Keldur á Rangárvöllum

Background

History & Background

Keldur is associated with Ingjaldur Höskuldsson in Njál's Saga and later became an estate of the Oddaverjar family. The influential Jón Loftsson lived here in his final years and died in 1197. The site's history also intersects with the Sturlung period and Icelandic ecclesiastical history. The Icelandic Cultural Heritage Agency identifies the hall as medieval in origin, and its underground passage as probably dating from the 12th or 13th century; other surviving buildings are newer. Historic woodwork includes a dated carving from 1641. The present church was erected in 1875. Skúli Guðmundsson, the last resident of the old farmhouse, died in 1946. The National Museum has cared for the farm since 1947.

Keldur á Rangárvöllum is part of the National Museum of Iceland's Historic House Collection. The turf farmhouse is described by the museum as the oldest surviving farmhouse in Iceland and the only remaining example of its historic passageway type. The hall retains a medieval building tradition, although other surviving farm buildings are considerably younger, many dating from the 19th century. Around the farm are outbuildings, a smithy, a mill house and a wooden church built in 1875. A passage from the hall leads to a nearby stream. It is thought to date from the 12th or 13th century and may have served as an escape route during conflict, although this is not certain. One old timber bears the year 1641. The name Keldur refers to the springs near the fields; drifting sand and erosion are also important parts of the farm's history. A visitor information board includes a farm plan and historic photographs. The museum normally opens 1 June–31 August, daily 10:00–17:00, and advertises guided tours at 11:00 and 15:00. Confirm access and admission with the museum before travelling.