Matkaopas: Fnjóskadalur

Fnjoskadalur is a valley in South-Thingeyjarsysla county in North Iceland. It is home to Vaglaskogur, the country's largest birch forest.

The best way to visit this area is on a relaxed self drive tour. One of the best options for doing so is this 7-day Arctic Coast Way self drive, available in the summer months.

Photo above from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Axel Kristinsson. No edits made.

The river Fnjoska runs through the valley. The river is fairly popular for both salmon and sea char angling but newcomers should not attempt this without a guide, as the river is big of volume, fast and rocky. You will also need to apply for a fishing permit, via the Angling Club of Akureyri or the Angling Club of Reykjavik. There are two self-catering lodges available and the season is July 15th to October 4th.

The charming old concrete arch bridge over the river still stands and is the oldest of its kind in Iceland, built in 1908. It is still used as a footbridge. A newer bridge was opened in 1969 and a third one was built in 1993.

As well as being Iceland‘s largest birch wood, Vaglaskogur is considered one of the most beautiful forests in the country. The birch trees there are straighter and higher than is otherwise common in the country. There is also an interesting tree museum that we recommend checking out. Picking berries and mushrooms are further popular. Birds that can be found at Vaglaskógur include redwings, wrens, common snipes, ptarmigans, common redpolls and goldcrests.

Other woods in Fnjoskadalur are Lundskogur, Thordarstadaskogur and Skuggabjargarskogur.

There are good services at Vaglaskogur and along with campsites, there is a special section for mobiles. At Illugastadir there is a fine information centre and summer houses can be rented there throughout the year. The area also features a swimming pool and sauna, along with a children‘s playground and a minigolf course.

Vaglaskogur was further immortalised in a classic Icelandic pop song, Vor i Vaglaskogi ('Spring in Vaglaskogur'). If you are ever to an Icelandic guitar party, chances are high that this song will be played.