Protected area
In Garðabær, a great emphasis is placed on nature conservation so that residents and visitors can enjoy the untouched nature in the local area. About a quarter of the land within the town's jurisdiction is protected or protected, and systematic work is being done to protect more valuable areas.
Protected area in Gardabaer
Protected areas are protected by law and can be defined as nature reserves, national parks, unique natural formations, or habitats.
The following areas are protected or protected:
- Kasthúsatórn and adjacent beach – nature reserve and park
- Gate at Álftanes – public park
- Gálgahraun lava field – nature reserve
- Skerjafjörður within the town limits of Garðabær – habitat protection
- Garðahraun , Vífilsstaðahraun and Mariúhellar – public park
- Vífilsstaðavatn and its surroundings – a nature reserve
- Reykjanes and Bláfjallafolk Parks – partly within Garðabær
- Bessastaðanes – nature reserve
An overview map of protected areas in Garðabær shows the boundaries of protected areas and what protection applies at each location.
You can also see protected areas on Garðabær map website. Must choose Practical information in the menu on the right and check Protected areaFurther information about individual areas can be found below.
Protected area
Gálgahraun and Skerjafjörður
Gálgahraun and Skerjafjörður are among the most valuable protected areas in Gardabær. Both were declared protected in 2009 with the signing of agreements between Gardabær and the Minister of the Environment.
Lake Vífilsstaðavatn and surroundings
Vífilsstaðavatn and its surroundings were declared a nature reserve in 2007, making it the first protected area in Garðabær. The nature reserve covers 188 hectares, of which the lake itself is 27 hectares.
Búrfell, Búrfellsgjá and Búrfellshraun
The protected areas of the lava fields of Búrfellshraun, Búrfell, Búrfellsgjá and the eastern part of Selgjá were confirmed by the Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources at the premises of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History on April 30, 2014.
Neighborhood protection
In addition to protected areas, several areas in Garðabær are protected by neighborhood protection. Such protection aims to preserve the natural environment and outdoor recreational value of areas in the immediate vicinity of residents. Neighborhood protection is a milder form of protection than protection and does not include the same restrictions on access. Among the protected areas are Lambhúsatjörn, Skógtjörn, Balatjörn, Urriðavatn and Grunnuvötn.
Traveling around protected areas
To protect nature and biodiversity, the following rules apply in protected areas:
- It is prohibited to damage vegetation or disturb geological formations.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited except for service purposes.
- Bicycles are allowed on roads and paths.
- Civil engineering and earth disturbance are prohibited without a permit.
Garðabær manages protected areas in accordance with agreements with Icelandic Environment and Energy Agency and works towards their protection and public education.
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