“My family owned this land for many generations.” Kirstin told me while we are standing in the renovated building that was once a barn. We had just spend the night on the camping site of Sjávarsmidjan. A nice field of grass next to the algae baths area.

 

In front of us hanged a map of the surroundings of Reykhólar. Kirstin waved at what seems to be the whole area under the village of Reykhólar next to the coast. “They came up with the idea to create an area where people can bath in the riches of Breiðafjörður as the people of Reykhólar have been doing for many generations.” “For now we are operating here, in the old farm.” Kirstin continued while pointing around her in the building in which we were standing. “This building once burned to the ground, but my family has built it back up.”

 

Next to the map of Reykhólar, some framed pictures were hanging on the wall, showing some family pictures, as well as the burnt down farm. “We have big plans in scaling up.” Kirstin continued the story with an enthusiastic smile. “This august we will start building a bigger version of our algae baths. It will be so beautiful when it’s finished!” “Oh, I look forward in returning here then!” I answered; and I meant it.

 

“We get our ground product, the seaweed, directly from the factory here by the coast.” Kirstin explained. “I have created our own products with it. Here, this is the strong seaweed powder that we use in our seaweed baths at Sjvársmidjan.” She said while showing me the container with the green powder. “You can also use it as a facial mask.” Kirstin glowed while she showed me her brand new product line. “And this, is our very first batch of hand soap, made with the same kelp powder.”

 

During our whole conversation, I could barely contain my excitement, for so many passions of mine seem to have merged in this very place. Marine biology, Iceland, warm water baths, health and sustainability. Algae Náttúra and the Sjávarsmidjan baths are certainly two things to keep an eye on in the future.