Lakes are relatively isolated worlds. Algae and vascular plants are primary producers. Primary production is slow in cold water and restricts the number of living beings, which thrive there.

The lakes in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve are cold mountain lakes. Besides plants there are various small animals and trout. Brown trout runs from Tungnaa River into Kylingar and the lake Kirkjufellsvatn. As far as men remember brown trout has always been in Ljotipollur and the lake Frostastadavatn. After 1970 Arctic char (trout) has been put into other lakes in the area, which they have in most cases increased to the extent that today there are multitudes of small trout’s, which are unable to grow because of the shortage of food.
Birds.  Bird life is sparse as in other parts of the highlands. Snow buntings are the most common, and on lakes the great northern diver, whooper swans, and the red-necked phalarope can be seen.

The great northern diver nests by Frostastadavatn and Kirkjufellsvatn. The harlequin duck is occasionally seen on River Jokulgilskvisl and has been known to nest in the area.

Motoring. The old horse track, Landmannaleid, lying between the settlements of Land and Skaftártunga parishes goes through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

However the most frequently used road into the Nature Reserve is the route (F22) from Sigalda, which joins the old route Landmannaleid (marked Domadalsleid on road signs) by Lake Frostastadavatn.

Both roads F22 and Landmannaleid have special dangers: gravel and rough surfaces, blind corners and unbridged rivers. These roads are only passable in July and August, due to snow and mud. The road between Landmannalaugar and Eldgja is only recommended for 4wd vehicles, because of the many unbridged rivers and possible quicksand. Never attempt to cross a river, which you cannot wade across and always drive slowly (in first gear), but firmly. Never attempt to drive along a track, which in not marked on the map overleaf. Bear in mind that no petrol, oil and other provisions can be obtained in the Nature Reserve. Finally remember that it is illegal to drive or park cars off-road.

Walking. The Fjallabak Nature Reserve is well suited for walking. There are numerous opportunities for short and long hikes, some of which are marked on the map. The most popular hikes are to the summit of Blahnukur 940 m. (1-2 hours), and to the fumaroles by Brennisteinsalda 855m. (1-2 hours). Other interesting hikes include Haalda 1089m. (4-6 hours), around Frostastadavatn (2-3 hours), Sudurnámur 951m. (1 hour) and Brandsgil (1-2 hours).

When walking please keep the following in mind:
Use a good map and keep to the footpaths, as it is easy to get lost. Good footwear is essential and even in summer warm clothes are necessary on the hilltops. Exposure can be fatal to those inadequately equipped for sudden change in the weather, or overtaken be fatigue. Always leave word of where you are going and if in trouble contact the rangers at Landmannalaugar. Remember that all rock in the Nature Reserve is unsuitable for climbing and the best routes follow ridges or valley bottoms. Please do not tread on hot springs or boiling ground, as it can be soft and extremely dangerous. It is forbidden to throw stones or other objects into hot springs or pits. In most cases detour round vegetated areas, as they are marshy and are easily spoiled.

Fishing. The lakes in the Nature Reserve are known for their trout, the most popular lakes being Ljotipollur, Domadalsvatn and Frostastadavatn. Fishing permits can be bought from the farm Skard in the Land parish or from the warden at Landmannalaugar.

Swimming. The hot springs at Landmannalaugar are suitable for swimming. Be careful not to damage the vegetation by the pool and it is forbidden to tear mud from their banks. Please do not take glass items into the pools and soap should only be used down by the dam. A word of warning bathing in the hot mud pool is not recommended for hygienic reasons.

Huts and Campsites.  There are campsites within the Reserve in Landmannalaugar, Landmannahellir, Hrafntinnusker and at Solvangur. The Touring Club of Iceland has huts in Landmannalaugar and Hrafntinnusker. Hellismenn have a hut by Landmannahellir. All huts are supervised during the summer.

Conservation and land use.  Geology, bird and plant life. Careful observation is likely to be well rewarded in many parts of the Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve was established to preserve valuable habitats, species and geological formations, so it is usually best left undisturbed by visitors; for the peace and the challenge that "untamed" landscape gives us; and as a haven for wildlife and vegetation.

Grazing. Today the Nature Reserve is not unaffected by grazing, road building, tourism and power lines. Sheep grazing and fishing dates back many years. In 1841 the Rev. Jon Torfason from Storuvellir wrote in his parish book that fishing and grazing in the Landmanna pastures was less than it had been for centuries. However the area, as then, is still grazed and 2000 sheep graze now in the Nature Reserve during the summer months. Landmannahellir and Landmannalaugar are the main centres when the farmers collect their flock in the beginning of September.

Tourism. Few people visited the area until the Touring Club of Iceland built its first hut there in 1952. Since then communications have greatly improved and people have more time to spare. Today 15.000 people visit the Nature Reserve during the summer.

The code of the Nature Reserve.

When visiting the Fjallabak Nature Reserve take care to avoid damaging life and country remembering this Code.

Camping outside designated camping sites is subject to the ranger’s permission.

Do not drive off-road.

Protect wild life.
Do not pick or uproot wild plants.
Do not light open fire.
Leave no litter.
Build no Cairns.
Do not damage geological formations.
Safeguard hot springs and hot pools.
Respect the tranquillity of the countryside.