Kjarnaskógur Forest
About Kjarnaskógur Forest
Kjarnaskógur is a large planted forest on the southern edge of Akureyri in North Iceland, and the place locals head for a walk, a picnic or a ski. The woodland covers about 800 hectares of hillside above the head of Eyjafjörður.
In 1950 there were no trees here at all. Since then volunteers and forestry workers have planted more than 1.5 million of them to give the town sheltered ground for outdoor life. Akureyri owns the land, and the local forestry association, Skógræktarfélag Eyfirðinga, looks after it.
About 12 km of gravel paths wind through the trees, 6 km of them lit after dark, and more walking trails and a mountain bike trail branch off into the hills. Near the main open lawns you'll find playgrounds, grass and sand volleyball courts, covered barbecue shelters and picnic tables, along with toilets and drinking fountains. It's an easy half-day with kids, or a quiet hour on a bike.
Winter turns Kjarnaskógur into the largest organized cross-country skiing area in woodland terrain in Iceland, with about 20 km of groomed tracks. Six kilometers of those are lit, so locals ski after work through the dark months. A sledding hill sits by the sun clock for anyone without skis.
The forest is about 10 minutes by car from the town center, and there are four parking areas inside. Without a car, take a city bus to the Kjarnagata/Vallatún stop and walk about 1.5 km. Camping Hamrar sits right beside the forest, so campers can walk straight onto the trails.
Day tours that visit Kjarnaskógur Forest
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Good to know
Where is Kjarnaskógur?
Kjarnaskógur is on the southern edge of Akureyri in North Iceland, about 10 minutes by car from the town center. There are four parking areas in the forest.
What can you do in Kjarnaskógur?
You can walk or run on about 12 km of gravel paths, ride a mountain bike trail, and use the playgrounds, volleyball courts and covered barbecue areas. In winter the forest has about 20 km of groomed cross-country ski tracks.
Can you cross-country ski in Kjarnaskógur?
Yes, it is the largest organized cross-country skiing area in woodland terrain in Iceland, with about 20 km of prepared tracks. Six kilometers are lit for skiing after dark.
How do you get to Kjarnaskógur without a car?
Take a city bus to the Kjarnagata/Vallatún stop and walk about 1.5 km to the forest. It is also a straightforward walk or bike ride from the south end of town.
How big is Kjarnaskógur?
The forest covers about 800 hectares. The land was treeless in 1950, and more than 1.5 million trees have been planted there since.
Are there barbecue areas in Kjarnaskógur?
Yes, there are covered barbecue areas and picnic tables near the playgrounds, plus toilets and drinking fountains.
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