Access and Information
Road 82 runs directly through the Svarfaðardalur Nature Reserve, passing alongside Hrísatjörn and crossing the river Svarfaðardalsá at Árgerði. On either side of the river, Skíðadalsvegur (Road 275) and Svarfaðardalsvegur (Road 273) run the length of the reserve, offering numerous viewpoints over the wetlands and their rich birdlife.
A roadside viewing area is located on Skíðadalsvegur (275) near Saurbæjartjörn, providing excellent views over the pond and towards Ingólfshöfði. A gravel road on the western side of Hrísahöfði leads to gravel pits north of the farm Hrísa.
Seasonal ranger services are provided by the Iceland Nature Conservation Agency during the summer months. Outside this period, monitoring of the reserve is carried out under an agreement with Dalvíkurbyggð Municipality.
Interpretation
Protection Status
Svarfaðardalur was first protected in 1972, with the protection designation revised in 1980.
The reserve was originally protected at the initiative of local landowners and encompasses a unique wetland area in the lower part of Svarfaðardalur, serving as an important breeding habitat for numerous bird species.
The nature reserve covers 528.7 hectares.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification system, the Svarfaðardalur Nature Reserve falls under Category IV – Habitat/Species Management Area.