Bæjarstaðarskógur: The M1 Forest Walk from Skaftafell
Bæjarstaðarskógur is in Morsárdalur in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. The park’s M1 walking route starts outside the Skaftafell visitor centre; this is a substantial walk into the valley, not a roadside grove.
Choose the walking description, not the cycling distance
The park’s English M1 hiking page lists 15.3 kilometres, four to five hours and 130 metres of elevation gain. It grades the walk easy, but the distance still calls for a useful part of the day. Check the map with the visitor centre before leaving, especially if your group needs a shorter option.
A separate M1 cycling description lists 13 kilometres and explicitly assumes travel by bike. The shared M1 label does not make those two distances interchangeable.
From the valley into the birch woodland
The walking description leads toward Jökulfell and the ravines at Bæjarstaður, through the forest, then back along Morsá. Follow the marked route and bridges rather than making your own river crossing. The birch woodland is the destination within a larger valley walk.
Ask about the current route and any work or closures before setting off. Carry food and layers, and allow time to return to Skaftafell. If the weather or available daylight does not fit the full outing, choose a shorter marked walk with the ranger.
Planning help
Forest visit questions
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Where is Bæjarstaðarskógur?
In Morsárdalur in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, not beside Lagarfljót near Egilsstaðir.
How long is the M1 walk?
The park’s English walking page lists 15.3 kilometres and four to five hours. Check the current route with the visitor centre.
Why do I see a 13-kilometre M1 route?
The park publishes a separate M1 cycling description. Use the route description for your intended activity.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.