Skyr is a fresh acid-set cheese made from cow’s skim milk that has been an important part of the Icelandic diet since the country was settled in the 9th century.
Today Erpsstadir Creamery is one of few producers in the country that produce Icelandic skyr in the traditional way and is a member of Economuseum, a growing international network with more than 70 member artisans in many different countries.
Erpsstadir Creamery is a family-run dairy farm where honesty and transparency are the foundation of the production. On the farm, the milking cows live in the best possible conditions. Under the same roof, the farmers diligently produce their products with the aim of opening up new dimensions in the experience of dairy products and at the same time honoring old traditions. At the creamery, you learn how typical Icelandic skyr is produced and taste skyr and its byproducts from the farm. After a delicious lunch at a farm restaurant, we have an easy hike to the top of an ancient crater with magnificent views.
Visiting an artisan’s workshop in an Economuseum allows you to go behind the scenes and actually speak to the people who live, breathe, and work in the location you are visiting. It opens a window to the lifestyle, economy, history, and culture – in essence, it lets you peek into the soul of the community.
At the farm, you meet the farmer, the animals and get a short introduction to traditional skyr making, after which you should be able to start your own skyr production when you get back home.
You will have lunch at a local farm restaurant and afterward have the opportunity to go for an easy hike to the top of Grábrók, a small crater (560 feet) formed by an eruption approximately three thousand years ago. From the top of the crater, you have a magnificent view of a large part of West Iceland, including massive lava that surfaced in the ancient volcanic eruption.
West Iceland offers a good variety of stunning landscapes such as energetic waterfalls, rugged lava fields, salmon rivers, mountains, and beautiful valleys.
It’s also one of the best farming areas in Iceland so it’s a perfect area to mix visits to beautiful natural attractions such as waterfalls, ravines, and lava fields, with a visit to a farm.
This is the perfect tour for those travelers looking to mix gorgeous sightseeing with an education into the culture and cuisine of rural Iceland. The lunch is included and consists of local delicacies.
