Informazioni su Hraunsa River at Stokkseyri

Hraunsá river (Icelandic: Hraunsá, "lava river") is a short, slow lowland river on the south coast of Iceland that drains the wetlands west of the village of Stokkseyri and reaches the sea between Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki.

It flows out of the small lake Hafliðakotsvatn, winds through the marsh known as Skerflóð and past the lagoon Löngudæl, and empties across the lava shore into the Atlantic.

Several rivers in Iceland share the name; this one is the Hraunsá of the Flói district in Árborg municipality, and it is best known as the paddling route of the guided kayak tours that start in Stokkseyri.

Key Takeaways About Hraunsá

• Short lowland river from Hafliðakotsvatn through Skerflóð marsh and Löngudæl lagoon to the sea west of Stokkseyri
• Runs over Þjórsárhraun, the roughly 8,600-year-old lava whose edge forms the surf reef off Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki
• Guided kayak circuit 1 May–30 September (10:00 and 14:00): Löngudæl, marsh canals, Hraunsá, then inside the reef to Stokkseyri harbour
• Birdlife, seals on the reef, sea-run char and sea trout; free fishing 1 May–31 August, but let Árborg municipality know first
• About 65–70 km / about 1 hour from Reykjavík; paved roads, no 4x4; private farmland, so keep to the road

Why visit Hraunsá river

Hraunsá river is narrow, gentle and barely above sea level. What makes it worth a visit is what it runs through. The whole coast here sits on Þjórsárhraun, the Great Þjórsá lava, which flowed from the interior about 8,600 years ago and is the largest lava flow from a single eruption known on Earth since the last ice age.

Where the lava meets the sea it forms a submerged ridge offshore, the skerjagarður, on which Atlantic swells break in a long white line. Between that reef and the shore is a maze of sheltered lagoons and channels, and Hraunsá river is the natural way into them from the land side.

The wetland the river drains is rich in birds. Swans, eider ducks, waders and seabirds feed and nest in the marsh and lagoons, and seals haul out on the rocks of the reef. The tour operator notes kelp and dulse growing in the channels.

The river itself holds sea-run Arctic char and sea trout, and local anglers describe it as full of fish; fishing is free but you are asked to let Árborg municipality know first.

The kayak route is the main draw.

Tours put in on Löngudæl, paddle the narrow canals of the marsh, follow Hraunsá down to the sea, pause where the river meets the sea, then paddle back along the inside of the reef to the old harbour at Stokkseyri, a stretch the operator puts at three to four kilometres depending on the tide.

How to get to Hraunsá river

Stokkseyri is about 65–70 km from Reykjavík, a drive of roughly an hour. The shortest way is the Ring Road (Route 1) over Hellisheiði to Selfoss, then Route 33 or 34 south to the coast; Stokkseyri is about 15 km from Selfoss.

Route 39 and Route 38 through Þrengsli to Eyrarbakki is an alternative of similar length. The river mouth is just west of the village, between Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki on the coast road (route 34). All roads are paved and open year-round; no 4x4 is needed.

There is no car park at the river. Kayak tours meet at the operator's base in Stokkseyri, where there is parking. The coast road crosses the lower river, but the banks are soft and the land on either side is private farmland, so keep to the road.

Best time to visit

Kayak tours on Hraunsá run from 1 May to 30 September, with departures at 10:00 and 14:00 (check kajak.is for the current schedule). Early summer is best for birdlife and long daylight. Fishing in Hafliðakotsvatn and Hraunsá is allowed from 1 May to 31 August.

Safety and practical tips

• The river mouth and the reef are affected by the tide. On the kayak tour the guide times the exit to the sea; if you explore on your own, check the tide and stay off the reef.
• The marsh is soft bog that will not take weight; keep to the road and the water.
• Kayak tours supply dry suits, buoyancy aids and guiding. Minimum age is 14, the minimum group is four and groups are kept close to shore. Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure.
• Dress for wind and spray even in summer; the south coast is rarely still.
• Facilities are in Stokkseyri (swimming pool with hot tubs, restaurants); there is nothing at the river itself.
• Respect nesting birds in May and June and give seals a wide berth.