Affall

Affall is a lowland river in Rangárþing eystra flowing between the eastern and western districts of Landeyjar in South Iceland. The river passes through wetland…

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64.9631, -19.0208

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About

About Affall

Affall is a lowland river in Rangárþing eystra flowing between the eastern and western districts of Landeyjar in South Iceland. The river passes through wetlands and shallow lagoons that support rich birdlife, making the area a rewarding destination for birdwatching. Historically, Affall carried glacial sediment due to its connection with Markarfljót. After engineering works on the Markarfljót outwash plains altered the water flow, the river gradually became clearer and now behaves more like a typical lowland freshwater river. Affall also supports fish populations, including sea trout and Arctic char, and efforts have been made to establish salmon in the river with some success.

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

Background

History & Background

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.

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.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Flowing quietly across the lowland plains of Landeyjar in Rangárþing eystra, Affall has long shaped the wetlands and shallow lagoons that support rich birdlife in the area. These calm waters create an important habitat for nesting and migratory birds, making the river a peaceful destination for nature watchers exploring South Iceland’s coastal lowlands. In earlier times, Affall carried glacial sediment from nearby Markarfljót and flowed with a cloudy, gray color typical of glacier-fed rivers. After changes to water flow across the Markarfljót outwash plains, the river gradually became clearer and more typical of a lowland freshwater system. Today, Affall remains closely connected to the surrounding farmland and wetlands, reflecting the long relationship between local communities, shifting rivers, and the dynamic landscape of the South Iceland plains.

Local Legend

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.

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