Vifilsstadavatn, Gardabaer

See a map of the area in 3-D

Vífilsstaðavatn and its surroundings were protected as a nature reserve in 2007. The protection covers Vífilsstaðavatn and the hills to the south and east, from the lake to the ridge, including Grunnavatnsskarð. The boundaries to the west and north follow the road above the settlement and Elliðavatnsvegur.

The aim of the protection is to promote the preservation and maintenance of the natural condition of the lake and to strengthen the protection of species and the social fabric of the unique populations of Arctic charr, trout, eel and stickleback in the lake. The sticklebacks in the lake are very unique, as they don’t have bony ridges on their abdomen. There are numerous duck species that nest by the lake and grassland birds around it. The aim of the protection of the area is to preserve the lake’s vicinity and ensure its normal groundwater flow to maintain the natural vegetation in the area. Furthermore, the aim of the protection is to strengthen the outdoor activities, research and educational value of the area.

The nature reserve covers an area of 188.3 ha.