Elliðavatnsbær að Þingnesi Hiking trail

A varied and almost flat route along Elliðavatn, one of the largest lakes in the capital region, on the boundary between Reykjavík and Kópavogur. The route sets off from Elliðavatnsbær, an old and stately farmstead on the northern shore, and runs or walks along the lakeshore through varied vegetation, birch scrub, heath and wetland where abundant birdlife can be seen year-round. There are fine views over the lake and toward the mountains at many points, and by the shore is a recently built rest stop with a platform and benches, an ideal place to pause. The route leads out to Þingnes, a low point of land jutting into the lake, where the remains of eighteen structures from the first centuries of settlement in Iceland have been found, making it one of the more notable archaeological sites in the capital region. The surface is mixed natural material: soil, gravel and rock and the route is about 4.6 km with negligible elevation gain. It therefore suits most people and is good both for easy running and for family outings. Parking is available at the start.