Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a coastal town within the Capital Region of Iceland, located on a narrow peninsula extending into Faxaflói Bay. It is Iceland’s smallest municipality by land area, yet rich in history and natural character.

Historically, the former Seltjarnarneshreppur covered a much larger territory. Its boundaries stretched from Grótta to the Elliða Rivers, and across the peninsula from Kollafjörður to Skerjafjörður. Both Reykjavík and Kópavogur were once part of this historic district.

Today, the municipal boundary between Seltjarnarnes and Reykjavík runs along Eiðisvík to the north and Lambastaðamýri to the south. The peninsula is low-lying, with its highest point at Valhúsahæð, rising just over 30 meters above sea level.

The coastline is deeply indented and shaped by centuries of ocean erosion. Significant shoreline change has occurred at Grótta and near Seltjörn, which was once a freshwater pond but is now a small bay. Conversely, Bakkatjörn was formerly an inlet that was enclosed and converted into a lagoon in the mid-20th century.

Both Grótta and Bakkatjörn are protected nature reserves and are home to rich birdlife. They are among the most popular outdoor and nature areas in the capital region.

Historically, Seltjarnarnes consisted of several farms where agriculture and fishing were practiced side by side. Today, the peninsula has developed into a residential town that balances urban life, coastal nature, and strong maritime heritage.