Doing it like Snæbjörn: Farm living in Iceland

Looking back at Vik from the beach

Frank pondering in Vik

A posse of dogs greeted our Suburu when we pulled up to farm Önundarhorn. The house was deceiving in size with the herd of horses gathered around the perimeter. After roaming around the property, we were greeted by a sweet young woman who was the ranch hand for Snæ. Before we relaxed for a night of stories from Snæ, I had to help (asked to help) them wrangle the horses up for the night. 

As the light faded from the sky, four more travelers, from Germany & the States, showed up to stay here too. Snæ said in the summertime his 3 out of 5 of the rooms are booked for months. The other two are for him and his volunteers. Iceland's tourism has mushroomed in the last 5 years and infrastructure is still trying to catch up with the demand. 

Sane getting the horse rounded up 

A lot of homeowners are able to profit right now by opening their doors since the building process for larger hotels & properties takes time with permit processing and funding needs. On our evening walk, one of Snæ's neighbors was in the middle of constructing a 10-room property which was costing nearly $7 million to build. 

Earlier in the day, we spent time in the coastal village of Vik. The population rounds out to around 400. It is one of the keystone places for tourism in Iceland, with black sand beaches, small town charm, and tasty seafood. A very windy and wet town which requires a certain level of grit from its residents. Many have been reported to drown in this area from the rough seas that consistently pound into the basalt rock cliffs.

Back at Snæ's spot, we spent our last night in Iceland sitting in his living room listening to his stories of growing up as one of the best street fighters in the country. From the look in his eyes and the size of his fists, I was pretty convinced he was telling the truth. My father and him ended up staying up and watching movies together. A new pair of friends made halfway across the world. For me it's not the place that makes a trip unforgettable but the people and friendships you create.

Window above my bed