South Iceland

Affall

About Affall

Affall is a wildlife area in south-iceland, offering visitors the chance to encounter Iceland's remarkable natural fauna. Iceland is home to diverse wildlife including seabirds, Arctic foxes, and marine mammals.

🐉 The Changing River of the Landeyjar Plains

Flowing across the wide lowland fields of Landeyjar, Affall has long been part of the everyday landscape of farms and wetlands in the area. The river winds through shallow ponds and marshy ground that support a rich variety of birdlife, making it an important natural feature in this quiet agricultural region. Over time, Affall has become known locally as a peaceful place where water, farmland, and wildlife meet along the South Iceland plains.

📖 History of Affall

Historically, Affall carried glacial sediment from its connection to Markarfljót and once flowed as a grey, sediment-rich river typical of glacier-fed systems. After river engineering works and changes to water flow across the Markarfljót outwash plains, the character of Affall gradually changed. The river became clearer and now behaves more like a lowland freshwater river. Today, Affall reflects the long interaction between natural river systems, land use in Landeyjar, and the evolving hydrology of the South Iceland lowlands.

✈️ Why Visit

A great spot for observing Iceland's unique wildlife in their natural habitat.

💡 Did You Know?

Affall was once glacially colored by sediment from Markarfljót, but today it flows as a much clearer river after major hydrological changes on the surrounding outwash plains.