Matkaopas: Kjarnaskógur

Kjarnaskogur, spelled Kjarnaskógur in Icelandic, is a forest just outside Akureyri Township and one of the largest forests in the country. It belongs to the Akureyri Municipal Council and is under the guardianship of the Eyjafjordur Forestry Commission. 

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.

To look at Kjarnaskogur woods today, one would never think that just over half a century ago, there was not a tree in sight. Thanks to the reforestation efforts of Iceland, however, Kjarnaskogur has bloomed across 800 hectares and is now one of the most visited forests in Iceland.

A vast network of trails spread through the area, including 7 km (22,965 ft.) that are lit, giving hikers and nature lovers a great opportunity to explore the woodland at any time of the year. Mountain bikers have a 10 km (32,808 ft.) route they may ride through, and in winter, another 10 km of the walking trails are prepared for the use of cross-country skiers.

Many different bird species make the forest their home, and there is a specialized bird-watching site at the adjacent marsh Hundatjorn. Kjarnaskogur is tailored to appeal to families and large groups as well as individuals; there are picnic areas, barbeque facilities, two play parks, and even a volleyball court.

While Kjarnaskogur is not finished growing, intended to encircle the nearby town of Akureyri, it is already a marvelous forest that validates the efforts the Icelandic people have put into regrowing their woodland and allowing their nature to thrive.