Smyrlabjorg (Smyrlabjörg) power plant
Smyrlabjorg (Smyrlabjörg) power plant
The river Smyrlabjargara has been harnessed to produce electricity for the region. The river is a blend of spring and glacial water and there used to be a 100m high waterfall cascading down the cliffs.
In 1956 the machinery for a power plant was bought from Czechoslovakia but then plans to build the plant were abandoned for a while. In 1968 the reserve lagoon in the highlands above the plant was enlarged and the power plant came on stream in 1969 with a capacity of 1.485 kW.
By the power plant, a dirt road climbs to the edge of Vatnajokull, where snowmobile rides operate on the icecap.
The excursion must be arranged in advance and the snowmobile company collects you at Smyrlabjorg and provides you with warm clothing, suitable for the ride.