Olkelda Mineral Spring

A Spring With a Name That Says It All

Olkelda translates roughly to "ale spring" in Old Norse, though the water contains no alcohol. The name refers to the fizzy, bubbling quality of the naturally carbonated water that rises from deep underground, which apparently reminded early Icelanders of fermenting ale. The spring is located at a farm of the same name on the southern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, near the church site of Stadarstadur, and has been known and used by locals for centuries.

What Makes the Water Special

The carbonation occurs naturally as groundwater passes through volcanic rock formations deep below the surface, absorbing carbon dioxide along the way. By the time the water reaches the surface, it is lightly sparkling, rich in dissolved minerals. Scientists analysed the water in the 1970s and found it to be high in calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulfate, and chloride, with exceptionally high levels of bicarbonate. The iron content is immediately visible in the reddish-orange discolouration of the ground around the spring, staining the earth and rocks a vivid rust colour that contrasts sharply with the green grass of the surrounding farmland.

Icelanders have long attributed healing properties to the water. Traditional beliefs hold that it can benefit people suffering from heart disease, kidney problems, and diabetes. Whether or not the health claims hold up to modern scrutiny, the mineral content is real and the experience of drinking naturally sparkling water straight from the earth is genuinely unusual.

Visiting the Spring

The spring is one of the easiest stops on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It sits just off Route 54, the main road that loops around the peninsula, and requires only a short detour of about 500 metres down a farm track. A small parking area, an information board, and a tap in the ground mark the spot. There is nothing elaborate about the setup, which is part of its appeal. You turn off the road, walk a few steps, and drink water that has been filtering through volcanic rock for who knows how long.

The farmers who own the land have maintained public access for generations, asking only for a small voluntary donation of around 200 ISK. Respect the site, close any gates you open, and leave everything as you found it.

Worth the Stop

Olkelda is not a destination you would drive hours to reach on its own. It is a five-minute detour that adds a small, memorable moment to a day spent exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The combination of the fizzing tap, the iron-stained earth, the quiet farmland setting, and the novelty of drinking something that genuinely tastes like the earth produced it makes Olkelda one of those understated Icelandic spots that tends to stick in the mind longer than grander attractions. Bring a water bottle if you want to take some with you for the road.