves to treat her guests with some secret recipes of hers. The unique surroundings offer a variety of hiking paths and now that the snow is gone, some secret waterfalls start appearing again, right in Eydís’ property!
Sigrún, the artist of the trio, owns the art gallery Rúnalist where she keeps creating handcrafts of all sorts, made of natural materials. She also runs a farm of a very special type of Icelandic Goats, along with other farm animals.
Being so different yet very complementary, they had the great idea to join forces to provide an unforgettable experience to visitors. Guests can visit the three farms, get to meet horses, sheep, and goats, and take part in farm activities of their choice. “We want to give them a taste of our daily lives in the countryside”.
They can also enjoy some farm products, and join a treasure hunt to explore better the area while having a great time in the Icelandic countryside!
The lambing season keeps the team busy day and night. “Lambing is the most enjoyable time of the year," Sigrún said. “It’s a period of hard working, with sleep deprivation and a high degree of vigilance, sometimes in harsh conditions like snow and cold. But since I was a child, I have been watching the newborn lambs, and this is always the same sense of wonder, it really fills you with joy and optimism."