Garðabær literally means “garden town” and is an important part of the greater capital area with its own collection of diverse landscapes, stretching impressively from the beautiful Heiðmörk Nature Reserve to the pleasant Álftanes peninsula.
There are many nature reserves surrounding Garðabær and the scenery from various sites in Garðabær is spectacular. From many areas in Garðabær the impressiv Snæfellsjökull can be seen to the west, as well as Esja.
The town has a rich historic background, which can be explored in great detail at the Hofsstaðir Archaeological Park, where remains of the second largest farm from the settlement age are on exhibition. The site, located at Kirkjulundur, dates back to the end of the 9th century and bears testament to the ambition and drive possessed by the country’s first inhabitants.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garðabær, http://www.visitreykjavik.is/travel/gardabaer)