Birch Forests
Native woods
One of Iceland's rare naturally forested areas
Skorradalur: Iceland's Forested Lake Valley
Skorradalur
A forested valley surrounding Lake Skorradalsvatn, one of Iceland's few wooded areas and a longtime summer retreat.
Region
West Iceland
Best time: May – September
One of Iceland's few wooded areas, Skorradalur is popular for summer cottages, fishing, and quiet nature walks. Birch forests surround the calm Lake Skorradalsvatn, and the valley is unusually sheltered and green by Icelandic standards. Icelanders have long come here for quiet weekends.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Skorradalur is a peaceful rural area. Main roads are paved, but some cottage roads are gravel. No special equipment needed for walks.
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Official sources to check
Lake Fishing
Brown trout
Lake Skorradalsvatn has good trout fishing
Best Season
May–Sep
Summer months for outdoor activities
Region
West Iceland
~80 km from Reykjavík, 1-hour drive
Lake
Skorradalsvatn
One of Iceland's warmest lakes, popular for swimming and kayaking in summer
Cabins
Holiday Homes
Popular summer cabin area for Icelanders, much of it along the lake
Key Highlights
Birch Forests
Rare native Icelandic woodlands preserved in this sheltered valley
Lake Skorradalsvatn
A calm lake popular for fishing and summer swimming
Summer Cottages
One of Iceland's most popular holiday cottage areas
Fishing
Brown trout fishing with permits available locally
Nature Walks
Peaceful trails through forests and along the lakeshore
Berry Picking
Wild blueberries and crowberries in late summer
How to Get There
- Route 52 from Borgarfjörður leads to the valley and Skorradalsvatn lake in West Iceland
- About 90 km (1.5 hours) from Reykjavik via Route 1 north and then Route 52 east
- The road circles the lake with access to summer cottages and swimming spots
- All roads are paved or good gravel, accessible by standard car
- Easy to combine with a Borgarfjörður day trip from Reykjavik
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Lake swimming, forest walks, summer cottage season in full swing
- July: Warmest lake temperatures for swimming, lush birch woodland
- September: Autumn colors around the lake, mushroom foraging in the woods
- Year-round: Valley accessible but swimming only practical May-September
- May: Spring bird activity around the lake, early wildflowers in woodland clearings
Planning help
Skorradalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.