Ölfusá

Bridge over the Öflusá in Selfoss

The Ölfusá is a river in southern Iceland. It occurs south of Þingvellir from the confluence of the two rivers Hvítá and suction and flows from there into the Atlantic.

River course

First, the Ölfusá flows at the foot of the mountain Ingólfsfjall wide meaning is then applied to the town of Selfoss too narrow and works in an approximately 25 m wide and 9 m deep gorge through the lava field Þjórsárhraun.

Behind Selfoss, the river widens and remarkably reduces its flow rate until it almost comes to a halt. He reached here a width of approximately 5 km. It is one of the widest estuaries of the country with considerable Gezeitenschwell. It is this river mouth or even better lagoon.

Just before the actual mouth performs a 360 m long bridge has to be again much narrower stream.

Most important data

The river belongs together with the Þjórsá of the most water-bearing rivers of the country. The average amount of water in summer is 330-470 m³ / s, in the winter of 300-500 m³ / s, the highest ever measured amount was 2,500 m³ / s For thaw, the river swell considerably.

Traffic

Consequently, provided the Ölfusá formerly a major obstacle to traffic dar. ferries could provide a remedy only partially. The oldest bridge over the river was created in 1891 in Selfoss and stood there until 1944. It was in 1945 replaced by a newer one.

Fishing

Finally, the Ölfusá is also an important salmon river, but where you can fish for trout.