The Forests of Iceland | Foresting a Treeless Land

Forests in Iceland might be the last thing you expect between the glaciers and volcanoes, yet these green spaces are well worth seeking out. Once stripped bare by erosion and deforestation, the country is slowly bringing its woodlands back. Read on to plan your visit.

Many of these forests are easy to reach by car and make great stops on self-drive tours that venture off the main routes. They are most common in the East and North, where native birch and imported species thrive.

In the East, Hallormsstadaskogur is one of Iceland’s largest woodlands and sits near roads used by some Eastfjords tours. In the North, Diamond Circle tours pass close to Asbyrgi Canyon and Vaglaskogur Forest, where marked trails offer short walks and guided hiking trips.

Smaller forests dot South and West Iceland, often near geothermal areas, rivers, or farmland. These include birch groves like Skogarreitur and reforested sites such as Thjorsardalur, Selskogur, and Vatnshornsskogur. Thorsmork, a forested valley between glaciers, is reachable on a multi-day tour of the Icelandic countryside.

Read on to learn more about Iceland’s forests, their unique features, and how to experience them on your travels.

Key Takeaways

• Iceland’s forests are small but growing: Birch woodlands are the most common, and reforestation in areas like Hallormsstadaskogur (Iceland’s largest forest) and Thorsmork is steadily increasing tree cover.

• Early settlers caused the deforestation: When Vikings arrived over 1,000 years ago, up to 40 percent of Iceland was covered in birch forests. Cutting trees for firewood and grazing land left the country almost treeless for centuries.

• Afforestation efforts are ongoing: Since the early 20th century, the government and environmental groups have planted trees to fight soil erosion and restore lost forests, adding hardy non-native species like Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, and larch.

• Best forests for visitors: For greenery, head to Hallormsstadaskogur Forest in East Iceland, Thorsmork Valley in the south Highlands, and Heidmork Nature Reserve near Reykjavik, all with hiking trails, campgrounds, and rich birdlife.

• Forests help fight climate change: As Iceland aims for carbon neutrality, trees play a key role in carbon sequestration, making afforestation central to the country’s environmental strategy.

Native Forests in Iceland

Iceland has a richly forested history. Warm-climate trees like sequoias and magnolias once grew here alongside beech forests. Cold-weather species such as pine, spruce, and alder came next, followed by birch, rowan, and aspen.

By the time settlement began about 1,150 years ago, birch forests and willow scrub covered up to 40 percent of the land. Within a few centuries, grazing land, barren soil, and young grass had replaced these woodlands, in one of the most severe cases of deforestation on record.

The Deforestation of Iceland

How did Iceland’s forests vanish in under three hundred years? A cooling climate during the Little Ice Age, volcanic eruptions, and icy winds all played a part, but only a minor one. The real cause was human settlement.

For early settlers, timber was an essential fuel for surviving cold Icelandic winters, and it was needed to build houses, boats, and fencing. The biggest cause, though, was regeneration failure from livestock grazing. Settlers cleared forests to create fields and pastures for the animals they brought with them.

Research suggests this was a deliberate economic strategy to strengthen local animal husbandry. Constant grazing stopped the forests from regrowing, and woodland cover kept shrinking. These settlers had no way of grasping the long-term damage or how difficult future afforestation and reforestation efforts would become.

Forests in Iceland Today

Despite centuries of deforestation, Iceland is home to a number of enchanting forests and woodland areas. Today, woodlands cover only around 2 percent of the country, making Iceland one of the least forested nations in Europe. That figure climbs every year as reforestation gathers pace.

Iceland’s national forests are managed by the Icelandic Forest Service, and each one is well worth a visit. There are many more to explore, but these are the 26 forests it manages, grouped by region:

East Iceland

• Arnaldsstadaskogur Forest: A small, untouched forest known for lush greenery and historic farmsteads in the southern valley of Fljotsdalur.

• Hallormsstadaskogur Forest: Iceland’s largest forest, with diverse tree species, hiking trails, and a long history of afforestation.

• Jorvikurskogur Forest: A picturesque forest home to an Icelandic original, the blue aspen.

North Iceland

• Asbyrgi Forest: Set within the stunning Asbyrgi Canyon, this forest thrives in a horseshoe-shaped formation linked to Norse mythology.

• Grundarreitur in Eyjafjordur: A lesser-known forest near the northern coast, good for an easy hike and quiet scenery.

• Kristnesskogur Forest: A well-kept forest near the town of Akureyri, popular for its walking trails.

• Mela-Skuggabjargaskogur Forest: A remote woodland in Fnjoskadalur, known for its rugged beauty and a diverse mix of tree species.

• Reykjarholsskogur Forest: A scenic forest with unusual vegetation thanks to its warm, once-geothermal soil.

• Sigridarstadaskogur Forest: A well-preserved birch forest between Akureyri and Lake Myvatn, known for vibrant autumn colors and local wildlife.

• Thordarstadaskogur Forest: Set in the Fnjoskadalur Valley, near the Godafoss Waterfall.

• Vaglaskogur Forest: One of Iceland’s largest natural birch forests, with a forestry station and popular hiking and recreation.

• Vaglir Forest: A commercial and recreational forest near Akureyri.

South Iceland

• Haukadalsskogur Forest: Nestled in Haukadalur Valley, with a mix of native birch and imported tree species.

• Laugarvatnsskogur Forest: Near Laugarvatn Lake, a scenic backdrop for visitors to the area’s natural hot springs.

• Mulakot Forest: A small but historically significant forest filled with rare old-growth trees.

• Skogarreitur Forest: A charming grove featuring the Systrafoss Waterfall.

• Thjorsardalur Forest: A reforested valley of birch and conifers, near the remnants of past volcanic eruptions.

• Thorsmork: A famous wooded valley in the south Highlands, surrounded by glaciers and mountains.

• Tumastadir Forest: Treeless until the Forest Service began using it as a nursery in 1944, now home to some of Iceland’s tallest Sitka spruce.

West Iceland and around Reykjavik

• Furulundurinn Forest: Iceland’s first successful reforestation, this pine grove near Thingvellir is known for peaceful walking paths and birdlife.

• Jafnaskardsskogur Forest: A secluded forest valued for its biodiversity and quiet hiking routes, a short drive from Reykjavik.

• Mogilsa Forest: At the base of Mount Esja, home to Iceland’s forestry research station and experimental tree plantings.

• Nordurtunguskogur Forest: A quiet forest in the Borgarfjordur region.

• Selskogur Forest: A peaceful birch-grove campsite, popular with hikers and nature photographers.

• Stalpastadaskogur Forest: A quiet Skorradalur woodland and the country’s largest Sitka spruce forest, with ties to early reforestation.

• Vatnshornsskogur Forest: A forest near lakes and wetlands, with a rich ecosystem for birds and wildlife.

Below, we take a closer look at some of the most rewarding forests to visit, from Iceland’s grand national forest in the east to leafy escapes on Reykjavik’s doorstep.

Hallormsstadaskogur National Forest

Hallormsstadaskogur Forest in East Iceland began as a project to grow trees on Icelandic soil and became the country’s first national forest in 1905, when the birchwood at Hallormsstadur Farm was protected.

Today it covers over 1,853 acres (750 hectares) and holds more than 85 tree species brought in from around 600 locations worldwide. Its 25 miles (40 kilometers) of scenic woodland trails are loved by hikers and nature lovers.

Inside the forest you can drink from clear glacial streams, part of the many rivers in Iceland, and pick raspberries, redcurrants, and edible mushrooms like slippery jack, larch bolete, and birch bolete.

The thick tree cover also shelters plenty of birdlife and other wildlife and animals in Iceland. Residents include common redpolls, ravens, rock ptarmigans, and goldcrests, joined in summer by migratory meadow pipits, redwings, woodcocks, wagtails, and snipes.

Each June, the forest hosts Skogardagurinn (Forest Day), a weekend of folk music and festivities. Highlights include two mini-marathons of 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), locally sourced BBQ lamb, art exhibitions, and a logging competition.

Hallormsstadaskogur sits just off the Ring Road, making it an easy stop on a 10-day self-drive tour around the Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

If you’d like to stay nearby, there are plenty of nice hotels in East Iceland. For something more rustic, the forest has two camping areas, Atlavik in the sheltered inner forest and Hofdavik, which is a little more comfortable. Both offer a great camping experience in Iceland.

The nearest town is Egilsstadir, the largest in East Iceland. Founded in 1947, it has over 2,000 residents, plus a hospital, airport, and college.

It’s an ideal base for exploring the east and a handy stop on the Ring Road, as well as a launching point for the remote Eastfjords and Vatnajokull National Park.

Thorsmork, the Valley of Thor

Thorsmork, named after the Norse god Thor, is a lush nature reserve in Iceland’s southern Highlands. It sits sheltered between three glaciers: Tindfjallajokull, Eyjafjallajokull, and Myrdalsjokull.

Protected from the wind and warmed by the surrounding peaks, the valley is one of the few places in Iceland where birch woodland grows thick. Glacial rivers like the Krossa and Markarfljot wind across its floor.

Thorsmork is a hiking paradise, marking the end of the famous Laugavegur trail and the Fimmvorduhals route over to Skogar. In summer, you might spot Arctic foxes, ptarmigans, and redwings among the trees.

The valley is only reachable in summer, as the road crosses unbridged rivers. Most travelers visit on a super jeep day tour into the Highlands, which handles the river crossings for you.

Asbyrgi, the Forested Canyon

Asbyrgi is a dramatic horseshoe-shaped canyon in North Iceland, part of Vatnajokull National Park. Its sheltered floor holds one of Iceland’s largest birch woodlands.

The canyon runs about 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) long and 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) wide, with cliffs up to 330 feet (100 meters) high. A rock formation called Eyjan, “the island,” rises at its center.

Alongside the native birch and willow, conifers like spruce, pine, and larch were planted between 1947 and 1977. The woodland and the pond Botnstjorn draw plenty of birdlife.

Norse legend says the canyon is a hoofprint left by Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse, while geologists credit catastrophic glacial floods from the river Jokulsa a Fjollum.

Asbyrgi sits on the Diamond Circle, about 45 minutes from the whale-watching town of Husavik, and features on many Diamond Circle tours.

Kjarnaskogur Woodlands

The Kjarnaskogur Woodlands lie just south of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Planting began in 1952, with the goal of ringing the town in trees.

Over 1.5 million trees have gone in since, mostly birch and larch, and the forest now holds more than 230 plant species.

Its roughly 1,483 acres (600 hectares) make for a great day outdoors. There are almost five miles (seven kilometers) of lit trails, plus backcountry routes and a 6-mile (10-kilometer) mountain-biking track in summer.

In winter, the trails turn into cross-country skiing and snowboarding routes. Birdwatchers can head to the shelter at Hundatjorn Marsh to spot a range of species.

After a day in the woods, many travelers relax at the nearby Forest Lagoon on a small group 2-day northern lights and forest lagoon tour.

Oskjuhlid Hill and Woodlands

Oskjuhlid Hill, formally Oskjuhlidarskogur, rises in the capital, Reykjavik. It’s easy to spot thanks to its tall birch trees and the shining dome of the Perlan Museum and observation deck.

It’s Reykjavik’s main outdoor recreation area, with trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Some lead down to the geothermal Nautholsvik Beach and on toward the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula coast.

A century ago, the hill looked nothing like it does today. It still offered views over Faxafloi Bay, but it was little more than gravel and rock, used as a quarry for stone to build the Old Harbour. The abandoned quarry can still be visited.

The woods took shape in the 1950s, when locals planted spruces, birches, aspens, and pines. More than eighty tree species now grow here, showing how quickly afforestation can work.

At the top, you can explore Icelandic nature and history by visiting the Perlan Museum. Nearby stand a cluster of bunkers built by American forces in the Second World War, abandoned in 1945 but still standing today.

Ellidaardalur Valley in Reykjavik

The Ellidaardalur Valley is a lovely park between two branches of the Ellidaa River. It feels secluded despite sitting in the middle of Reykjavik.

Reykjavik’s green valleys are also great on horseback, and you can ride near Raudavatn Lake and the Heidmork Nature Reserve on a horse riding tour.

While you’re in the area, visit the nearby Chromo Sapiens art installation at Hofudstodin. Created by Icelandic artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, also known as Shoplifter, this immersive artwork leads visitors through three colorful, cave-like spaces made from synthetic hair extensions. Sound and texture add to the sensory experience.

Husafellsskogur Forest

Husafellsskogur is a pretty birch forest near the Husafell area, known for its hiking trails and nearby geothermal pools. Sheltered from harsh wind and weather, its trees can reach 13 feet (four meters) tall, which is unusual for Iceland.

The town of Husafell is a great base for geothermal baths, glacier hikes, and sightseeing. Many visitors enjoy a relaxing tour of the Husafell Canyon Baths, while the more adventurous opt for this popular 4-hour hike into the heart of the Langjokull Glacier.

The Future of Icelandic Forests

Afforestation sits at the heart of Iceland’s environmental plans for several reasons. The first is soil erosion. Because so much land is used for sheep grazing, much of the low-lying vegetation that keeps soil fertile gets eaten, leaving the ground barren. This erosion spreads easily across the land, threatening areas that are still able to support life.

Quality of life matters too. Forests give people a break from city life and a place to reconnect with nature, and they draw visitors looking for both adventure and quiet. Creating woodlands benefits locals and travelers alike.

Biodiversity is another driver. Iceland’s lack of forests limits species like the Eurasian wren and common redpoll, which need woodland habitat to thrive, and the same goes for many other animals and plants.

The strongest reason is domestic wood use. Timber is needed for many things, and its scarcity makes daily life harder. Most newly planted seeds are non-native species. Iceland’s natives, birch, aspen, and rowan are now seen as less suited to the warming climate.

Foresters also weigh how trees cope with summer heat, sudden temperature swings, and drought before starting a new program. Volunteer-driven work helps too, such as the Landgraedsluskogar land-reclamation movement, which has planted over a million saplings a year since the late 1980s.

Even so, Icelanders plant around three million seeds a year. The national forestry goal is to afforest 12 percent of Iceland by 2100. That is small next to pre-settlement levels, but it makes reforestation a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Iceland and the country’s climate goals.

Exploring Iceland’s Forests

There are many ways to reach Iceland’s forests, and the right one depends on how you like to travel. They’re rewarding year-round, lush in summer and golden with birch in autumn, so it’s worth checking the best time to visit Iceland before you go.

For Self-Drive Travelers

If you like setting your own pace, an 8-day summer self-drive tour along the west and south coasts leaves plenty of room for forest walks. The popular 1-week summer self-drive tour of the Ring Road and Golden Circle also passes many woodlands along the way.

For Guided Multi-Day Travelers

Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? A 3-day northern lights and ice cave tour of the Golden Circle and a 6-day guided tour of the Ring Road both stop at forests and natural landmarks in several regions.

If you’d rather have flights and hotels bundled in, vacation packages like a 5-day northern lights trip with ice caving, a 6-day northern lights adventure, or an 8-day winter package with national parks all leave time to explore nearby woodlands.

For Short-Trip Visitors

Short on time? A Golden Circle minibus day excursion stops at Thingvellir National Park and the Furulundur pine grove, while Reykjavik-based travelers can reach the city’s forests and Heidmork on the day tours mentioned above.

Experience the Beauty of Iceland’s Forests

Iceland offers no shortage of things to do in Iceland, and a walk through one of its forests is always worth it. Book one of the trips above, or read more about hiking through Iceland’s natural beauty if you’re still deciding.