Alafoss, Mosfellsbaer

See a 3-D map of the area.

The Minister for the Environment has, on the proposal of the municipality of Mosfellsbær and after receiving the opinion of the Environment Agency and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, decided to protect Álafoss and its immediate surroundings. The area is protected as a natural monument in accordance with Paragraph 1(2) of Article 53 of the Nature Conservation Act No. 44/1999.

Álafoss is a beautiful waterfall in Varmá as it snakes through Álafosskvos in Mosfellsbær. Varmá is on the registry of sites of natural interest from its source to the estuary, and the river and the waterfall are richly connected to the industry and sports history of Mosfellsbær. Wool processing by Álafoss began in 1896, and because of that operation, the river was dammed above the waterfall. A considerable depth was then formed in the warm Varmá river, which was used for swimming and diving. The remains of two diving boards can still be seen above the waterfall, as well as remains of the dam.

The nature reserve is 1.4 hectares and covers the waterfall, a considerable area above and below it, as well as a forest in Álanes, one of the older forests in the town.

The aim of the protection of Álafoss as a natural monument is the preservation of the waterfall itself, its immediate surroundings as well as cultural remains connected to the history and development of Mosfellsbær. The area is popular, both with the townsfolk and other visitors, and it is important to strengthen its outdoor activities and educational value.