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Conservation sites in Iceland are governed by three public institutions which serve under the auspices of the Ministry for the Environment. They are Þingvellir National Park, Vatnajokull National Park and the Environment Agency of Iceland which governs Snæfellsjökull National Park and other nature conservation areas.

The Environment Agency of Iceland is responsible for Snæfellsjökull National Park and other protected areas in Iceland which in the year 2020 count over 100 sites. Icelandic protected areas consist of nature reserves, natural monuments, habitat protection areas and country parks. All together, they contribute to safeguarding important wildlife, stunning landscapes, geological formations, ecosystem services and outdoor recreation. 

Many protected areas are popular tourist attractions as they, as a whole, are one of the main natural treasures of Iceland. Tourists are encouraged to visit accessible protected areas and enjoy what they have to offer while complying with the rules that apply to these areas. Visiting the protected areas offers a unique opportunity to experience the variety of the Icelandic wonders of nature such as wilderness, interplay between the forces of glaciers and volcanic activity, powerful waterfalls and dramatic canyons, geological formations, reindeer grazing grounds and habitats for birds and other wildlife.

For more information, please visit:  Umhverfisstofnun, Environment Agency of Iceland (ust.is).

Protected Areas in Iceland

A deep blue lake in a crater in a crater in snowy season

Lake Mývatn and Laxa Nature Conservation Area

The ecosystem of Lake Mývatn' is truly unique. The name of the lake derives from the myriad of midges in the area.
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A spiky glacier

Vatnajökull National Park

The National Park is characterised by diversity on all fronts, be it landscape, biosphere, cultural remains or service levels.
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A still lake surrounded by mountains

Fjallabak Nature Reserve

The highland reserve received its protected status in 1979. The aim of the protection is to preserve unique areas so that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy them in the same way as we do.
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Volcanic rocky terrain

Surtsey Nature Reserve

Surtsey was formed in a volcanic eruption first detected on the surface of the ocean on November 14th 1963. The eruption most likely started a few days before as a submarine eruption at a depth of approximately 130 meters.
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Rocky terrain and steep-edged mountains in the distance

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

The nature reserve contains gigantic bird cliffs, unique flora and cultural remnants that serve as monuments to an earlier era when people still lived there.
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