Best for
City nature escape
Green woodland and salmon river minutes from downtown Reykjavik.
Elliðaárdalur: Reykjavik's Forest Valley and Salmon River
An urban forest valley in Reykjavik with birch trees, planted conifers, the Elliðaá salmon river, jogging paths, and woodland trails, all a short trip from the city center.
Region
Capital Region
Green valley within Reykjavik. Choose a route for current conditions.
Quick Answer
Elliðaárdalur is a forested valley that stretches through the eastern part of Reykjavik along the Elliðaá river. Birch trees and planted conifers form a urban woodland, and the river is one of Iceland's better-known salmon fishing spots. Paved paths draw joggers, cyclists, and families year-round, with routes through planted woodland and open river habitats.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning. Elliðaárdalur is in the city and always accessible. Check fishing permit requirements if planning to fish.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Very easy
Multiple entry points from Reykjavik streets. Bus accessible.
Pro tip
Summer BBQ
Grab a spot early on sunny evenings; the free grills fill up fast.
What to Expect
- Paved jogging and cycling paths through woodland
- Elliðaá salmon river running through the valley
- Free BBQ grills and picnic areas in summer
- Children's playground and family recreation facilities
- Check the exact path surface and gradient for mobility access
- Atlantic salmon, visible from the walking paths in summer
Nearby Attractions
- Árbær Open Air Museum (historic buildings)
- Reykjavik city center (10–15 min drive)
- Perlan museum and observation deck
- Laugardalslaug geothermal swimming pool complex
- Reykjavik Botanic Garden in Laugardalur valley
How to Get There
- Located within Reykjavik city limits; enter from Breiðholt, Árbær, or Elliðaárdalsvegur
- Strætó city bus routes 5 and 12 stop within walking distance of valley entrances
- Free parking available at multiple access points along the valley
- Only 10-15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik by car, or 30 minutes by bicycle
- The valley includes different path surfaces; plan a specific accessible route
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Lush green canopy, salmon run in Elliðaá river, BBQ areas popular with locals
- Year-round: Paths are maintained and accessible in all seasons, always free entry
- September-October: Autumn foliage among the birch and imported conifers
- May: Spring birdsong returns, early wildflowers, fishing season opens in June
- Winter: Check for ice on paths and keep off river ice
Read the woodland as you walk
Reykjavík’s landscape account describes natural vegetation alongside trees planted by the electricity company and forestry association from the mid-twentieth century. Birch, rowan and willow grow with larch, Sitka spruce and lodgepole pine. Garden escapes also contribute to the valley’s plant variety.
Below Árbær dam, look for Selfoss and Stórifoss, where the river cuts through lava. Combining those waterfalls with the woodland gives a more varied walk than treating the valley as one continuous forest. The Selfoss here is a Reykjavík waterfall, not the better-known waterfall by Dettifoss.
Planning help
Elliðaárdalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Where is Elliðaárdalur?
Elliðaárdalur is an urban forest valley in Reykjavik, easily accessible from the city center. It runs along the Elliðaá river through a green corridor in the eastern part of the city.
Can I fish for salmon in Elliðaá?
Yes, the Elliðaá is one of the best salmon rivers in the Reykjavik area. Fishing permits are required and can be purchased from the local fishing association. Confirm the date and permitted beat with the fishing-rights holder.
Are the BBQ areas really free?
Check current city information for designated cooking areas and any fire restrictions before planning a barbecue. This page does not confirm grill availability or booking rules.
What activities are available?
Walking, cycling and birdwatching are popular. Check the exact route surface and gradients if travelling with a wheelchair or stroller; the whole valley is not a single paved path.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer gives long daylight for walks. In winter, check weather and path conditions, use traction when needed and keep off river ice.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.