Culinary Treasures of the Golden Circle area

The Golden Circle extends from Selvogur west of Þorlákshöfn and east to Hella, along the coast, and into the highlands. The municipalities that are part of the Golden Circle area are Árborg, Flóinn, Ölfus, Hveragerði, Uppsveitir Árnessýsla, Rangárþing Ytra, and Ásahreppur. 

In the Golden Circle area, agriculture is practiced extensively as there is a great tradition for milk production, vegetable growing where geothermal energy is used, meat production, sea-fishing from Þorlákshöfn town, and fishing in rivers and lakes.

There is a lot of geothermal energy in the upcountry of South Iceland, and it is a prerequisite for development in the area. In the 1940s, the awakening about horticulture in Iceland began and the development of horticultural centers. Horticulture is the largest in the South, or about 67% in terms of operating income. 

In the town of Selfoss, there is a robust product processing of southern agriculture and its service. There you can, for example, find the largest dairy farm in the country and the abattoir, Sláturfélag Suðurlands, with deboning and packing stations. The great innovation and product development in the processing of agricultural products in Selfoss can be attributed to decades of experience, knowledge, and professionalism in the area. 

Þorlákshöfn town possesses an excellent natural harbor, and it is close to rich fishing grounds. When rowing boats were used, it was common for 30-40 boats to be fishing from Þorlákshöfn, and many newcomers stayed there during the fishing season. The harbor in Þorlákshöfn is an essential link in the town's business activities.

Þykkvibær is now best known for its potato cultivation. It started in 1934 and later took over other farming. Farmers created homemade tools for planting. A barrel was taken, wooden poles were placed at regular intervals and then rolled around the field like a wheelbarrow. Potato cultivation is the main cultural heritage of the people of Þykkvabær. The sandy soil and flat land are suitable for potato cultivation. 

Breweries and various breweries for restaurants have made their way around the South, and two of them are located in the Golden Circle area.