Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a coastal town within the
Capital Region
of Iceland, located on a narrow peninsula extending into
Faxaflói Bay.
It is Iceland’s smallest municipality by land area,
yet rich in history and natural character.
Historically, the former
Seltjarnarneshreppur
covered a much larger territory.
Its boundaries stretched from
Grótta
to the
Elliða Rivers,
and across the peninsula from Kollafjörður to
Skerjafjörður.
Both
Reykjavík
and
Kópavogur
were once part of this historic district.
Today, the municipal boundary between Seltjarnarnes and Reykjavík
runs along Eiðisvík to the north and Lambastaðamýri to the south.
The peninsula is low-lying, with its highest point at
Valhúsahæð,
rising just over 30 meters above sea level.
The coastline is deeply indented and shaped by centuries of ocean
erosion. Significant shoreline change has occurred at Grótta and
near
Seltjörn,
which was once a freshwater pond but is now a small bay.
Conversely,
Bakkatjörn
was formerly an inlet that was enclosed and converted into a lagoon
in the mid-20th century.
Both Grótta and Bakkatjörn are protected nature reserves and are
home to rich birdlife.
They are among the most popular outdoor and
nature areas in the capital region.
Historically, Seltjarnarnes consisted of several farms where
agriculture and fishing were practiced side by side.
Today, the peninsula has developed into a residential town that
balances urban life, coastal nature, and strong maritime heritage.
Seltjarnarnes er þéttbýlisstaður á höfuðborgarsvæðinu.