Ölkelda

Ölkelda is an Icelandic word meaning "beer source" or "ale spring." It primarily refers to naturally carbonated mineral springs that have a distinct flavor reminiscent of beer or ale due to their high iron content and dissolved gases, primarily carbon dioxide. These springs are relatively rare and are found in specific geological locations where groundwater interacts with iron-rich rocks and volcanic activity.

The unusual taste of the water from Ölkelda springs has historically led to local legends and folklore associating them with magical or supernatural properties. Some believed the water to have medicinal benefits, while others simply enjoyed its unique flavor.

Ölkelda as a placename is most commonly associated with a specific spring located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. The spring and its surrounding land have become a minor tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to sample the naturally carbonated water.

While the water from an Ölkelda is safe to drink, its strong mineral content can be an acquired taste. It is not intended to be a substitute for regular drinking water.

The term "ölkelda" can also be used more generally to describe any spring with a similar flavor profile, even if it does not share the same geological origin as the well-known spring in Snæfellsnes. However, its primary and most common usage is in reference to that specific location.