LIFE IN LAKES AND RIVERS
Lakes are
relatively isolated worlds. Algae and vascular plants are primary
producers. Primary production is slow in cold water and restricts the
number of living beings, which thrive there.
The lakes in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve are cold mountain lakes. Besides
plants there are various small animals and trout. Brown trout runs from
Tungnaa River into Kylingar and the lake Kirkjufellsvatn. As far as men
remember brown trout has always been in Ljotipollur and the lake
Frostastadavatn. After 1970 Arctic char (trout) has been put into other
lakes in the area, which they have in most cases increased to the extent
that today there are multitudes of small trout’s, which are unable to grow
because of the shortage of food.
Birds. Bird life is sparse as in
other parts of the highlands. Snow buntings are the most common, and on
lakes the great northern diver, whooper swans, and the red-necked
phalarope can be seen.
The great northern diver nests by Frostastadavatn and Kirkjufellsvatn. The
harlequin duck is occasionally seen on River Jokulgilskvisl and has been
known to nest in the area.
Motoring. The old
horse track, Landmannaleid, lying between the settlements of Land and
Skaftártunga parishes goes through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.
However the most
frequently used road into the Nature Reserve is the route (F22) from
Sigalda, which joins the old route Landmannaleid (marked Domadalsleid on
road signs) by Lake Frostastadavatn.
Both roads F22 and Landmannaleid have special dangers: gravel and rough
surfaces, blind corners and unbridged rivers. These roads are only
passable in July and August, due to snow and mud. The road between
Landmannalaugar and Eldgja is only recommended for 4wd vehicles, because
of the many unbridged rivers and possible quicksand. Never attempt to
cross a river, which you cannot wade across and always drive slowly (in
first gear), but firmly. Never attempt to drive along a track, which in
not marked on the map overleaf. Bear in mind that no petrol, oil and other
provisions can be obtained in the Nature Reserve. Finally remember that it
is illegal to drive or park cars off-road.
Walking. The
Fjallabak Nature Reserve is well suited for walking. There are numerous
opportunities for short and long hikes, some of which are marked on the
map. The most popular hikes are to the summit of Blahnukur 940 m. (1-2
hours), and to the fumaroles by Brennisteinsalda 855m. (1-2 hours). Other
interesting hikes include Haalda 1089m. (4-6 hours), around
Frostastadavatn (2-3 hours), Sudurnámur 951m. (1 hour) and Brandsgil (1-2
hours).
When walking
please keep the following in mind:
Use a good map
and keep to the footpaths, as it is easy to get lost. Good footwear is
essential and even in summer warm clothes are necessary on the hilltops.
Exposure can be fatal to those inadequately equipped for sudden change in
the weather, or overtaken be fatigue. Always leave word of where you are
going and if in trouble contact the rangers at Landmannalaugar. Remember
that all rock in the Nature Reserve is unsuitable for climbing and the
best routes follow ridges or valley bottoms. Please do not tread on hot
springs or boiling ground, as it can be soft and extremely dangerous. It
is forbidden to throw stones or other objects into hot springs or pits. In
most cases detour round vegetated areas, as they are marshy and are easily
spoiled.
Fishing. The
lakes in the Nature Reserve are known for their trout, the most popular
lakes being Ljotipollur, Domadalsvatn and Frostastadavatn. Fishing permits
can be bought from the farm Skard in the Land parish or from the warden at
Landmannalaugar.
Swimming. The hot
springs at Landmannalaugar are suitable for swimming. Be careful not to
damage the vegetation by the pool and it is forbidden to tear mud from
their banks. Please do not take glass items into the pools and soap should
only be used down by the dam. A word of warning bathing in the hot mud
pool is not recommended for hygienic reasons.
Huts and Campsites. There are
campsites within the Reserve in Landmannalaugar, Landmannahellir,
Hrafntinnusker and at Solvangur. The Touring Club of Iceland has huts in
Landmannalaugar and Hrafntinnusker. Hellismenn have a hut by
Landmannahellir. All huts are supervised during the summer.
Conservation and land use. Geology,
bird and plant life. Careful observation is likely to be well rewarded in
many parts of the Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve was established to
preserve valuable habitats, species and geological formations, so it is
usually best left undisturbed by visitors; for the peace and the challenge
that "untamed" landscape gives us; and as a haven for wildlife and
vegetation.
Grazing. Today
the Nature Reserve is not unaffected by grazing, road building, tourism
and power lines. Sheep grazing and fishing dates back many years. In 1841
the Rev. Jon Torfason from Storuvellir wrote in his parish book that
fishing and grazing in the Landmanna pastures was less than it had been
for centuries. However the area, as then, is still grazed and 2000 sheep
graze now in the Nature Reserve during the summer months. Landmannahellir
and Landmannalaugar are the main centres when the farmers collect their
flock in the beginning of September.
Tourism. Few
people visited the area until the Touring Club of Iceland built its first
hut there in 1952. Since then communications have greatly improved and
people have more time to spare. Today 15.000 people visit the Nature
Reserve during the summer.
The code
of the Nature Reserve.
When visiting the
Icelands Nature Reserve take care to avoid damaging life and country
remembering this Code.
Camping outside
designated camping sites is subject to the ranger’s permission.
Do
not drive off-road. Protect wild life.
Do not pick or uproot wild plants.
Do not light open fire.
Leave no litter.
Build no Cairns.
Do not damage geological formations.
Safeguard hot springs and hot pools.
Respect the tranquility of the countryside.