SVARTÁRKOT FARM
Svartárkot means “Black River Croft” and is a working sheep farm at the southernmost part of Bárðardalur valley in northern Iceland. It lies on the western bank of Svartárvatn (Black River Lake), at the southernmost point of Fljótsheiði (River Heath), around 400 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Ódáðahraun (Foul Deeds Lava) the wildest uninhabited lava interior of Iceland. To the south, a wilderness extends all the way to Vatnajökull (Glacier of Waters), the largest ice-cap in Europe. To the south and east lie the rugged uninhabitable areas of the highlands, the domains of glaciers and lavafields. A colourful cultural history is to be found further down the valley towards the lowlands. Svartárkot has been inhabited through most of Iceland’s history and can be seen as a symbol for the interplay between humans and nature, human habitation and wilderness. In addition to sheep, the farmers at Svartárkot maintain a trout fishing business by selling fishing licenses and home-smoked trout and arctic char. They are also experienced guides with a vast knowledge of the interior preserved through generations, and lead both hiking tours and mountain jeep excursions.