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Introduction to Hólar |
Definition: Hólar College is a research, development and educational institution run by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is one of three schools of agriculture and landbased industries in Iceland. Location: Hólar is beautifully located in the valley Hjaltadalur which is in Skagafjörður district in the mid-northern part of Iceland. The nearest town is Sauðárkrókur (32 km). Hólar is 379 km from Reykjavík and 133 km from Akureyri. Skagafjörður is a farming district, renowned for horse breeding and training. The population at Hólar is around 100 individuals. A pre-school and elementary school are located at Hólar. The regional office of the Institute of Freshwater Fisheries , the residency and cathedral of the bishop for Northern Iceland, a fish farm, a research center in Land Management and a Freshwater Aquarium are located here. Bordering the college grounds are 54 hectares of reforested land. History:
Hólar Agricultural College was established in 1882, at Hólar, a historic site of significance in Icelandic education, religious and political history since the middle ages. The bishops for the nortern benefice in Iceland resided at Hólar from 1106-1802 and a seminary for priests, later a grammar school operated for most of that period. During Catholic times Hólar accumulated great wealth and was densely populated. The first printing press in Iceland was installed here around 1530 and Hólar was the last stronghold of the Catholic church during the Reformation. The present Cathedral is the oldest stone church in Iceland, consecrated in 1763. > A little bit more of history! Facilities: The historical main building housing classrooms, offices, computer lab and library. Student housing for 50 individuals in summer houses with geothermal heating. Sports hall and swimming pool. Horse stables for 120 horses, veterinary and research facilities. Riding hall 1100 sqm, outdoor riding areas, tracks and fences. Research facilities in Aquaculture. A fish farm producing arctic charr. Programs of study: Aims: To enhance the economic and social development of rural areas by vocational education in land-based industries such as Aquaculture, horse breeding and training and rural tourism. The program of study: The program at Hólar Agricultural College is a 12 month program which is divided in three terms. Two terms, September-December and January-May are taught at Hólar. The third term is 12 weeks of practical training at selected farms and businesses under the supervision of the college. There are three departments at the college:
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