Arnheiður Hjörleifsdóttir lives on the farm with her husband, Guðmundur Sigurjónsson, her parents-in-law, and a third family of cousins. Her husband’s family has lived here since 1887, which makes him the fourth generation to run the farm. The families raise livestock on the farm, run a shop where they sell their produce directly to consumers, offer accommodation, and allow visitors to participate in everyday tasks on the farm.
Bjarteyjarsandur is more than just a farm, what other commercial activities are you involved in?
“My husband and I are sheep farmers who are also involved in agritourism. We run a small restaurant where we serve home-made food and a little shop where visitors can buy organic produce directly from the farm. We also offer guided tours around the area. For the past twenty years, my parents-in-law have rented out cottages, which are beautifully located on the hill above the farm. The cottages have an absolutely marvellous view over the Hvalfjörður fjord. We have a number of animals on the farm,including horses, Icelandic hens, free range pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, and a pet goat.”
I’ve heard the farm animals love visitors, is that true?
“The goat likes to hang out in the restaurant and interact with our guests. So do the pigs, hand-reared lambs, and our hens. I think this only makes the experience more memorable. We also allow visitors to partake in every-day tasks on the farm to a certain degree. Our youngest guests thoroughly enjoy that.”
Do you have a favorite spot in the area?
“I really enjoy a walk up along Álftaskarðsá river to the top of Álftaskarðsþúfa. From there you can enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view over the fjord. The old Bláskeggárbrú bridge is also a favourite. It’s the oldest stone bridge in the country. And of course Glymur water fall in Botnsdalur valley. It’s the highest waterfall in Iceland, with a cascade of 196 meters (643 feet).
“Bjartey is a small cliffy is land close to land. When there’s a perigean spring tide, one can walk to the island, which is always an adventure.”
What do you suggest for those who are travelling with children?
“There are many family-friendly activities available on the farm. Children love to visit the animals and a scavenger hunt on the beach is always popular. We also organize orienteering for families. The swimming-pool in Hlaðir is an ideal place to splash around in at the end of the day. All within a short distance from Bjarteyjarsandur farm.”
Bjarteyjarsandur farm is around a one hour drive from Reykjavík.
Bjarteyjarsandur farm is beautifully situated between rolling hills and the sea front in the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord on the west coast of Iceland.
Arnheiður Hjörleifsdóttir lives on the farm with her husband, Guðmundur Sigurjónsson, her parents-in-law, and a third family of cousins. Her husband’s family has lived here since 1887, which makes him the fourth generation to run the farm. The families raise livestock on the farm, run a shop where they sell their produce directly to consumers, offer accommodation, and allow visitors to participate in everyday tasks on the farm.
Bjarteyjarsandur is more than just a farm, what other commercial activities are you involved in?
“My husband and I are sheep farmers who are also involved in agritourism. We run a small restaurant where we serve home-made food and a little shop where visitors can buy organic produce directly from the farm. We also offer guided tours around the area. For the past twenty years, my parents-in-law have rented out cottages, which are beautifully located on the hill above the farm. The cottages have an absolutely marvellous view over the Hvalfjörður fjord. We have a number of animals on the farm,including horses, Icelandic hens, free range pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, and a pet goat.”
I’ve heard the farm animals love visitors, is that true?
“The goat likes to hang out in the restaurant and interact with our guests. So do the pigs, hand-reared lambs, and our hens. I think this only makes the experience more memorable. We also allow visitors to partake in every-day tasks on the farm to a certain degree. Our youngest guests thoroughly enjoy that.”
Do you have a favorite spot in the area?
“I really enjoy a walk up along Álftaskarðsá river to the top of Álftaskarðsþúfa. From there you can enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view over the fjord. The old Bláskeggárbrú bridge is also a favourite. It’s the oldest stone bridge in the country. And of course Glymur water fall in Botnsdalur valley. It’s the highest waterfall in Iceland, with a cascade of 196 meters (643 feet).
“Bjartey is a small cliffy is land close to land. When there’s a perigean spring tide, one can walk to the island, which is always an adventure.”
What do you suggest for those who are travelling with children?
“There are many family-friendly activities available on the farm. Children love to visit the animals and a scavenger hunt on the beach is always popular. We also organize orienteering for families. The swimming-pool in Hlaðir is an ideal place to splash around in at the end of the day. All within a short distance from Bjarteyjarsandur farm.”
Bjarteyjarsandur farm is around a one hour drive from Reykjavík.
