Efsti-Dalur II is a remote dairy farm/B&B in Bláskógabyggd, an hour east of Reykjavík. It has been in the same Icelandic family for 165 years and is now home to a husband and wife, 45 cows, and a stable of riding horses. Guests can observe the milking; learn how the couple makes their own cheese, ice cream, and skyr; and sample it all in the on-site restaurant. Lodging is rustic but lovely and starts at 14,000 Icelandic Króna (about $111 USD) a night in the off-season. Oh, and there’s a hot tub. Because what better way to wait for the elusive Northern lights than submerged in a bubbling human cauldron?

801 Bláskógabyggd, 801 Laugarvatn, Iceland; +354-486-1186.

Photo: Cartogramme