Hólabak Farm
In the midst of the beautiful countryside of North Iceland you find Hólabak farm. The name of the farm means the 'place behind the hillocks'. It is drawn from its proximity to Vatnsdalur Hillocks (IS: Vatnsdalshólar), which is an unusual geographical phenomenon and a well-known landmark in North Iceland. The farm covers approximately 700 hectares, stretching towards Lake Hóp in the north, the Gljúfurá River in the west, Vatnsdalshólar in the east and the neighbouring farm of Uppsalir in the south.
Hólabak is a traditional dairy and equine farm, but the family also operates a textile and gift production company, as well as a giftshop. The dairy operation consists of around 100 cows and cattle, while approximately 50 horses are kept for, breeding, leisure riding and competition.
Björn Magnússon and Aðalheiður Ingvarsdóttir bought Hólabak in 1972 and have lived on the farm ever since. Today, they are mainly responsible for the equine operation. Their son, Ingvar Björnsson, and his wife, Elín Aradóttir, manage the other activities on the farm together with their children, Aðalheiður, Ari and Ella.
The image can be seen below. For comparison, the other photograph below was taken in the summer of 2018, in almost exactly the same spot. More than eighty years later, farmer Ingvar stands in the field with his beloved dog, Úlla. Much has changed in the way the work is done, and modern technology has transformed farming beyond recognition. Yet the purpose remains much the same – caring for the land, gathering the harvest and continuing the work from one generation to the next.
Many interesting places and attractions can be found within easy reach of Hólabak. These include the historic site of Þingeyrar and Þingeyrar Church, the striking sea stack Hvítserkur, and the welcoming towns of Blönduós and Hvammstangi. One of Iceland’s most scenic horse-riding routes also runs across Þingeyrasandur, just a few kilometres north of the farm. With its open landscapes, changing light and views across the surrounding countryside, the area offers a particularly memorable setting for riding and exploring North Iceland.
a number of photographs, dating from the first half of the 20th century, have been preserved from Hólabak, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life on the farm in earlier times. One particularly well-known photograph shows Jónas Björnsson and has appeared in several publications. It was taken in July 1936 by Bruno Schweizer. It shows Jónas at work during the haymaking season, accompanied by his dog and using the farming methods of the time.