Keldur á Rangárvöllum

About the museum

The farm at Keldur is the oldest surviving farmhouse in Iceland and the only surviving farm of the gangnabær type (passage farm). It is built of stone, timber and turf and dates back to the end of the 12th century. The timber framing of the buildings is reminiscent of the Romanesque style. The first resident of Keldur, Ingjaldur Höskuldsson, is mentioned in Njáls saga.

Near the farm are tunnels which are thought to have been dug in the 12th or 13th century, possibly in times of unrest. New research suggests that unexcavated ruins may lie hidden in the fields on the other side of the river.

The National Museum of Iceland cares for the farm as part of its collection of historic houses, and it can be visited with a guide during the summer. Visitors get an insight into how Icelanders lived for centuries in turf houses that blended well into the landscape.

Highlights

• The oldest surviving farm in Iceland
• Gangnabær (passage farm) of stone, timber and turf from the late 12th century
• Medieval tunnels
• Connection with Njáls saga
• Guided tours twice a day

Operated by

Þjóðminjasafn Íslands

Admission & discounts

Adults ISK 2,500; students and senior citizens ISK 1,600; children under 18 and people with disabilities enter free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The farm is at Rangárvellir, near Hella in South Iceland.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit