Birch Forests
Native woods
One of Iceland's rare naturally forested areas
Skorradalur: Iceland's Forested Lake Valley
Skorradalur
Updated February 5, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
A forested valley surrounding Lake Skorradalsvatn — one of Iceland's few wooded areas and a beloved 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. The valley features birch forests surrounding the calm Lake Skorradalsvatn, creating an unusually sheltered and green landscape by Icelandic standards. It's a treasured retreat for Icelanders seeking peace in nature.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Skorradalur is a peaceful rural area. Main roads are paved, but some cottage roads are gravel. No special equipment needed for walks.
Sources to check
Lake Fishing
Brown trout
Lake Skorradalsvatn offers excellent 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 — a peaceful retreat with lakeside living
Key Highlights
Birch Forests
Rare native Icelandic woodlands preserved in this sheltered valley
Lake Skorradalsvatn
A calm, scenic lake popular for fishing and summer swimming
Summer Cottages
One of Iceland's most popular areas for holiday retreats
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.