Grótta Nature Reserve Set for Broader Protection, Council Votes

2026-02-13 - 10:18

The municipal council of Seltjarnarnesbær has voted to expand the protected area covering Grótta and Seltjarnarness, following years of consultation and planning. As reported by Vísir, the proposal was approved by six votes to one at a council meeting yesterday. Mayor Þór Sigurgeirsson cast the sole vote against the measure. What's the Story? Expansion of protected area in Grótta and Seltjarnarness approved by Seltjarnarnesbær municipal council, six votes to one Mayor Þór Sigurgeirsson voted against proposal; matter to proceed under Nature Conservation Act No. 60/2013 Proposal aligned with town master plan 2015–2033 and zoning framework; western Seltjarnarness identified as bird habitat and recreation area Sunset by Grótta lighthouse, Seltjarnarnes. Photo: Golli. Council vote split The matter will now proceed through the statutory process set out in the Nature Conservation Act No. 60/2013. In a note recorded in the council minutes, Þór said he had sought residents’ views throughout the process. “It is clear that there are divided opinions on the proposal to declare the entire Seltjarnarness a protected area, and in my conversations with the townspeople I have heard both the voices of those who support the proposal and no less of the many who want to keep the protected area around Grótta unchanged,” he wrote. He added: “... therefore I will not vote for the proposal. However, I of course respect the democratic handling of the matter in the municipal council even if I do not agree with the outcome,”. The western part of Seltjarnarnes, including Grótta and Bakkatjörn, is described in council documents as a significant outdoor recreation area and bird habitat. The proposal aligns with the town’s 2015–2033 master plan and local zoning framework.