Elliðavatn Circle from Árbæjarlaug

This route loops around Elliðavatn, a beautiful lake on the boundary of Reykjavík and Kópavogur, partly within the Heiðmörk nature reserve. The route starts at Árbæjarlaug and follows walking and running paths to the lake and around it. By Elliðavatn there is a large wetland area with marshes and fens and varied birdlife, and the lake is known for fishing. On the western shore stands Elliðavatnsbærinn, now home to the Reykjavík Forestry Society. The poet Einar Benediktsson was born here in 1864, and the old road to Reykjavík ran south of the lake so travellers would not have to ford the Elliðaár rivers. The route passes through Norðlingaholt and along Rauðhólar on the Reykjavík side, and through Vatnsendi and the Þing neighbourhood on the Kópavogur side, alternating between paths and streets. The surface is mixed; paved walking paths, gravel tracks and sections through residential areas. The route is about 12.5 km with little elevation, around 95 metres, and suits training runs. On summer days there is some traffic on the paths, both walkers and cyclists. The area is partly a water protection zone and should be treated with care. Parking and swimming facilities are at Árbæjarlaug.