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Content updated: 2026-09-10

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Forests

# Forests of Iceland

A guide to Iceland's woodlands: ancient birch groves, protected reserves, urban green spaces, and highland vegetation.

Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org](<https://www.iceland.org/about-us>) · [Writing & review](<https://www.iceland.org/editorial-policy#credits>)

Tip

Stay on marked trails

Iceland's forests are fragile ecosystems, so stick to paths to protect regrowth.

## Quick Answer

Iceland's forests range from old birch groves like Ásbyrgi and Bæjarstaðaskógur to urban woodland in Reykjavik's Elliðaárdalur. Where they are and when to go.

North IcelandCanyon forest

### Ásbyrgi

Horseshoe canyon in Vatnajökull National Park. Birch and willow, Botnstjörn pond, campsite.

Best for

Horseshoe canyon + Norse legend

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/asbyrgi>)

South IcelandBirch woodland

### Bæjarstaðaskógur

Birch woodland in Morsárdalur; plan the full walk from Skaftafell visitor centre.

Best for

M1 walk from Skaftafell

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/baejarstadaskogur>)

Capital RegionUrban forest

### Elliðaárdalur

Urban valley in Reykjavik with birch and conifers. Jogging paths, free BBQ areas.

Best for

City nature escape + salmon river

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/ellidaardalur>)

North IcelandPlanted woodland

### Akurgerði

Woodland at Skinnastaðir with paths, species labels and picnic places.

Best for

Labelled trees in Öxarfjörður

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/akurgerdi>)

West IcelandPlanted woodland

### Álfholtsskógur

Forest via Route 51 with mixed paths, steps, bridges and picnic stops.

Best for

Marked walks in Hvalfjarðarsveit

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/alfholtsskogur>)

East IcelandBirch and willow

### Arnaldsstaðaskógur

Quiet forest in East Iceland with walking paths through birch and willow.

Best for

Peaceful nature walks

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/arnaldsstadaskogur>)

South IcelandPlanted woodland

### Ásabrekka

Small woodland at Áshóll with tree labels, tables and benches.

Best for

Looping path in Ásahreppur

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/asabrekka>)

West IcelandPlanted woodland

### Brynjudalsskógur

Shelters and woodland paths reached via Route 47 and Ingunnarstaðavegur.

Best for

Forest walk in Hvalfjörður

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/brynjudalsskogur>)

West IcelandPlanted woodland

### Daníelslundur

Borgarfjörður forest named for Daníel Kristjánsson, with paths and picnic clearings.

Best for

Route 1 picnic and woodland break

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/danielslundur>)

West IcelandCountry park

### Einkunnir

Protected park near Borgarnes; a 5.2 km walk includes steps and slopes.

Best for

Wetlands + rocky viewpoints

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/einkunnir>)

East IcelandBirch woodland

### Eyjólfsstaðaskógur

Forest near Fljótsdalshérað with birch woodland, walking trails, and birdwatching.

Best for

Birdwatching + nature walks

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/eyjolfsstadaskogur>)

HighlandsHighland reserve

### Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Highland reserve with colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, Laugavegur trail. F-road access only.

Best for

Landmannalaugar + hot springs

[View details](<https://www.iceland.org/forests/fjallabak>)

Planning help

## Forest FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

**Why does Iceland have so few trees?**

When Vikings settled Iceland around 870 AD, about 25–40% of the land was forested. Settlers cleared birch forests for timber, fuel, and grazing land. Volcanic eruptions and harsh winds prevented regrowth. Today, forests cover only about 2% of Iceland, though reforestation efforts are expanding coverage.

**What tree species are native to Iceland?**

The downy birch (Betula pubescens) is Iceland's only native tree species. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and tea-leaved willow (Salix phylicifolia) also grow natively. Reforestation programs have introduced Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, and larch from North America and Siberia.

**Is Iceland planting new forests?**

Yes. The Iceland Forest Service and the Icelandic Forestry Association have been actively reforesting since the early 1900s. About 3–4 million trees are planted annually. The goal is to increase forest cover for carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and biodiversity.

**Which forest in Iceland is best to visit?**

Ásbyrgi in Vatnajökull National Park is the most striking: a birch forest inside a horseshoe-shaped canyon. Near Reykjavík, Elliðaárdalur is an easy urban option with walking paths and a salmon river. Bæjarstaðaskógur near Egilsstaðir has one of Iceland's largest native birch stands.

## Pair forests with a region

Use the region pages to build a route around these stops.

[South Iceland](<https://www.iceland.org/south>)[North Iceland](<https://www.iceland.org/north>)[East Iceland](<https://www.iceland.org/east>)[Capital Region](<https://www.iceland.org/capital>)

Country reference: [Iceland statistics](<https://www.iceland.org/statistics>).