Land Near Geysir Coveted by Investors

Foreign investors have lately shown interest in purchasing the farm Neðri-Dalur in Biskupstungur, South Iceland, Morgunblaðið reports. The land is adjacent to the hot spring area Geysir in Haukadalur valley. This was confirmed by farmer Þráinn Bjarndal Jónsson in Miklaholt. He states that a set price is about ISK 1.2 billion (USD 11.3 million, EUR 9.6 million). Many have shown interest in the land, he reports.

Other than that, he would not comment on the matter. A real estate agent from Stakfell real estate company would not comment either, but referred reporters to the landowners. The land measures 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres).

Last summer, Fréttablaðið reported that Chinese investors were interested in purchasing the land with the aim of running a tourism service there. The investors were said to be attracted by the location and the hot water in the area.

Considerable development has taken place in the Geysir hot spring area in recent years. For example, the construction of a new luxury hotel is close to completion. Its restaurant is already open, and the plan is to take guest rooms into use by year’s end. Conference rooms and a spa will subsequently open.

Morgunblaðið reported in the spring of last year that investors were looking into building a tourist service village in the vicinity of Geysir.