North IcelandCanyon forest
Ásbyrgi
Spectacular canyon in Vatnajökull National Park. Birch and willow, Botnstjörn pond, campsite.
Best for
Horseshoe canyon + Norse legend
Forests
Forests of Iceland: Complete Guide to Icelandic Woodlands
A guide to Iceland's woodlands—from ancient birch groves and protected reserves to urban green spaces and highland vegetation.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Tip
Stay on marked trails
Iceland's forests are fragile ecosystems—stick to paths to protect regrowth.
View details
East IcelandHistoric birch forest
Bæjarstaðaskógur
One of Iceland's largest native birch forests near Egilsstaðir. Protected since 1905.
Best for
Ancient native woodland
Capital RegionUrban forest
Elliðaárdalur
Urban valley in Reykjavik with birch and conifers. Jogging paths, free BBQ areas.
Best for
City nature escape + salmon river
North IcelandBirch woodland
Akurgerði
Small forest near Akureyri with walking trails and picnic areas.
Best for
Quiet walks near Akureyri
South IcelandNative birch woodland
Álfholtsskógur
Forest near Selfoss with native birch, hiking trails, and seasonal mushroom foraging.
Best for
Hiking + mushroom picking
East IcelandBirch and willow
Arnaldsstaðaskógur
Quiet forest in East Iceland with walking paths through birch and willow.
Best for
Peaceful nature walks
North IcelandMixed woodland
Ásabrekka
Popular with locals for walking and recreation in mixed woodland setting.
Best for
Local recreation near Akureyri
South IcelandBirch woodland
Brynjudalsskógur
Birch woodland with scenic walking trails near the Þjórsárdalur valley.
Best for
Scenic trails near Þjórsárdalur
North IcelandPlanted forest
Daníelslundur
Small planted forest in Akureyri. Memorial to Daniel Danielsson who championed forestation.
Best for
Forestation history + memorial
South IcelandForest park
Einkunnir
Iceland Forest Service nursery site near Selfoss with educational walking trails.
Best for
Forestry education + nursery
East IcelandBirch woodland
Eyjólfsstaðaskógur
Forest near Fljótsdalshérað with birch woodland, walking trails, and birdwatching.
Best for
Birdwatching + nature walks
HighlandsHighland reserve
Fjallabak Nature Reserve
Highland reserve with colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, Laugavegur trail. F-road access only.
Best for
Landmannalaugar + hot springs
Planning help
Forest FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Pair forests with a region
Use the region pages to build a route around these stops.