reykjavik · Iceland
Breiðholt
About Breiðholt
Long before Breiðholt became one of the largest residential areas in Reykjavík, the land was home to a small farmstead. The original Breiðholtsbær stood here for centuries, shaping the identity of the area. Nearby, a church once served the local community, and a small churchyard marked the spiritual center of daily life. Over time, the old structures fell into ruin as Reykjavík expanded and modern neighborhoods replaced farmland. Yet the memory of the original settlement remained strong enough that the site was protected in 1981. Today, visitors can still find traces of the old farm, including the remains of the church and burial ground. Standing among these ruins, it becomes easier to imagine the quiet rural life that once existed here—long before apartment blocks and city streets transformed Breiðholt into the urban district it is today.
History & Background
The farm Breiðholtsbær is first recorded in written sources from 1395, indicating its long-standing presence in the area. Over time, it developed as a traditional Icelandic farm with an associated church and burial ground. The ruins of the farm, church, and churchyard were officially protected on July 28, 1981. Preservation records place the site approximately 15–30 meters north of Grjótasel 21, with the church believed to have stood slightly above the farmstead. Historical references also mention a stone-built bathing pool that remained visible until around 1950. Today, the site is recognized as an important cultural heritage location within Breiðholt.
Did You Know?
- ✔Iceland was settled by Norse Vikings around 870 AD
- ✔The Icelandic sagas document the lives and exploits of early settlers
- ✔Breiðholt is part of Iceland's extensive Viking-age heritage
Tours Near Breiðholt
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Why Visit
Visit the rústir gamla Breiðholtsbæjarins in Breiðholt to connect with the origins of the area and experience a preserved piece of Reykjavík’s rural past within the modern city.
Did You Know?
The farm Breiðholt is first mentioned in written records from 1395, making it one of the oldest documented sites in the area—and the place that gave the entire district its name.
Historic farm and church ruins in Breiðholt, marking the origins of the area before it became part of modern Reykjavík.
Before Breiðholt grew into one of Reykjavík’s largest residential districts, it was a quiet farming area centered around Breiðholtsbær. Families lived here for centuries, working the land and forming a close-knit rural community. A small church stood nearby, serving both spiritual and social roles, with a churchyard preserving the memory of generations who had lived there. As the city expanded in the 20th century, farmland gradually gave way to housing and infrastructure. The original buildings fell into ruin, but their historical importance was recognized, and the site was protected. Today, visitors can still sense the contrast between past and present, standing in a place where Reykjavík’s rural roots remain visible within the modern urban landscape.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
