Outdoor Areas in Reykjavík

Outdoor Areas in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a sparsely populated city so even though it covers a large area, there’s still plenty of room to breathe. The green spaces in the city allow residents to wander through nature, hike, or bike their way along the coastline or through the woods. Many of them are even interconnected so you can wanter from the lighthouse at the northernmost tip of the city without ever leaving your walking path. It would make for a pretty long walk though!

Ellidaardalur Valley

Ellidaardalur Valley is a lush recreational area, popular with walkers and cyclists alike. It’s one of the largest green spaces within the city limits, a natural oasis in a sea of concrete, almost like Reykjavík’s homegrown version of New York’s Central Park. Even though the valley is located within the city limits of Reykjavík, the wild environment is sure to make you feel at one with nature.

The flora and fauna of Ellidaardalur are almost completely untouched bu the proximity to the city has resultaed in one addition. They valley is now populated with furry little rabbits, descendants of escaped pets. They might no be native to Iceland but they sure are cute!

A fishing river runs through the valley, populated with arctic char, salmon and brown trout. Fishing licenses are available during the summer fishing season, which is opened annually by the mayor of Reykjavík on Juste 1st. The season ends on August 31st. Note that it’s also possible to fish in the nearby Ellidavath Lake and Reynisvath Lake.

Iceland, rural area near the capital. Photo by Olga

Heidmörk Nature Reserve

Situated on the south-east outskirts of Reykjavík city is Heidmörk – wonderful recreational area with hiking trails leading through a vas expanse of bushy vegetation and lava rock formations. Some of the park’s most notable features are Raudholar or Red Hills, the remnants of a cluster of pseudocraters in the Ellidaarhraun lava field. Heidmörk is a favourite with the locals, especially for sports enthusiasts, those with children and couples looking for a romantic retreat!

Heidmörk becase a conservation area in 1950. More than four million trees have been planted there since then and the already existing vegetation has thrived since the area was fenced off. The most prominent of the 26 species of trees planted is the Sitka spruce. Bird watchers will be pleased to discover that 30 species of breeding birds have also been spotted.

Öskjuhlid

Öskjuhlid is a beautiful woodland area surrounding the Pearl – one of Reykjavík’s stunning landmark buildings. Conveniently located right in the heart of the city, this sylvan retreat makes for a popular getaway from city life, where visitors can cycle or walk along the paths that weave through a dense forest of pines and birch trees.

The paths around Öskjuhlid join an extensive network of well-maintained footpaths in Reykjavík, leading down to the scenic shores of Nautholsik and around the coastline to Seltjarnarnes. Another option is to take the south-east trail to the recreational areas and valleys of Fossvogsdalur and Ellidaardalur and even farther on to the Neidmörk heath nature reserve.

Grotta

The Northernmost tip of the Reykjavík peninsula is know as Grotta, for the farm that used to be there before the city grew to its current size. Surrounded by the sea on all sides and even sporting a tall white lighthouse, the Grotta area has some beautiful and photogenic views. The name Grotta actually refers to an island just off the coast of Reykjavík. It’s connected to land by a strip of sand but it can only be reached when the tide is out, so don’t try to cross over to it. In the winter, the Grotta area is a great spot to view the Northern Lights if you can’t get out of the city.

The Grotta area is protected because of the rich birdlife and beautiful nature. A walk around Grotta is highly recommended for birdwatchers as well as anyone who appreciates long walks with beautiful ocean views