T
he famous Laugavegur trail – the most popular 4-day hiking trail in Iceland starts in Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Reserve and goes south, to Thorsmork (Þórsmörk).
The Fjallabak Nature Reserve (Friðland að Fjallabaki) is located in the Icelandic Highlands, with the famous and beautiful Landmannalaugar as its centerpiece.
Fjallabak – a picturesque oasis of tranquility
Fjallabak has been a protected area since 1979. The reserve covers an area of 47,000 hectares and is located more than 500 meters above sea level. It is the largest rhyolite area and one of the largest geothermal areas (after Grimsvotn in PN Vatnajokull) in Iceland. Its name comes from the numerous wild and rugged mountains with deeply incised valleys found there.
Area of Fjallabak Nature Reserve
T
he famous Laugavegur trail – the most popular 4-day hiking trail in Iceland starts in Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Reserve and goes south, to Thorsmork (Þórsmörk).
The reserve’s terrain is mountainous, sculpted by volcanoes and geothermal activity, and covered with lavas, sands, rivers and lakes. Its defining feature is its breathtaking views, especially the rocks that take on green, blue, pink, red and yellow hues, geothermal valleys and murmuring wild streams. Despite its popularity, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve is still a relatively quiet and peaceful place. Most tourists scrupulously follow the recommendations of the nature reserve status, which brings undeniable benefits not only to nature, but also to the travelers themselves.
R
ead more about the attractions and beautiful places in the Fjallabak Reserve in the text dedicated to its main jewel – Landmannalaugar.
Fauna and Flora of Fjallabak
Due to the cold climate, the growing season of vegetation here is very short, and soil formation is very slow. Sandstorms, common in much of the area, as well as volcanic eruptions cover the surface of the reserve with sand, lava and ash. For this reason, the vegetation in the Fjallabak area is not particularly lush or varied. Vegetation cover is rather sparse, and the largest and greenest vegetation areas are near the rivers and lakes in the Kýlingar area. Willows occur on the dry sands and lava flows, and in the geothermal area near Landmannalaugar – lowland vegetation with widespread sedge reigns supreme. The lakes in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve are cold mountain lakes. In addition to plants, there are various small animals and trout.
Bird life is sparse. In the vicinity of the lakes you can see burrowing owls (migratory birds that inhabit the tundra of North America and Greenland outside Iceland), whooper swans, and flat-necked platypus with beautiful red necks. Harlequin ducks, known to nest in the area, are occasionally seen on the Jökulgilskvísl River.
Fjallabak – tips and practical information
- The Fjallabak Nature Reserve is accessible only in summer. In winter, it is covered with a thick layer of ice and snow.
- Entry to the reserve requires a vehicle with a 4-wheel drive sign.
- In addition to Landmannalaugar, there are other campsites and huts in the reserve: these are Landmannahellir, Hrafntinnusker and Dalakofin. These are less popular and more difficult to access, but thus also much quieter and more peaceful than Landmannalaugar campground.
- The average air temperature in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve is about 0-1 ºC / 32-34 ºF. In July and August, you can expect temperatures between 5 and 14 ºC / 40-60 ºF, and in winter, the average temperature is about -6 ºC / 21 ºF.
- The hot springs in Landmannalaugar are suitable for bathing. Be careful, however, not to damage the vegetation at the spring.
Photos from the Fjallabak Nature Reserve
