Bárðarlaug (Bárður's Pool)

Background

History & Background

Bárðarlaug (Bárður's Pool) in West Iceland has captivated visitors and locals alike throughout Iceland's history. The natural formations here were shaped over thousands of years by the forces of volcanism, glaciation, and erosion. Early settlers recognized the unique beauty of this place, and it features in various historical accounts and folklore. Iceland's natural wonders have been described by travelers since the medieval period, with some of the earliest written accounts appearing in the sagas and geographic treatises of the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, Bárðarlaug (Bárður's Pool) continues to draw visitors from around the world who come to witness the extraordinary landscapes that make Iceland one of the most geologically diverse places on the planet.

Bárðarlaug is a historic geothermal pool on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, named after the legendary settler Bárður Snæfellsáss. According to saga, Bárður was a half-troll, half-human who protected the region. The natural hot spring has been used for bathing since settlement times. The pool sits in a atmospheric location with views toward Snæfellsjökull glacier.