Best for
Birdwatching + nature walks
Paths and clearings with benches and tables.
Eyjólfsstaðaskógur: Birch Woodland in East Iceland
A birch woodland in East Iceland near Fljótsdalshérað, with quiet walking trails and good birdwatching.
Region
East Iceland
Near Fljótsdalshérað. Great for birdwatchers.
Eyjólfsstaðaskógur is a birch woodland in the Fljótsdalshérað district of East Iceland. The East Iceland Forestry Society bought it in 1944. Birch dominates, with planted conifers adding a second layer to its history.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and check weather before heading out.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Moderate
Accessible by car from Egilsstaðir; some gravel roads.
Pro tip
Bring binoculars
Watch quietly and avoid approaching nests.
What to Expect
- Birch woodland with planted conifers
- Walking paths and clearings with benches and tables
- A forest extending uphill, rather than uniformly flat ground
Nearby Attractions
- Egilsstaðir and Lagarfljót lake
- Seyðisfjörður (scenic fjord town)
- Hallormsstaðaskógur national forest with campsite
- Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls nearby
How to Get There
- Look for Eyjólfsstaðaskógur on Vellir in East Iceland
- Use the forest association’s location information to choose the access point
- Check the route conditions before leaving Egilsstaðir
Best Time to Visit
- Summer gives long daylight for woodland walks
- Autumn brings changing foliage, with shorter days
- Check weather and the condition of paths in winter
How this woodland developed
The forestry association’s inventory records 172 hectares extending to about 250 metres above sea level. Conifers were first planted in 1949, with most planting in 1957–1974. A bridge over Kaldá in 1986 enabled the first forest road. These dates explain the mix of natural birch, planted spruce and later access infrastructure.
Blöndalsbúð belongs to the forestry society. Contact the society about its use; do not assume it offers public overnight accommodation.
Planning help
Eyjólfsstaðaskógur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Where is Eyjólfsstaðaskógur?
Eyjólfsstaðaskógur is located in East Iceland near the Fljótsdalshérað district, accessible by car from Egilsstaðir.
What birds can I see at Eyjólfsstaðaskógur?
Bird sightings vary. The forestry inventory describes the woodland and visitor paths but does not supply a verified local bird checklist.
How difficult are the walking trails?
The forestry association documents walking paths, but does not grade every route for mobility access. The forest extends uphill; choose a route appropriate to your group.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring through early autumn (May–September) has the best birdwatching and greenest foliage. The forest can be visited in other seasons but access may be limited by weather.
Are there facilities at the forest?
The forest has paths and clearings with benches and tables. Blöndalsbúð is the forestry society’s clubhouse; its overnight arrangements are for forestry-society members, not a general hotel listing.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.