Access and Information
Þjórsárver are among the largest and most remote wetland oases in the Icelandic Highlands.
The wetlands themselves lie primarily west of the Þjórsá River, south of Hofsjökull, at an elevation of approximately 600 metres above sea level.
Protection Status
Þjórsárver was first designated a nature reserve in 1981. The protection designation was revised in 1987 and again in 2017. Today, the protected area covers approximately 1,563 km², encompassing all of Þjórsárver, the entirety of Hofsjökull, and the surrounding area.
The purpose of the protection designation is to ensure comprehensive and targeted conservation of the vegetation of Þjórsárver as a whole, its wetland ecosystems, palsa mire habitats (rústamýrarvist), breeding grounds for pink-footed geese, wilderness character, distinctive landscape features, and cultural heritage remains.
An additional objective is to promote public awareness and education regarding the conservation value of the area.