Doors of Deplar Farm Soon to Reopen

Deplar Farm, a luxury hotel in North Iceland, will soon be opening its doors again after a long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgunblaðið reports. Before the start of the pandemic, the 13-room hotel, owned by Eleven Experience, employed up to 64 people, while the number of guests was typically between 15 and 26.

Haukur Bent Sigmarsson, managing director of Deplar Farm, states that the decision has been made to open the hotel June 5, since the company senses a strong interest in travel from abroad. In addition, what influenced the decision was the government’s policy to allow travelers from outside the Schengen Area who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 to travel to Iceland.

“The UK and the US are among our main markets, and these countries are doing a great job in terms of vaccinations,” Haukur states. “We believe that to begin with, that’s where the demand will mainly come from. We moved last year’s reservations into this year, in consultation with our customers, and there is strong interest among them in coming here.”

When asked what sort of recreation the hotel can offer, he responds that the recreational options will remain the same, and his list is long:

“We have wonderful neighbors at the farm Langhús í Fljótum, who offer popular horseback riding tours. Boat rides with Helgi and Viggó to Drangey island have been at the top of people’s wish list. A visit to the family at Brúnastaðir, who operates a fun zoo, in addition to offering novelties in cheese-making. Whale watching in Eyjafjörður fjord; the Beer Spa in Árskógssandur; the Herring Era Museum and the [Segull 67] Brewery in Siglufjörður are very popular destinations as well.”

He adds that guest want to visit the café Gísli, Eiríkur, Helgi, located in the town Dalvík, again and again. “Everyone has to go there. It’s an absolutely fantastic place that offers superb fish soup á la Dalvíkienne. It is run by Heiða Símonardóttir and Bjarni Gunnarsson. Guest have soup and then they purchase lopi sweaters, knit by grandmas in Dalvík.”

Haukur describes the companies listed above as emblematic of the activity resulting from high-end tourism.

“The impact is so widespread,” he explains. “Once they arrive, helicopters can be operated, requiring the hiring of pilots and aircraft mechanics in the area. The guests frequently arrive by private jet, requiring accommodation for the crews, servicing for the jets, and food for the flight.”

“Iceland is a major attraction for people ready to pay a high price for a unique experience, and I believe there are many opportunities there that remain to be taken advantage of.”