The lava field has a strikingly rugged landscape, with sweeping, curved ridges across its surface and rough mounds of lava piled up along its edges. Hidden among these formations are several lava caves, including Selgjárhellar and Maríuhellar. Near Selgjá, the lava field is known as Smyrlabúðarhraun, while the section stretching from Selgjá to Maríuhellar is known as Urriðakotshraun.
The area has a rich variety of natural and cultural heritage and offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, exploring nature and environmental interpretation. Walking and horse riding trails pass through the area.
Protection Status
Urriðakotshraun was designated a public park protected area on 10 January 2024 at the request of the landowner and Garðabær municipality. The purpose of the designation is to ensure public access to the area for outdoor recreation, nature exploration and interpretation. It also aims to protect the geological and lava formations of Urriðakotshraun, its cultural heritage, which is considered rare on a global scale, and the area’s natural vegetation.
The protected area covers 1.05 km². To the south, it borders the Búrfell, Búrfellsgjá and Selgjá Natural Monument, while the Maríuhellar protected public park lies to the north.