Inside Saltverk, the Icelandic Sea Salt Company That Makes Use of Geothermal Energy

Reykjanes is a small peninsula located in the Westfjords of Iceland. Its name means “smoking peninsula” because of the volcanic and geothermal activity in the area. It’s an idyllic place, surrounded by snow mountains and fjords leading to the North Atlantic Ocean. It is at this location that Saltverk to make its artisanal sea salt flakes.

Making use of the local geysers, Saltverk solely uses geothermal energy in their salt making process. Saltwater from the surrounding fjords are pumped into their salt pans which have been preheated by geyser water.

Once heated, the resulting brine is boiled, still using geothermal energy, until salt crystals appear. These crystals accumulate in the bottom of the pans, which are then drawn, dried, and packaged, resulting in perfectly crunchy sea salt. All of this is done with a zero-carbon footprint—no CO2 and CH4 emissions.

Saltverk follows a traditional Icelandic method of saltmaking, one that is two hundred years old. In the 18th century, the Danish king set up salt production in the country that made use of geothermal energy. This method, however, would come to a halt after a few decades. But, in 2011, Saltverk reestablished this method of handmade salt. This method doesn’t make use of any chemicals which results in a clean taste, the flavors of the region and the North Atlantic Ocean shown front and center.

Saltverk introduces traditional Icelandic flavors into its offerings, bringing a little taste of the Westfjords to tables around the world. Their flavor selection includes birch smoked salt, arctic thyme salt, lava salt, seaweed salt, and licorice salt.