For centuries, the people of Reykhólar in the West Fjor
ALGAE NÁTTÚRA and the tradition
The algae derives its name from the origin of seaweed, but the laminaria digitata which is used in ALGAE NÁTTÚRA is from the so-called macroalgal taxa branch. SjávarSmiðjn and ALGAE NÁTTÚRA are the brainchild of the residents and farmer couple Svanhildur Sigurðardóttir and Thomas Sigurgeirsson in Reykhólar. Seaweed baths are a 100% natural product that comes from
Reykhólar in the Westfjords of Iceland, which is one of the richest resource lands in Iceland. Reykhólar, an ancient manor, stands by the unique ocean habitat of Breidardjörður and is located in one of the largest geothermal areas in the Westfjords. It has often been mentioned that in Breiðafjörður you will find fish in the highest caliber and quality that exists, but at the Breiðafjörður bay you will also find one of the biggest bird clusters in Iceland. The reason for this vibrant and lively ocean life in the Breiðafjörður bay can undoubtedly be traced back to the great quality of the marine ecosystem in the fjord. To no surprise, one of the largest seaweed forest in Iceland is precisely located there (which often is referred to as the jungle of the north) and without a doubt contributes greatly to the marine ecosystem with excellent effect. These resources from the sea have become one of the major industries in this small village in Reykhólar, which is processing and drying seaweed. By using seaweed along with the geothermal hotsprings at Reykhólar, the residents have through generations taken advantage of those resources for their own health benefits. Stories past on from ancestors, related to the farmers, and from old sources from antiquity show the utilization of seaweed and geothermal water for relaxation, foot bathing, strengthening skin and health benefits. Although various studies and researches have also confirmed the quality and natural benefits of seaweed for skin and health, SjávarSmiðjan and ALGAE NÁTTÚRA are based on the age-old traditions and ancestor’s expertise of these old natural resources from the area.
