The Horticultural School at Reykir in Ölfus, Iceland
The Horticultural School in Iceland (Garðyrkjuskólinn) began operations at Reykir in Ölfus (South Iceland) on April 1, 1939, and was formally inaugurated on the first day of summer that same year. Since then, the first day of summer has been dedicated to annual celebrations at Reykir. On this day, the school opens its doors to the public, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Students showcase their studies, and the school's strong connections with the industry are clearly demonstrated.
The school was founded in 1936, and the curriculum was initially the same for all students. In 1967, a specialized course in landscape horticulture was established. More specialized study programs were later added, and today, the school offers the following tracks:
- Floral Design
- Garden and Forestry Plants
- Organic horticulture
- Greenhouse Cultivation
- Forest and Nature Studies
- Landscape gardeners/contractors
Cultivation at Reykir developed rapidly and became diverse. Greenhouses were constructed, and various trials were conducted with vegetables, flowers, and fruits, both inside and outside. A state-of-the-art experimental greenhouse was built with the participation of horticultural farmers who contributed both funding and equipment. This greenhouse continues to support the advancement of Icelandic horticulture and has benefitted from the expertise and support of farmers over the years.
Horticultural education is a form of vocational training at the upper secondary level. Students acquire both practical skills and theoretical knowledge applicable in a wide range of professional fields. Close cooperation with industry is an important part of education.
Video about the school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_-21tI4i5o&t=1s
The school operates as a unit within the Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurlands college, and approximately 30–40 students graduate every other year. Programs are offered both on-site and through distance learning. In addition, the school runs a strong continuing education department offering a wide range of training for the so-called “green sector,” reflecting the school’s broad educational offerings.
The role of the Horticultural School in training skilled professionals has never been more important, especially given the growing interest in the sustainable use of Iceland’s natural resources. The employees at the school are specialists in the field of horticulture in Iceland, which is a vital part of running the school and ensuring it stays up to date.
Staff at the Horticultural School have long been active participants in various European projects and have received recognition for their excellent results. These international collaborations have consistently highlighted the school's strengths in education and expertise.
Over the years, the projects have focused on a rich variety of themes, including traditional f.ex. crafts, turf houses, gardening, horticulture, floral design, rural development, and tourism. Each initiative reflects the school’s commitment to preserving heritage while promoting innovation in its fields of study.
A list of few of our last projects:
- Safe climbing (Erasmus)
- TreProX (Erasmus)
- Learn the life – Development of Cultural and Heritage Tourism Skills within Rural Communities (Erasmus)
- Rural Skills Network (Nordplus)
- Kraftmeiri skógar - Kraftsamling skog (Erasmus)
- Teach me wood (Leonardo)
- Strengthening the role and involvement of universities and colleges in adult education (Nordplus)
- Vast view (Erasmus)
For all furhter information:
Gardyrkjuskólinn - FSu
Reykir, 816 Ölfus
Iceland
tel: +354 480 8170
e-mail: gardyrkjuskolinn@fsu.is
web-page: www.fsu.is