Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
An extensive area of coastal flood-plain and shallow freshwater marshes by the ölfusá river, c.35 km south-east of Reykjavík. The area extends over ölfusforir, Kaldadarnesengjar, Flóagafl and the outlet of the ölfusá river, and includes a vegetated lava-flow. The area is dominated by sedge
Carex. Land-uses include angling in rivers and some tourist traffic.
Many other species of waterbird also breed, and it is one of the most important inland wintering sites for ducks in Iceland.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Hunting disturbs birds and is a problem in some places, particularly in winter when the wildfowl are concentrated at ice-free areas. Horses also cause disturbance and their grazing is a threat in parts of the area. Water-borne pollution from nearby urbanized and industrial areas is a problem, and introduced American mink
Mustela vison also pose a threat. The area is on the list of sites of conservation interest in the Nature Conservation Register. Part of the area, on the west bank of the ölfusá river, has been declared a bird reserve.
National Partial
International NoneAbout 3,000 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (name not known, c.3,000 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Osasvædi Olfusar (Iceland). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/osasvædi-olfusar-iba-iceland on 26/12/2024.
