Garðabær (Icelandic pronounciation: [ˈkarðapair̥]) is a rapidly growing municipality in the greater Reykjavík area of Iceland. It is the 6th largest town in Iceland and gained its municipal rights in 1976.
People have lived on the site of Garðabær since the 9th century. Landnámabók (the Book of Settlements) tells of two farms on the site of Garðabær: Vífilsstaðir and Skúlastaðir. The former was named after Vífill, who was a slave of Ingólfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland. Ingólfur gave Vífill his freedom and he made his home at Vífilsstaðir. An archaeological excavation at Hófsstaðir in Garðabær uncovered ruins of a Vking house, one of the largest ever found in Iceland.
Farming used to be the main occupation along with fishing.
What to do in Garðabær
There are many nature reserves surrounding Garðabær, and the scenery at various sites around Garðabær is phenomenal. Heiðmörk Nature Reserve in the east is one of them, the biggest outdoor recreational area in the greater Reykjavik area.
Those who like hiking should check out Álftanes peninsula with its many hiking trails around the shoreline and clear ponds bustling with migratory birdlife.
Álftanes is also the home of Bessastaðir, the official residence of the president of Iceland. Bessastaðir was first settled in the year 1000 AD and served as a royal Norwegian stronghold for some time. Then it became a farm and a school before being donated to the state in 1941. After that it served as a residence for the regent and, later, the president.
One attraction, especially for people with kids, is also the Álftaneslaug geothermal pool. The swimming pool features one of the largest waterslides in the country and is also the only wave pool in Iceland.
If you feel like going shopping and visiting cafés or restaurants, the Garðatorg town centre is the place to go. For art lovers, the Museum of Design and Applied Art is also located here and hosts various Icelandic design exhibitions.
