Garðabær

Garðabær sits quietly between Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður in Iceland's Capital Region, yet it punches well above its weight in history and scenery. Just a short drive from central Reykjavík, this prosperous municipality of around 20,000 residents is home to one of Iceland's most storied Viking-age sites, the country's presidential residence, and kilometres of unspoiled coastline.

History and Heritage

The land that is now Garðabær has been inhabited since Iceland's first wave of Norse settlement in the 9th century. The Landnámabók (Book of Settlement) records that Vífill — a freed slave of Iceland's founding settler, Ingólfur Arnarson — established his farm, Vífilsstaðir, on these very shores. That deep-rooted history is made tangible at two remarkable sites:

• Hofstaðir Historic Park — the preserved remains of a Viking-age longhouse dating to roughly 870–930 AD, one of the largest of its kind found in Iceland. Turf walls mark the outer limits of the building, and interactive multimedia brings daily life in the longhouse to life.
• Bessastaðir — the official residence of the President of Iceland, set on the Álftanes peninsula. The estate has a history stretching back to the medieval era; the adjacent church is open to visitors and contains striking stained-glass windows depicting scenes from Icelandic history.

What to See and Do

Garðabær rewards slow exploration on foot. Key highlights include:

• Álftanes Peninsula walks — coastal paths wind around the headland with views toward Snæfellsjökull glacier, Mt. Esja, and the Reykjanes mountains.
• Vífilsstaða Lake — a peaceful recreation area with a well-maintained gravel path, popular with local walkers and birdwatchers year-round.
• Museum of Design and Applied Art (Hönnunarsafn Íslands) — Iceland's national design museum, housing furniture, fashion, textiles, and everyday objects spanning more than a century of Icelandic design.
• Heiðmörk Nature Reserve — on Garðabær's eastern edge, this vast reserve of lava fields, birch woods, and wetlands offers hiking trails for all fitness levels.

Visiting Tips

Garðabær is easy to reach by car from central Reykjavík in under 20 minutes, and local buses connect it to the city. The area is best explored on foot or by bike once you arrive. Because the Bessastaðir residence is the working home of an active head of state, the interior is not open for public tours — but the grounds and church are accessible and worth a stop.

On a Golden Circle Day Trip

Garðabær makes a natural first or last chapter on a Golden Circle itinerary. Its position on the western edge of the Capital Region means you pass through — or very close to — it on the way south toward Selfoss and Þingvellir. A quick detour to the Hofstaðir longhouse or a walk along the Álftanes coast is an easy way to add local depth to the classic route without adding significant time.