Bessastaðanes has a variety of coastal habitats and shallow waters with rich ecosystems that provide important feeding grounds for birds. Lambhúsatjörn contains eelgrass beds, a habitat characterised by fine sediment and beds of eelgrass. Eelgrass has a limited distribution in Iceland and is an important food source for several species of waterfowl, including brent geese.
Bessastaðanes also has grassland, cultivated fields and wetlands. The habitats in the area range from medium to very high conservation value. Several wetland habitat types, including sedge mires, tall sedge fens and eelgrass beds, are listed under the Bern Convention as habitats requiring protection.
The area has high educational value due to its rich natural environment and numerous cultural heritage sites.
Bessastaðanes is also the site of the official residence of the President of Iceland.
Protection status
On 30 June 2023, Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate, signed the declaration designating Bessastaðanes as a protected area, pursuant to Article 49 of the Nature Conservation Act No. 60/2013 and the Nature Conservation Strategy 2004–2008.
Purpose of protection
The purpose of the designation is to conserve the area’s natural habitats and biodiversity, particularly its importance as a breeding and stopover site for birds. Protection extends to coastal and shallow marine habitats, including the seabed and water column.
The designation also aims to maintain the area’s value for education and outdoor recreation, while ensuring that recreational use is compatible with the conservation of bird habitats.
The protected area covers 4.45 km².