Reykjavík pond plans include three new islets

Three new islets are planned for the southwestern part of Reykjavík Pond, according to mbl.is. The proposals were presented to the city’s Environment and Planning Council this week and were prepared by the design studio Landmótun.

The largest islet would cover 200 square metres, while the other two would each cover 100 square metres. They would rise no more than 70 centimetres above the water, with rock erosion protection installed against northerly winds. Shallow areas would be created between the islets.

The work would also include improvements to the pond’s banks and the introduction of wetland vegetation in cooperation with the Reykjavík Botanical Garden.

The larger existing islet, opposite Miðbæjarskólinn school, was renovated in 2024 and 2025 after subsiding, shrinking and falling into poor condition. The renovation was considered successful.

A smaller islet in the pond’s southwestern corner is in poor condition and needs to be renewed. It was originally built in 1949 to encourage birdlife but is now gradually sinking into the pond.

Representatives of the Independence Party, Viðreisn and the Progressive Party said the project would improve the pond’s ecosystem, create better conditions for birds and other plant and animal life, and contribute to improved water quality. They described Reykjavík Pond as one of the city’s key natural and urban assets and said the project was part of the Icewater project and had received funding.

A representative of the Social Democratic Alliance called the new islet an interesting project that would improve the appearance of the area. The representative also pointed to the eastern side of the pond by Fríkirkjuvegur, where there was an opportunity to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists.