Keldur is a historic settlement where Jón Loftsson (1124-1197), the chief of the Oddaverjar clan, lived during the last years of his life. There is a medieval-type turf farm at the site, the only large turf farm that has been preserved in South Iceland. There is an underground tunnel leading from the hall, thought to date from the 12^th or 13th century, which was probably built as an escape during a time of conflict.

Although most of the houses date from the 19^th century, the oldest part of the farm building is the oldest preserved part of a turf farm in Iceland. A number of outhouses have also been preserved at the farm. There is also a church there, built by constable Guðmundur Brynjólfsson in 1875.

The church is built of timber and clad with iron. The pulpit, altar and candle arms were built by Hjörtur Oddsson, joiner and farmer at Eystri-Kirkjubær. The altarpiece illustrates the Last Supper and is by Ámundi Jónsson, joiner in Syðra-Langholt. The church underwent repairs in 1956–1957. Gréta and Jón Björnsson painted and decorated the church, like they did with the church at Oddi.

Keldur derives its name from the springs that can be found in the farmland. The farm and its occupants are mentioned in many works of medieval literature, including Njal’s Saga, Sturlunga Saga and the Saga of Saint Þorlákur (Thorlakur).

The old farm at Keldur is managed by the National Museum of Iceland .

Ten ideas for recreation in South Iceland:

1. Explore the diverse Skógasafn, one of the most visited museums in Iceland.
2. Get a guided tour of the man-made Caves of Hella, which may be partly older than the settlement of Iceland.
3. Visit the historic site of Oddi in Rangárvellir, it’s beautiful church, monument of  Saemundur  the wise (13. century priest and chieftain) and a remarkable archaeological excavation (more man-made caves!)
4. Visit the interactive, high-tech exhibition at LAVA Volcano & Earthquake Centre in Hvolsvöllur.
5. Feel amazed by the powerful Skógafoss, then walk up to the top of the waterfall. If you continue upstream, discover the beautiful series of falls in Skógaá river.
6. Walk on for one of the most popular treks in Iceland, across Fimmvörðuháls to Þórsmörk, an oasis of natural birch woods.
7. „Collect“ the waterfalls in South Iceland; other noteworthy falls include Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Hjálparfoss and Háifoss.
8. History comes to life in the charming old houses in Eyrarbakki. At Árnessýsla Heritage Museum, it’s easy to picture village life in the past.
9. Visit a exhibition about the traditional Icelandic skyr at Skyrland, in the new Selfoss Center. Take taste as well or go for an organised walking tour.
10. Swim in stunning surroundings in Seljavallalaug or in Landmannalaugar nature baths further inland.

For more information and travel tips, go to www.south.is