reykjavik
Elliðaá — Reykjavík's Salmon River
About Elliðaá — Reykjavík's Salmon River
Elliðaá river flows ~25 km from Lake Elliðavatn (Mosfellsheiði highlands) through Reykjavík to Elliðaárvogur bay. The river has two main branches (Elliðaá Vestari and Elliðaá Eystari) that join near Breiðholt. **Salmon Run:** Atlantic salmon enter the river June–September to spawn. Elliðaá is one of the most productive urban salmon rivers worldwide, with annual catch ~1,500 salmon. Fishing requires expensive permits (4,000–8,000 ISK/day) available through laxá.is. **Walking/Cycling Paths:** Network of paths along the river from Laugardalur valley to eastern suburbs (~10 km total). Paths connect to Öskjuhlíð forest and other Reykjavík green spaces. **Waterfalls:** - Elliðaárfoss: Small waterfall near Breiðholt, salmon jump here in summer - Smaller cascades throughout the valley **Nature:** Despite urban location, the river valley is surprisingly wild: birch woodland, wetlands, bird life (ducks, geese, waders). Salmon, trout, Arctic char in river. **Access:** Paths accessible from multiple points: Laugardalur, Breiðholt, Árbær, Elliðaár neighborhood.
🐉 The River That Refused to Die
Reykjavík grew around Elliðaá — housing, industry, roads. But the salmon kept coming back, swimming upstream past the city every summer, refusing to give up.
📖 History of Elliðaá — Reykjavík's Salmon River
Elliðaá has been a salmon river since settlement (874 AD). The river powered Reykjavík's first hydroelectric plant (1921). Despite urbanization, salmon run has been maintained through conservation efforts and fishing restrictions. The river valley remains protected green space.
💡 Did You Know?
Elliðaá is the only river in the world where you can fish for Atlantic salmon within a capital city — and the fishing is genuinely world-class despite being surrounded by suburbs.
Key Facts
25 km salmon river through Reykjavík
Annual salmon run June–September (~1,500 fish/year)
One of world's most productive urban salmon rivers
10 km of walking/cycling paths
Waterfalls, birch woodland, surprising wildlife
💎 Hidden Gems
Elliðaárfoss Salmon Jump
In July–August, stand at Elliðaárfoss waterfall at dawn and watch Atlantic salmon leap the falls — it's one of the great urban wildlife spectacles.
The Riverside Path from Laugardalur
The path following Elliðaá from Laugardalur to Breiðholt winds through birch woodland and wetlands — it's the most peaceful urban walk in Reykjavík.
🕐 Best Time
Summer for salmon run
🚗 Access
Multiple access points: Laugardalur, Breiðholt, Árbær, Elliðaár
⏱ Duration
1–3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see salmon jumping?▾
Yes — June–September at Elliðaárfoss waterfall near Breiðholt. Early morning/evening best for observing salmon.
Can I fish without a permit?▾
No — salmon fishing requires expensive permits (4,000–8,000 ISK/day). Strictly enforced.
📍 GPS Location
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