Love star

Ástjörn is a man-made reservoir formed in a gorge west of Mount Aska When Hellna lava flowed around 2000 years ago, it blocked its outlet to the sea. You can walk around the lake.

Diverse life

The pond's ecosystem is diverse, and it is a prime habitat for many bird species as the food supply in the pond is plentiful. 44 species of birds have been recorded at the pond, with waterfowl being the most numerous, but the tufted duck attracts the most attention. Ástjörn is probably the last breeding ground for the bearded tit in the south-western part of the country. The lake and its immediate surroundings are protected due to their rich birdlife and biodiversity. A footpath runs around the pond, but the area is closed to walkers during the bird breeding season, from 1st May to 15th July.

Around the pond

Where the old Ásbær once stood, there is now a tree grove from when it was a forestry nursery, and the walking trail around the lake runs through it. Shortly west of the settlement site, between the Ásfjall ridge and Grísanes, is Hádegisskarðið, which travellers used to pass through when they went along the Stórhöfðastíg and Hrauntungustíg to Krýsuvík or Grindavík. At the north-western end of Ástjarnar are Ásvellir, the sports facilities of the Haukar sports club. The Ásfjall public park and the area around Ástjarnar was opened on 10 May 1997.