Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/gardabaer Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Gardabaer, Capital Region A residential suburb in the Greater Reykjavik Area, home to the presidential residence and plenty of family amenities. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~18,000 Capital Region • Residential suburb ## Quick Answer Gardabaer is a Capital Region municipality of about 18,000 residents between Reykjavik and Hafnarfjordur, with the Museum of Design and Applied Art, golf courses, and Urridavatn lake. Gardabaer is a quieter residential part of the Greater Reykjavik metropolitan area, known for its green spaces, good schools, and the Bessastadir presidential residence on the Alftanes peninsula. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Gardabaer is well-connected to Reykjavik by road and public transport. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Gardabaer Municipality]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region Capital Region Borders Reykjavik and Kopavogur Population ~18,000 Residential municipality Known for Bessastadir Official residence of Iceland's President ## Top Attractions in Gardabaer ### Bessastadir Presidential residence with historic church ### Museum of Design and Applied Art Contemporary art exhibitions ### Urridavatn Lake Lake for walking and birdwatching ### Alftanes Peninsula Coastal walks with views to Reykjavik ### Golf Courses Several courses in the area ### Parks and Trails Green spaces throughout the suburb ## How to Get to Gardabaer **From Reykjavik:** 15 minutes by car, or take Strætó bus routes that serve the area. ## Best Time to Visit Gardabaer Gardabaer is primarily residential, but Bessastadir and the coastal areas can be visited year-round. Summer has the best weather for walking the coast and trails. ## A museum arranged like a home The [Museum of Design and Applied Art]() is at Gardatorg 1. Its published hours, checked September 10, 2026, are Tuesday–Sunday 12:00–17:00, closed Monday. Admission is 1,000 ISK for adults and 500 ISK for seniors; students, disabled visitors and children under 18 enter free. The exhibition [The Museum as a Home](), listed through December 31, 2026, arranges about 200 examples of Icelandic design as a home floor plan. Furniture, clothing, tableware, books and textiles from different periods appear together. That makes this a useful stop for seeing how everyday objects were designed and used. Check the exhibition page if visiting after 2026. Planning help ## Gardabaer FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Gardabaer?** Gardabaer has approximately 18,000 residents and is one of the larger municipalities in the Capital Region. **What does Gardabaer mean?** Gardabaer means 'Farm Town' in Icelandic; the area was farmland before it became a residential suburb. **What is Gardabaer known for?** Gardabaer is a residential area with good schools, green spaces, and family amenities, and one of Iceland's wealthiest municipalities. **How far is Gardabaer from Reykjavik?** Gardabaer borders Reykjavik and Kopavogur, about 8-10 km from Reykjavik city center (15 minutes by car). **What attractions are in Gardabaer?** The main sights are the Museum of Design and Applied Art, Urridavatn lake, several golf courses, and parks and nature trails. **Does Gardabaer have good schools?** Yes, Gardabaer has a reputation for good schools and is a popular choice for families. **Does Gardabaer have swimming pools?** Yes, Gardabaer has geothermal swimming pools, including the popular Alftanes pool. **What is Bessastadir?** Bessastadir is the official residence of the President of Iceland, located on Alftanes peninsula in Gardabaer municipality. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().