Seltjarnarnes is a small town or a suburb west of Reykjavík that barely has an identity, although a separate municipality of 4.415 residents in 2016. It is so closely connected to Reykjavík, geologically, historically, and culturally, that it´s a wonder that the two municipals did not merge a long time ago. Seltjarnarnes mainly consists of one relatively large residential area, a tiny industrial area, and a windy 9-hole golf course. The community is quite affluent, and most of the residential area consists of large single-family houses. In recent years, a former industrial or fishing industry area has been developed for condominiums and apartment houses. So there is a bit more variety in housing.
Seltjarnarnes has substantial limits to its growth
Placed on a point west of the Capital Area Peninsula, further land development is impossible. Any residential, commercial, or industrial development is almost impossible, as the north, west, and south side of Seltjarnarnes is a coastlines. The municipal of Seltjarnarnes offers good quality service for its residents, quite similar to any other municipal in the Capital Region. The schools are good, and there is a sports team Grótta, a recreation center, and an excellent health care center. For many decades the same political party, the Independent party, has governed Seltjarnarnes. Most would agree that the party has done an excellent job, although one can also argue that the job wasn’t very difficult since the municipal is very small and feeds off the Capital Reykjavík in many ways.
The shore at Seltjarnarnes is a valuable part of the capital area
The coast of Seltjarnarnes has great value for the community and the whole Capital Area. Fortunately, the municipal has preserved the coastline and a substantial part of the land by the coast for outdoor activities. The whole area of Grótta Island, the Lighthouse, and the walking path are one of the most interesting walking paths in the Capital Area. Birdlife is extensive in that area, and one can find over 100 species. It is a paradise for birdwatchers. On a good evening, after a lovely sunny day, the point of Grótta is quite popular among people and visitors in the whole Capital Area to relax and view the sunset. View the sun dip down behind Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Seltjarnarnes has an interesting museum and a golf course
Like many communities around the country of Iceland, there is a small and unique museum in Seltjarnarnes, The Pharmacy Museum of Iceland and Nesstofa. Not only is the museum interesting, but also the house, which was the home of the first Icelandic Director of Public Health, Bjarni Pálsson. Built in 1760 – 1765, the house was both an office and the Director's home. Although Seltjarnarnes is small, the town has a nine-hole golf course.