The Accommodation
A Place to Breathe, and Enjoy The Quietness
The name of the area, Landeyjar, means the land of the islands. The name derives from the soil that defines it. The soil is actually swamps. In the old days before ditches were made to dry the land, it was normal to see flood run all over. Symbols of all those floods can be seen from the building location of old farmhouses. They were built on top on all those few small hills which could be found in the swamps. During hay making period it was a common sight, farmers mowing grass standing in water up to their knees. Still signs of the characteristics of the soil can be seen during spring time after heavy snow winters when the snow melts. Then many fields have streams which can be rowed by a kayak. Drinkable water for humans is not to be found in the swamps. Water for drinking and cooking were collected in tanks from the rain. Now fresh, clean water is piped from a water spring in Fljótshlíð and the hot water is of the same source, and is heated in heating containers.
The natural water in the swamps is clay colored. Therefore it could not and cannot be used for laundry washing unless you do not mind brown spots. This required regular trips by a carriage to the village; Hvolsvöllur, to do all household´s laundry, all year around.
The Old Farmhouse has two floors. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms and downstairs are a living room, a work room, a bathroom, a kitchen and a washing room. There are two exit doors, and around it is a big terrace. The house can accommodate up to 6 guests.
The Old Farmhouse is now in the possession of the 3rd generation. It is located in the center of all the Natural Treasures, the south part of Iceland has to offer, Geysir, Gullfoss, Landmannalaugar, Hekla, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Þórsmörk, Eyjafjallajökull, Skógafoss, Vestmannaeyjar, Dyrhólaey, Mýrdalsjökull, The Black Sand Beach, The Diamond Beach, Vatnajökull, and more.
The Old Farmhouse was built 1957 at the farm´s highest hill, and around an older house which was a turf house. The trace of the turf house kitchen which was called “hlóðir”, can be found beneath the floor in the inner part of the living room. The water tank which was used to collect rain for drinking and cooking is just outside the house beneath its kitchen window. The effects of the enormous power coursed by the big earthquake in the south part, in the year 2000, can still be witnessed at the old farmhouse washing room floor.
During winter no location is better to view the Northern lights.
Anton Vignir
I have a degree in tourism. I am the care taker of The Old Farmhouse. I am the 3rd generation of owners. It is a pleasure to host you in my home between your tours exploring the wonders of the south.