Reykholt
About Reykholt
Reykholt is a small geothermal village in Biskupstungur, South Iceland, just off Route 35 on the Golden Circle between Þingvellir and Geysir. Hot water from the ground heats the greenhouses that keep this part of the country growing tomatoes and cucumbers all year, and on cold days you can see steam rising from vents and greenhouse roofs.
Two villages in Iceland share the name, so check which one you mean. This Reykholt is in Bláskógabyggð, while the Reykholt where the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson lived is in Borgarfjörður in West Iceland, well over two hours away by road.
The main reason to stop is Friðheimar, a tomato farm at the edge of the village where you eat lunch among the plants inside a working greenhouse. Its kitchen is open every day from 11:30 to 16:00, and in summer it pays to book a table online. Among other things to do in Reykholt, the sports center has an outdoor swimming pool, and Faxi waterfall is about 10 minutes away by car.
The drive from Reykjavík to Reykholt takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. That makes the village a sensible overnight base for the Golden Circle, so you can see Geysir (about 20 minutes away) and Gullfoss (about 30 minutes) before the day-trip buses arrive. The village campsite beside the Aratunga community hall is open in summer, and the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir is about 15 minutes south.
Photos
5 photos
Good to know
Where is Reykholt in Iceland?
This Reykholt is in Biskupstungur, South Iceland, just off Route 35 on the Golden Circle, about 20 minutes from Geysir and 1 hour 20 minutes from Reykjavík.
Is this the Reykholt where Snorri Sturluson lived?
No. Snorri Sturluson's Reykholt is in Borgarfjörður, West Iceland, well over two hours away by road. This Reykholt is a greenhouse village on the Golden Circle.
What is there to do in Reykholt?
Most visitors come for lunch in the Friðheimar tomato greenhouse. The village also has an outdoor swimming pool, and Faxi waterfall and the Secret Lagoon are a short drive away.
How far is Reykholt from Reykjavík?
The drive from Reykjavík to Reykholt takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Do you need to book Friðheimar?
Booking a table online is wise, especially in summer. The kitchen serves lunch every day from 11:30 to 16:00.
Trip planning — free, no commitment
Put Reykholt on your route
Tell us your dates, pace and can’t-miss list — a local planner builds the route, stays and tours around it, and stays a text away while you travel.