Welcome
Within the borders of the farm Miðfjörður on the Langanes coast in Iceland is one of the largest Eider colony in Iceland. Eider down has been utilized on the farm for centuries. Caring for the eider and the production of eider down is based on centuries' old tradition passed on through the generations. A unique relationship has evolved between the Icelandic Eider and eider farmers, which is based on friendship and mutual trust. The wild eider has learnt that farmers shelter it from predators. Many farmers guard the colony 24 hours during the nesting period. On this website you can familiarise yourself with the collecting and processing of eiderdown on the Miðfjörður farm and the Eider species itself.
About the Icelandic Eider
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) is a large sea duck which habits the coast of Northern Europe, North America and Siberia. It breeds in the Arctic and the Northern hemisphere but winters somewhat farther south in temprate zones, where it can form large flocks on coastal waters.
Production Methods of Eiderdown
The production of eiderdown is a long and tedious process. The process usually starts in the middle of May each year, when the birds start nesting in colonies. The nesting period ususally lasts until the beginning of July, but the last birds are leaving the colony as late as at the end of July.
Uniqueness of Eiderdown
Eiderdown is unique firstly because it is collected out in the nature from wild birds. The bird species which provides the down is high Nordic and resides in cooler parts of the world. The down's unique qualities are its unbelievable insulating property and its ability to regulate temprature.
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