Sólheimar is not only Iceland’s oldest eco‑village but a living laboratory of resilient, inclusive sustainability. It demonstrates that communities can thrive when:
- Ecological responsibility is woven into farming, energy, buildings, and goods.
- Social inclusion is not an afterthought but an operational core.
- Economic models are diversified across commerce, tourism, and grants.
- Cultural life enriches societal bonds.
Located in southwest Iceland, Sólheimar (“Homes of the Sun”) is one of the world’s first eco‑villages. Founded in 1930 by pedagogue Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, its pioneering mission combined social inclusion, ecological stewardship, and renewable living into a cohesive, self‑sustaining model. Today it caters to around 100 residents—approximately 40 with disabilities—living and working together in harmony.
The Vision of Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir
- Sesselja’s background: Trained in pedagogy in Germany and Switzerland, deeply influenced by Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophy. Her vision was to meld ecological farming with compassion for children with disabilities.
- Founding event: On 5 July 1930, after the Church of Iceland purchased the land known as Hverakot, Sesselja opened Sólheimar as a foster home for five children. The first house (Selhamar) was built in 1932–33, with support from the Icelandic Parliament.
- Pioneering inclusion: Sesselja championed what was then radical: reverse integration—people without disabilities adapt to the needs of those with—embodying her belief that society evolves by valuing all members equally.
Establishment of Ideals:
- Organic pioneer: Among the first in the Nordic region to adopt organic farming, underscoring sustainable principles that persist today.
- Environmentally aware design: From the start, buildings used natural insulation and geothermal resources; eco‑architecture was not an afterthought, but intentional from day one.
Core Principles of Sólheimar:
– Reverse Integration & Social inclusion
Central to Sólheimar is reverse integration: community life is designed around the abilities and needs of those with disabilities, shifting societal adaptation toward true inclusivity. All can participate:
- Workshops in weaving, soap‑making, cabinetry, ceramics, woodworking.
- Community roles in guesthouse, bakery, café, and horticulture.
– Ecological Sustainability
Every dimension of Sólheimar reflects ecological responsibility:
- Organic farming & horticulture: The Sunna greenhouse produces certified organic vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, root vegetables) without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
- Forestry & reforestation: Ölur arboretum leads the only certified organic forestry initiative in Iceland.
- Waste & recycling: Achieving ~65% recycling, with local artisans repurposing textiles and paper into functional products .
- Renewables & energy: Utilizes geothermal, solar, and sometimes wind power. Iconic Sesseljuhús incorporates turf roofing, driftwood cladding, drift‑cell solar arrays, geothermal borehole heating, and natural insulation.
– Economic & Cultural Vitality
Revenue is diversified across social enterprises:
- Café & guesthouse: The green‑roofed Græna Kannan Café (Green Jug) uses greenhouse‑grown organic ingredients; on‑site roasting ensures local sourcing. Nearby Brekkukot and Veghús guesthouses host eco‑tourists seeking meaningful stays.
- Artisan workshops: Over six creative studios produce beeswax candles, soap, textiles, musical instruments, ceramics—employing many individuals with disabilities.
- Retail & events: The Vala Market & Art Boutique and Vala grocery store sell locally made and grown products. Cultural programs (theatre, choir, concerts) stimulate social connection.
- Environmental education: The Sesseljuhús Environmental Centre hosts conferences, seminars, school visits—bridging local best practice to global awareness.
Community & Operational facts:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | ~100 residents; ~40 live with disabilities |
| Land area | ~250 ha, blending built and natural spaces |
| Economic sectors | Organic greenhouse, forestry, egg‑laying, workshops, guest services, café, retail store |
| Cultural life | Choirs, theatre troupe (founded 1932), sports hall, Scouts, museum, weekly church services |
| Architecture | Turf houses, driftwood exteriors, local wool insulation, PVC‑free, solar‑ and geothermal‑powered |
Business Model & Financial Sustainability:
Sólheimar relies on three pillars:
- Income generation from guesthouse, café, retail, educational events.
- Public funding: Government support acknowledges the community’s value in social care and environmental leadership.
- Grants & tourism partnerships: Collaborations (e.g., Planeterra, G‑Adventures) help sustain infrastructure and global education efforts.
Note: While not fully financially independent, its blended model offers robustness through diversified income streams—exemplary for social enterprises balancing impact with viability.
Environmental & Social Impact:
– Ecological Footprint & Certifications
- Organic trailblazing: Pioneered organic horticulture in Iceland/Nordics.
- Circular resource systems: Achieves high recycling rates through local material repurposing (textiles, candles, paper crafts) .
- Renewable energy deployment: Integrated use of geothermal, solar, wind—though still connected to national grid .
– Empowerment & Inclusion
- Employment model: Every workshop and business intentionally includes people with varying needs as core staff.
- Skill development: Ongoing learning empowers creativity and independence.
- Community cohesion: Social events—including theatrical, musical, and religious activities—foster belonging and identity.
– Education & Global Knowledge Transfer
- Environmental programmes: Sesseljuhús regularly hosts environmental education, sustainable living seminars, and eco‑international exchanges.
- Visitor immersion: Tourists engage hands‑on with organic farming, crafts, and eco‑education—integrating knowledge dissemination with economic livelihood.
8. Global Relevance & Replicability
8.1 An Eco‑Village Blueprint
Sólheimar offers replicable elements for communities worldwide:
- Reverse inclusion models—designing systems where non-disabled adjust to include marginalized groups.
- Ecological integration—organics, renewables, waste reduction embedded in daily life.
- Social enterprise networks—small‑scale workshops supplying allied industry and social tourism.
- Community commons—shared cultural spaces (theatre, church, exhibitions) enriching collective life.
8.2 Strategic Insights for Policymakers & Practitioners
- Longevity matters: Sólheimar’s near‑century spans beyond fads, proving sustainability isn’t fleeting.
- Hybrid finance: combining earned income, public investment, and philanthropy builds durable ecosystems.
- Cultural richness: creative arts and cultural programming anchor communities and deepen value.
- Education as Outreach: environmental centers and visitor inclusion multiply impact.
Partnering for Purpose: Let’s Build the Next Sólheimar Together
The success of Sólheimar eco-village illustrates that socially and environmentally responsible communities are not just idealistic—they are entirely possible with the right vision, commitment, and integrated project planning. At Planet to the 3rd Power, we specialize in bringing transformative ideas like Sólheimar to life—from early-stage strategy and stakeholder engagement to sustainable infrastructure, funding opportunities, strategic marketing and branding, and developing social business models.
Whether you’re a municipality, foundation, developer, or NGO looking to create eco-villages, inclusive communities, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we’re here to help you turn purpose into practice.
Let’s collaborate to design and deliver the next generation of socially inclusive, ecologically balanced communities.👉 Contact us thrugh our email: projects@planet3pm.si to explore how we can support your vision and develop an impactful project.