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Content updated: 2026-09-10

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# Skorradalur: lakeside forests and the longer trail to Hvalfjörður

Skorradalur surrounds Skorradalsvatn in West Iceland. Choose a forest walk or a longer crossing before you arrive: the valley contains very different kinds of routes.

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

## A forest stop at Stálpastaðir

Visit West Iceland identifies Stálpastaðir on the northern side of the valley as a forestry area with walking trails. Its Skorradalur listing uses Road 508. Navigate to the specific forest entrance rather than to a private cottage road or an arbitrary point beside the lake.

## Vatnshorn is protected birch woodland

Skorradalur municipality records the protection of Vatnshornsskógur in 2009 to conserve its birch woodland and biological diversity. Treat the woodland as a habitat, stay on established paths and follow local access signs. The presence of a lake does not establish a managed swimming area or permission to fish.

## The Hvalfjörður crossing is a different scale

The regional Síldarmannagötur description rates the route between Vatnshorn and Hvalfjörður as hard/challenging: 15.56 km, about four hours, with two crossings of Bláskeggsá. It states closure from November through May. This is a point-to-point mountain route, so arrange transport at the far end and confirm current conditions before setting out.

## Sources and nearby guides

Sources checked September 10, 2026: [Skorradalur Valley in Borgarfjord](<https://www.west.is/en/destinations/nature-1/skorradalur-valley>); [Friðland í Vatnshornsskógi](<https://skorradalur.is/um-skorradal/fridland-i-vatnshornsskogi/>); [Síldarmannagötur](<https://www.west.is/en/place/sildarmannagotur>).

[Compare Iceland’s valleys](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys>)

Planning help

## Questions about Skorradalur: lakeside forests and the longer trail to Hvalfjörður

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

**Which road does the regional Skorradalur guide list?**

Visit West Iceland lists Road 508. Select the actual forest or trail entrance for navigation rather than a general lake pin.

**Is Síldarmannagötur a short forest loop?**

No. The published route is a challenging 15.56 km crossing between Skorradalur and Hvalfjörður, with two river crossings and a stated November–May closure.

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