Fridheimar Greenhouse Cultivation Center is one of Iceland’s largest and most innovative greenhouses, famous for its sweet tomatoes grown year-round using geothermal heat and crystal-clear spring water. Natural pollination by 600 bumblebees enables Fridheimar to produce vibrant tomatoes, even through Iceland’s long winters.
Located just over an hour from Reykjavik along the ring road to Selfoss, this family-run operation is more than just a farm—it’s a restaurant, horse breeding center, and educational facility all rolled into one. The greenhouse dining experience is especially unique: guests enjoy tomato-centric dishes surrounded by soaring tomato vines, with the warmth and humidity inside tailored perfectly for the plants—and surprisingly cozy for diners. The air is fragrant with ripening tomatoes, adding to the immersive atmosphere.
Reservations are a must. With few other dining options in the area, this place gets busy. The star offering is the beloved bottomless tomato soup, which you ladle yourself and pair with an assortment of homemade breads. It’s served with sides of cucumber salsa, sour cream, and freshly picked herbs growing just inches away. The tomato and mozzarella salad is also a standout—surprisingly flavorful for greenhouse-grown produce.
Dessert leans into the theme, with tomato ice cream and a surprisingly good cheesecake topped with tomato jam. A small market on-site sells the same jam, along with sauces and condiments like the cucumber salsa. Just a word of advice: if you’re taking jam home, pack it in your checked luggage—mine was sadly confiscated at the airport.
Beyond the food, visitors can meet the Icelandic horses bred on-site and wander the grounds of this working farm. What started as two small greenhouses and an empty home has evolved into a thriving enterprise with over 70 employees, led by the husband-and-wife team of Knútur and Helena. While the rest of the menu is unremarkable, the overall experience is anything but. Whether you come for the soup, the horses, or simply to sit among the vines, a trip to Fridheimar promises a memorable and distinctly Icelandic adventure—one that you’ll be telling friends about long after your visit.
Happy dining,
Shanea
09/07/2025
