In 1998 a few women in Grímsey joined forces and created a small handicraft gallery and café. They found it important to be able to welcome travellers that wanted to visit the island and step over the arctic circle.

 

They opened the doors formally on the 5th of July 1998 and rented the ground floor of the house Sólberg where they’re still operating today. They wanted to sell home-made waffles with whipped cream and the handicraft products made by the women in Grímsey.

 

One of the smallest café’s and handicraft gallery in Iceland had been operated for a year when the idea of a guesthouse came up. The women had been renting the house to that point but were able to buy it with fundings and support from companies and individuals. They made a small and cozy guesthouse on the two top floors.

 

The house, Sólberg, was built in 1928 and was the first concrete house on the island. It’s located in the heart of Grímsey, on a hill above the harbor with a great view over small boats and the ferry leaving and coming as well as locals running their daily errands.