Directory of Eco-villages in Europe - Kennedy Bibliothek

SolSieimar Iceland
Selfoss
existing
eco- village
Solheimar is an eco-village in southern Iceland about 85 km from the
capital, Reykjavik. Founded in 1930, it may well be the oldest village
in the Global Eco-village Network. Today, the village of 250 hectares
has about 100 inhabitants, living in 38 houses and apartments, with 5
more houses currently under construction.
Solheimar was inspired by the philosophy of Rudolph Steiner, using
biodynamic farming and being one of the first such farms in Scandinavia.
Anthroposophical architecture and other elements help to ensure
full participation of all community members, taking into account the
special needs and skills of each individual.
Solheimar occupies a uniquely fortunate position with regard to available
natural resources. All of the area heating and hot water is generated by
natural hot springs. The first hot spring, which was capped before the
settlement in 1930, provides nine liters of 90° C water per second, and
a second hot spring provides 12 liters of 90° C water per second. This
natural hot water, along with favourable sunshine and rainfall, a moderate
maritime climate and good soil are great sources of natural wealth.
From the beginning Solheimar has focused on cultivating the individual-
and the environment, for example: waste is sorted and organic ma-
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