Garðabær is a growing town in theCapital Region. It is the fifth largest municipality in Iceland with a population of 20,116 (1 January 2025).[2]
The site of Garðabær has been inhabited since Iceland was first settled in the 9th century.Landnámabók, the Book of Settlement, tells of two farms on the site of Garðabær: Vífilsstaðir and Skúlastaðir. The former was named after Vífill, who was a slave ofIngólfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland.Ingólfur gave Vífill his freedom and he made his home at Vífilsstaðir.
The onlyIKEA store in Iceland is located in Garðabær, as is the onlyCostco store.The town is also home toMarel hf., the largest company onNASDAQ OMX Iceland by market capitalisation.[when?][3]
380 studios, the TV studio for the children's television programmesLazyTown andLazyTown Extra and the headquarters for Lazytown Entertainment, is located in the town.
Among schools in the town are seven elementary schools including Sjálandsskóli.
Sjálandsskóli was established in 2005,[4] and may be better known internationally for providing space in its building for theInternational School of Iceland.
The town's main sports club isStjarnan, best known for its men's football team that plays in theIcelandic Premier League and won the competition for the first time in 2014. The club'swomen's football section has been even more successful; it is the currently reigning champion of theIcelandic Women's Premier League and has won four of the last six titles. TheOddur Golf Club was established in 1990 and has hosted the Icelandic Golf Championship in 2006 and the European Ladies' Amateur Team Championship in 2016. Award-winning dancerHanna Rún Óladóttir and strength athletePáll Logason live in Garðabær.
There are many nature reserves surrounding Garðabær, and the view from various sites in Garðabær is spectacular. From many areas in Garðabær the impressiveSnæfellsjökull (Snæfells Glacier) can be seen to the north-west, as well asMt. Esja, and there is also a good view over the capital Reykjavík and the neighbouring town ofKópavogur. The view to the south includes the mountains of theReykjanes Peninsula.
The Bessastaðahreppur (or Álftanes) area is primarily a residential area. There are fine mountain views. Many rare shore birds breed here along the beaches.
