It is no coincidence that Norður Salt is located in Breiðafjörður, situated in the pristine, untouched Westfjords of Iceland. Besides being a nature reserve, it is a spectacular land and seascape with shallow waters, small fjords and a myriad of reefs. Already deemed suitable for salt making in 1753, the flow of the pure Arctic seawaters into the bay and the proximity to geothermal hot springs provides the ideal conditions for environmentally sustainable salt making.
Breiðafjörður has up to six meters in difference between high and low tides. The flow of water creates the bay’s extensive algal forest and biodiversity, which contributes to the salt’s mineral content. We want to preserve and protect this unique environment, which is why our production is solely based on geothermal energy.
Before even starting to make salt, you need the basics to be in order. The 540 square metre production facilities on Karlsey, designed by co-founder, Søren Rosenkilde, are inspired by the old trading stations that were used in Iceland from about 1750 to 1850, all of which were wooden framed buildings clad with timber. Wood is a material that weathers well and will over time absorb the salt from the surrounding sea, turning it into a greyish colour that integrates well into the rough landscape. We have used a lot of glass in the building to make a 2-way visual connection with the outside. On one hand visitors to the area are welcome to stop and watch the salt production going on inside, and the windows also allow staff the opportunity to find inspiration from the views over the surrounding fjords and mountains as they work. The use of large floor to ceiling windows also serves as a reminder of our belief in the importance of transparency as a company.
