Iceland’s Solheimar Ecovillage is Still Going Strong After 84 Years

If you've been to Iceland, you've probably done the <a href="https://www.re.is/day-tours/the-golden-circle" target="_blank">famous "Golden Circle" tour</a>, which hits all of Iceland's main tourist attractions in a couple hours drive through the southwest part of the country. It might surprise you to know that there's an attraction in that region that most tourists miss: <a href="http://sesseljuhus.is/index.php?msl=english" target="_blank">the Solheimar eco-village</a>. Located just half an hour away from Geysir and Gulfloss, and <a title="" href="http://www.inhabitat.com/entry_251.php" target="new">Hveragerdi</a>, Solheimar lies on the road back to Reykjavik. This tiny village deserves more attention than it gets, as it is one of the oldest thriving ecovillages in the world, and is a model community for green-minded individuals.

Volunteers and interns from all over the world visit Solheimar to learn about sustainable living, and contribute to the community.

It's a strong, tight community, and nearly a quarter of the inhabitants have special needs.

Solheimar was founded by Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, who was extremely inspired by Rudolph Steiner's work.

The community is self-sustaining, with a strong emphasis on organic horticulture, and craft.

There are 6 workshops in the community, including textiles (weaving and knitting), wood working, and ceramics.

Large, airy facilities allow the community to gather together for celebrations, learning opportunities, and more.

Large greenhouses provide organic vegetables year-round, and are a vital way to keep the village fed (and occupied) during the long winter months.