south-iceland · Iceland
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.
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.
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.
Key Facts
- ✔Iceland is home to the Arctic fox, the only native land mammal
- ✔Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in Iceland
- ✔The surrounding waters are rich in marine life including whales and seals
Tours Near Affall
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Why Visit
A great spot for observing Iceland's unique wildlife in their natural habitat.