Elliðavatn

Set between Reykjavík and the edge of Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, Elliðavatn is a quiet freshwater lake shaped by both nature and history. Nearby trails lead through small forests, lava fields, and open landscapes, making the area well suited for walking, cycling, and unhurried exploration. The eastern shores of the lake fall within the protected Heiðmörk Nature Reserve.

Elliðavatn was once two separate lakes: Vatnsendavatn, associated with Kópavogur (Culture Hill), and Vatnsvatn, part of Reykjavík, placing today’s lake directly on the boundary between the two areas. The lake stretches about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) and is shallow, with depths of roughly 1–2 metres (3–7 feet). It is fed by the rivers Bugðá and Suðurá and drains into the Elliðaá river. The lake and its surrounding rivers are well known for angling, particularly for Arctic char, salmon, and brown trout.