Keldur á Rangárvöllum

Background

History & Background

Keldur Turf Houses holds a distinguished place in Icelandic history as one of the nation's oldest still-standing farmsteads. Its roots stretch back to medieval times, evidenced by its significant mention in Njál's Saga, a cornerstone of Icelandic literature detailing events from the 10th and 11th centuries. This direct link to one of the most famous sagas underscores Keldur's enduring historical importance. The farmstead's architecture, characterized by its traditional turf houses, reflects centuries of adaptation to the Icelandic climate. These structures, built from local materials, represent a unique form of sustainable living and engineering prowess that allowed generations of Icelanders to survive and flourish in a challenging environment. Keldur stands today not just as a monument to the past, but as a tangible connection to the lives, struggles, and stories of the people who shaped early Icelandic society.

Keldur á Rangárvöllum is a historic farm site beneath Hekla. Its preserved turf buildings and underground passage provide a rare physical link with older Icelandic building traditions. The farm is associated with Njáls saga and was later home to the influential 12th-century chieftain Jón Loftsson. The surrounding landscape also reflects the effects of volcanic ash, erosion and long-term land reclamation.