Nestled within the bustle of downtown Reykjavik — among all the colorful rooftops and street art — is an island sanctuary inviting fans of nature and wanderlust-weary wayfarers. The Lake Tjörnin – their quote — ‘Do not forget to wander down by the picturesque lake, chattering with birdlife’, is a lovely area just surrounding the city centre and a paradise in itself where you can escape from some solitude or picknickers on the usually overcrowded main street.
There is something for everyone to enjoy at Tjörnin, whether you happen to be an enthusiastic birder chasing a rare find, a photography nut hoping for the perfect shot or just someone seeking respite from the stresses of daily life. We will get below the surface of Tjörnin, revealing its nature and birdlife as well as providing tips on how to spend time in this urban pond. So peanuts, grab your binoculars, throw together a picnic and let’s take five minutes away from the craziness of Reykjavik life by Tjörnin.
Discovering Tjörnin: A Natural Gem in the Heart of the City
Tjörnin, which is known as “The Pond” in English, is a manmade pond located just in the center of Reykjavik. It encompasses just 0.15 square kilometers, and is for the most part shallow (less than one meter in depth). It may be small in size, but Tjörnin is a pivotal part of the city, offering a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Reykjavik as well providing both wildlife and humans with sanctuary.
Set amongst abundant in vegetation and appealing walking paths, Tjörnin comes to life visually during the summer when it is at its greenest with plants fully bloomed and flowers bursting in color. Some beautiful bridges cross the lake, which only adds to its appealing nature and also allows visitors some incredible views of the city across it.
Tjörnin also boasts the jaw-dropping feature of being surrounded by a wealth of some of Reykjavik’s most famous landmarks. On the eastern side of the lake is a stunningly designed modern architecure, City Hall, and on its northern shore there is another strikingly unique structure from 19th century — The Parliament Tjörnin’s nature contrasts with the surrounding architecture, and gives to that place a unique atmosphere which makes it very appealing to locals as well as tourists
Be it a quiet walk in open nature, a grassy space for picnic or just to think without anyone disturbing around; Tjörnin hold you gently from the loud urban noises. With placid waters, scenic surroundings, and a central location it’s the perfect place for anyone keen to get an injection of nature in the heart of Reykjavik.
Birdwatching at Tjörnin: A Paradise for Avian Enthusiasts
The calm waters of Tjörnin and the green space that surrounds it provide a natural habitat for an impressive variety of bird species, making it a bird-watching haven. The entire year, the lake abounds in resident and migratory birds making for great bird watching and photography.
Here are a few of the more common bird species that you are likely to come across at Tjörnin.
- Ducks of Eurasian Wigeons: These attractive inhabitants with their purplish green heads and reddish chests are frequently bulging in the lagoon shallow water.
- Whooper Swans: A magnificent bird with white plumage and a long neck, adding some elegance to the Tjörnin scenery.
- Common Eiders: These bulky sea ducks, prized for their thick down feathers take up temporary refuge on the waters of Loch Ness and float among the marshy lake’s near shore shores.
- Mallards: These common warm seared animals are recognizable year round changing tone or yellow bills and are a consistent sight at Tjörnin
- Gulls, geese, and grebes as well as the occasional Arctic skua are among the other birds that Tjörnin entices. With such a variety of birds to look out for Tjörnin makes the best bird watching place for both beginner and expert bird fans.
Prime Birding Times and Locations:
- Dawn & Dusk: This is the best time of day to see birds, they tend to be more active in early morning and late afternoon.
- Spring and Fall: A larger array of bird species migrates to Tjörnin during the spring and fall migrations, making great bird watching more common.
- By the Lake The whole way round Tjörnin is good with birds. Expect to fish around the City Hall and further north near the Parliament building, but fishing is also good on the Western bank close by the Hljómskálagarðurinn park.
Steps To Birdwatch At Tjörnin
- Carry your binoculars: A pair of good quality binoculars will enable you to have a closer view of the birds and admire their attributes.
- Bird Identification Guide: You will use a bird identification guide to know the birds you are coming across.
- Be Patient and Take Note: Bird watching involves having patience and a good eye. Take your time look around and take in the beauty of nature.
- Respect the Birds – keep your distance from the birds, do not try to scare them, etc.
Birdwatching at Tjörnin is a unique experience, affording you a chance to get closer to nature whilst admiring the variety of birds living in Reykjavik. From seasoned birder to the merely curious beginner, there is bound to be something here that will please and tickle everyone.
Beyond Birdwatching: Other Activities to Enjoy at Tjörnin
Of course, birdwatching is one of the huge draws to Tjörnin — but there’s also a ton of other stuff to do at this lake that makes it interesting for everyone:
- Walking and Relaxation: You can walk around the paved path that surrounds Tjörnin and just enjoy it’s pleasant environment where you will surely admire the amazing view. There are benches along the way, so you can just sit and watch the boats go by as you relax on the water.
- Tjörnin Park Grassy banks at Tjörnin are perfect for lounging on blankets and having a picnic lunch or snack. Gather your picnic basket, head outside to a cool spot, and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors.
- Paddleboat: Available only during July and August, you can paddle boat around the lake on your own time. It is a fun and relaxing time for couples, families or groups of friends.
- Photo ops: Tjörnin is a wonderland for photography enthusiasts. There is an interesting mix of nature in the background, with half the lake looking as though it has reverted to a pristine state and duck-peopled parkland behind us, making for good photo opportunities.
- Feeding the Ducks and Waterfowl: Tjörnin is home to various ducks including mallard, tufted duck etc., so bringing some bread crumbs or birdseed for feeding them would be a really nice way to spend time in Reykjavik and see nature there. You may find this activity even more popular with families who have kids.
- Winter: Any feed ends during the freezing winter months, when Tjörnin simply becomes a natural ice rink. Then slip on your skates and gracefully glide over the smooth, solid, winter ice for a fun-filled experience like no other.
- Cultural Events: They have live music, festivals and even art installations around Tjörnin throughout the year. Consult local event listings to see if any special events fall during your visit.
Tjörnin is a very adaptable and dynamic space + it can really cater to different sides of your interests & activities. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, culture or simply a where to relax from the city, Tjörnin has it all. Therefore, absorb the quietness of this city sanctuary and forge some unforgettable personal experiences.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tjörnin
To make the most of your visit to Tjörnin, consider these practical tips:
- How to reach: You can access Tjörnin via pedestrian way or public transport. Wheelchairs can use the paver paths that encircle the pond and there is an accessible restroom nearby.
- Parking — Tjörnin is located a little further out, but there are several paid lots and street parking in the area. Make sure you are aware of parking restrictions and pay relevant fees.
- Facilities Nearby: Tjörnin is also surrounded by a number of cafes, restaurants, stores and public toilets plus it is located in close proximity to the main street.
- Ideal Time to Go: It’s never a bad time for a stroll around Tjörnin, but the winter, spring, summer and fall tours all offer corresponding surprises.
- Spring: See the array of colors in flowers and migration of birds here.
- Over Summer, take advantage of the long daylight hours playing up paddle boats or enjoying a secret picnic hidden on one of its grassy banks.
- Fall: Watch the beautiful leaves change colors and Savannah come to life as birds begin their migration south.
- Winter: Witness Tjörnin frozen over, teaching you how to ice skate.
- Also If You Visit: Tjörnin is in the heart of Reykjavik, so it makes sense to combine with other attractions around the city center. Go for a short walk to the nearby City Hall, Parliament building or National Gallery of Iceland.
We hope these practical suggestions will help to keep your visit to Tjornin as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Please dress for the weather and behave responsibly in this idyllic pedestrian sanctuary.
FAQs: Answering Your Tjörnin Questions
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about Tjörnin to help you plan your visit and take care of any remaining questions.
- Is Tjörnin safe for swimming?
Since Tjörnin is not allowed for swimmers. This shallow lake with a wide range of wildlife is ideal for birds to swim and enjoy.
- Guided birdwatching tours?
Sure there are birdwatching tours available in Reykjavik you can take with some tour operators in which they would visit Tjörnin. The tours are guided by local bird watchers who will help you identify the different species of birds and teach a little about the behavior of each one.
- Can I fish in Tjörnin?
Are fishing allowed in Tjörnin? This lake is essentially a conservation habitat for waterfowl and sports enthusiasts.
- Any Café or Places to Eat By Tjörnin?
And yes, you’ll find no shortage of cafes and restaurants surrounding Tjörnin to suit your taste and budget. Here you will find everything from relaxed coffee shops to fine dining restaurants.
- Is Tjörnin good for kids?
And Tjórning, yes it is a wonderful place to experience nature.Google translates it as (It’s great That way kids) The paved trails are stroller-friendly, and there are ample open areas for running around. Families with really young children can also be seen feeding the ducks.
Conclusion
Tjörnin is a natural escape and city sanctuary bang in the middle of downtown wrote by GoIcelandic.is Tjörnin provides you with something, irrespective of whether you are a bird watcher or click here for nature images and desire to get away from the world.
Whether through its abundance of birdlife, picturesque setting or community activities, Tjörnin is all about the interaction of nature and the urban environment. If when in Reykjavik, you need a relaxing break, make sure it is to explore this peaceful haven of history.
We created this post not only to draw attention to but also inspire the exploration of Tjörnin – we hope it worked (and that it got you out and about)! If you have any questions or personal experiences to share, leave them in the comments below.
Note: Tjörnin is a public area, so please keep sharing the space with other visitors and do not disturb wildlife. Please keep the area tidy, and do not disturb the birds, as you enjoy the peace of this natural sanctuary.
