Sólheimar Ecovillage

Sólheimar (Eng. home of the sun ) is the first eco-village Islands and capital of the municipality Grímsnes above Grafningur in southwest Iceland. On 1 January 2009, the site had 79 inhabitants. The size of the associated area of around 250 hectares, 37 hectares are occupied, used 150 acres for farming.

Geography and description

Sólheimar is located northeast of the lake Hestvatn. East of the village of Hvítá flows past.

History

Sólheimar was established on 5 July 1930 by Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, which was marked by the anthroposophical teachings of Rudolf Steiner, as a home for disabled and non- disabled children.

In the village are now living mentally handicapped with non-handicapped. A hot spring maintains the supply of local, organic farming in greenhouses is operated and there is a nursery. In the area of Sólheimar a reforestation project, under which hundreds of thousands of trees are planted every year running.

About 65 % of the waste of the town to be recycled. The inhabitants manufacture of textiles and recycled items of daily use, manufacture candles and art objects. A rich cultural life everywhere in the village. 2002 Islands first eco - center was opened in Sólheimar.

Transport and Infrastructure

Sólheimar is located on Route 354 in the area of ​​Gullni hringurinn ( Golden Circle ).

Appreciation

The town and its founder have been mapped in 2002 by an Icelandic stamp.

2006 Sólheimar received the environmental award of the Icelandic Tourist Association.