Is there an entry fee to Bakkatjörn?

No, visiting Bakkatjörn and its nature reserve is free of charge, allowing everyone to enjoy its natural beauty.

Is Bakkatjörn wheelchair accessible?

While paths around the nature reserve may vary, some areas along the paved routes and viewpoints offer relatively easy access. Specific accessibility for all paths cannot be guaranteed.

What is the best time of day to visit for photography?

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the most dramatic and soft light, perfect for capturing the stunning skies, lighthouse, and reflective waters.

Can I observe wildlife at Bakkatjörn?

As a nature reserve, Bakkatjörn is home to various bird species and unique marine life adapted to its ice-salt pond environment, making it a good spot for birdwatching and nature observation.

What should I bring when visiting Bakkatjörn?

We recommend bringing a camera, comfortable walking shoes, and layers of clothing, as Icelandic weather can change quickly. Binoculars are also great for birdwatching.

Iceland/capital-region

Bakkatjörn

Bakkatjörn is a serene ice-salt pond and nature reserve in Seltjarnarnes, featuring dramatic skies and a charming lighthouse.

At a Glance

Visit time

1-2 hours

Best season

Early morning or late afternoon for photography and a peaceful atmosphere.

Access

Easily accessible by paved road in Seltjarnarnes, with ample parking usually available nearby.

GPS

64.1561, -22.0161

Plan Trip Navigate

About

About Bakkatjörn

Bakkatjörn is a serene ice-salt pond and nature reserve in Seltjarnarnes, featuring dramatic skies and a charming lighthouse.

Witness stunning coastal scenery, a unique ice-salt pond, and an iconic lighthouse under a dramatic Icelandic sky.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

Bakkatjörn holds a long-standing natural history as a distinctive ice-salt pond, a unique geological formation shaped by Iceland's dynamic environment. Its brackish waters, a mix of freshwater and seawater, create a specialized ecosystem that has evolved over centuries, supporting a particular array of flora and fauna adapted to these conditions. Recognizing its ecological significance, Bakkatjörn has been formally designated as a nature reserve. This status underscores its importance for biodiversity and environmental protection, ensuring that this unique habitat remains preserved for future generations. The reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining local ecological balance and serves as an important site for migratory birds. Over time, the area around Bakkatjörn has seen the development of coastal communities, with structures like the prominent lighthouse and charming houses becoming integral parts of the landscape. These elements, while man-made, have blended into the natural setting, adding to the serene and picturesque character that visitors experience today in Seltjarnarnes.

Bakkatjörn stands as a significant ice-salt pond and designated nature reserve, offering a captivating blend of natural wonder and coastal charm in Seltjarnarnes. This unique ecosystem, characterized by its brackish waters, provides a habitat for various bird species and marine life, making it a valuable site for ecological study and nature observation. Visually, Bakkatjörn is a photographer's dream, as evidenced by the stunning interplay of light and shadow often seen here. The sky frequently transforms into a dramatic masterpiece, with sun rays piercing through clouds to illuminate the landscape with an almost otherworldly glow. Against this backdrop, a graceful lighthouse stands tall, its classic form adding a touch of iconic Icelandic coastal heritage. Nearby, quaint houses dot the shoreline, their presence harmonizing with the rugged natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the water's edge, soaking in the serene atmosphere and capturing the ever-changing light. It's an ideal spot for quiet reflection, birdwatching, and experiencing the unique tranquility of Iceland's lesser-known natural treasures. Remember to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

The air hummed with a quiet anticipation as the sun, peeking through a dramatic canvas of clouds, cast ethereal rays across Bakkatjörn. These shafts of light, almost tangible, illuminated the tranquil surface of the ice-salt pond, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. A lone, elegant lighthouse stood sentinel on the distant shore, its stoic presence a comforting anchor against the vastness of the sky. Nearby, a cluster of quaint houses seemed to huddle together, guardians of this serene landscape. The water, a mirror to the heavens, reflected the golden hues of the fading light, inviting contemplation. It was a moment of profound peace, where the raw beauty of Iceland's nature, from the unique ecosystem of the ice-salt pond to the architectural charm of its coastal sentinels, converged into a breathtaking tableau. Every ripple on the water, every shift in the clouds, told a silent story of timeless beauty.

💡 Did You Know?

Bakkatjörn is not just a pond but a significant ice-salt pond and designated nature reserve, highlighting its unique ecological importance in Seltjarnarnes.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

ghost stories

Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature

Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.

history

The Settlement of Iceland – Land of Fire and Freedom

Iceland: Land of Fire and Freedom, forged by Vikings and volcanic might.

haunted places

National Theatre of Iceland

Staff and performers have reported unexplained sounds, flickering lights and ghostly presences in the backstage areas and upper floors of this early 20th century building.