Homemade Ice Cream and other treats at the charming Efstidalur Dairy Farm in Iceland

Efstidalur is a farm, restaurant, accommodation, and horse rental run by a family of four siblings. They grew up on this farm (seven whole generations), and made a careful promise to their grandfather that they would maintain it, thus growing it into the multifaceted treasure that it is today. 

On a Golden Circle drive, you’ll pass by many farms. Iceland’s lush countryside is the home to many such locations, and the fields that pass by your car windows will always be dotted by meandering horses, birdlife, sheep, cattle, and the occasional human creature. In fact, the sheep here outnumber us- and the horses are catching up!

The difference between Efstidalur and these many others, is that at Efstidalur, you’re invited inside. This working family farm means business, and they continue to produce the valuable products they have focused on and perfected for generations back into time. But, they also want you to come see how they do it.

Believing strongly in the quality of their craft and the importance of families connecting with animals and nature, this team leads their business the way they’ve always led their lives. They invite you to come by and see the farmers work, and to find out how you get the milk we so regularly consume. They give you a literal window into their work, barn, and farm kitchen, and encourage you to meet their star players, the cows themselves.

Sharing their processes about how they create new things with the milk gathered here, the transparency of Efstidalur’s work is a rare treat in today’s segmented world.

After a full day of sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying nature- one can work up a strong appetite. Fortunately, the folks at Efstidalur in their boundless hospitality have anticipated this, and so they’ve given us the restaurant, Hlöðuloftið.

A farm to table concept restaurant, Hlöðuloftið means “the barn loft”, and the dishes are about as local as they get. Made with dairy and meat from their own farm, they also make weekly rounds to collect local vegetables and produce from the neighboring establishments. The dishes served in Efstidalur’s cozy walk-in restaurant are truly the taste of the Icelandic countryside, and they are made with everyone in mind. Looking for vegan options on your trek? At Efstidalur, it’s covered. 

Serving up homemade burgers, steaks, pan-fried fresh trout, hearty soups, and heaping Icelandic vegetables- the restaurant is a great stop all on its own. Familiar with gluten and nut allergies, the team at Hlöðuloftið are no strangers to accommodating different needs, and the dishes that come out of their kitchen are colorful, honest, and fresh.

But as they say on the farm, life is short- so eat dessert first! Known for their homemade ice cream, one cannot visit Efstidalur without making a stop at their “ice cream barn”, Íshlaðan.

This is as fresh as it could possibly get. Continuing the theme of local products- Íshlaðan goes out of their way to source local salts, fruits, and flavors to adorn this most loved treat. And if it wasn’t enough that the ice cream is incredible, they’ve taken it a step further with their incredible ice cream barn dining experience. While you enjoy your fresh ice cream, you can see the cows enjoying their lunch as well.

The core of it all after all this time, the cows stay forefront in all of their ventures; and Efstidalur continues to thrive remembering exactly from where and why it began.

The authentic goodness of growing up amongst nature is clearly an inspiration in the work of Efstidalur. So much so, that they extend that experience to you when you visit. Believing in the magic of growing up with animals, Efstidalur is hopping with friendly farm dogs, sweet baby calves, busy chickens, and of course- the famous Icelandic horse with its extra gait. 

Among their many time honored skills, they have bred and reared horses for as long as they can recall. You can meet these special creatures on any visit, but, if you visit in the balmy Icelandic summer, you can ride one as well.

The trails around Efstidalur take you through bright green flowered fields, across the grounds, and next to the gushing glacial blue waters that feed the waterfall Brúarfoss. Their experienced guides are trained to aid riders of all experience levels, and for those who’d rather indulge in some ice cream and sun basking, there’s a great spot to unwind and wait on your riders as they tolt back you.

Running free in the rich fields around the farm, these horses, like many others around here, were born and raised on the farm. With the addition of Hestaleiga, you can get more up close and personal with the creatures of Efstidalur than ever, by joining them on one of these rides.

What better way to get the full farm experience?

Tucked away on the Golden Circle’s route 37, Efstidalur is right off the main road, and is but a stone’s throw from points of interest like Brúarfoss, Faxi Waterfall, Friðheimar, and even the geysers themselves. It’s a calming spot to have lunch after a hike along the water or a relaxing trip to the luxe Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, just down the road.

Efstidalur’s proximity to these local gems makes it a must-see stop, and of course, who doesn’t need a fresh ice cream after a hike? (In Iceland, there’s always time for an Ísrúntur, or ice cream run- no matter what time of year it is.) 

With an activity or a meal for any palate, this stop can please the most adventurous or the most timid among us, so it is a great stop for pleasing a group with varying interests and needs. 

In between watching the farmers make traditional skyr, cheese and ice-cream, chatting with the family about their work, and meeting all of the resident creatures- Efstidalur is an experience for any age. Come by and experience the product of three centuries of Icelandic farming. You won’t regret it.