Hallormstaðaskógur

Quick guide to Hallormstaðaskógur

What is Hallormstaðaskógur?

Hallormstaðaskógur is the largest and best-known forest in Iceland, covering about 740 hectares by Lagarfljót in East Iceland. It is one of the easiest places in the country to feel a real forest atmosphere: birch woodland, planted tree collections, sheltered walking paths, camping areas and views toward the lake.

The forest sits about 26 to 28 km from Egilsstaðir, which makes it a natural stop for travellers using the town as an East Iceland base. It is also a calmer contrast to the fjords, highland roads and waterfall stops nearby.

For SEO and search variations, you may also see the name written as Hallormstadaskogur, but the Icelandic name is Hallormstaðaskógur.

Hallormstaðaskógur is a calm forest stop by Lagarfljót, useful for walks, camping and East Iceland route breaks.

Forest trails, Atlavík and things to do

Hallormstaðaskógur is at its best when you slow down. The forest has a network of marked walking routes, picnic areas and lake-facing stops where you can stretch your legs without turning the day into a major hike. Some trails are short and family-friendly, while longer routes make the forest a useful active stop on an East Iceland itinerary.

The arboretum and tree collections are a major part of the experience. Hallormstaðaskógur is not only native birch woodland; it has also been used for experiments with imported tree species, giving the area a variety that feels unusual in Iceland.

Atlavík is the best-known recreation area in the forest. It is a sheltered bay by Lagarfljót with camping, lake access and space for a picnic or relaxed family stop. Höfðavík is another camping area in the forest, useful if you want to stay overnight rather than only pass through.

Why Hallormstaðaskógur matters

Hallormstaðaskógur has a special place in Icelandic forestry history. The area was protected around the turn of the 20th century and became Iceland's first national forest. That early protection helped preserve birch woodland and made the forest a long-running base for forestry work in East Iceland.

Today the forest is both practical and symbolic: a recreation area, a conservation story, a living tree collection and one of the clearest examples that Iceland's landscape is not only lava, glaciers and open highlands.

Lagarfljót and Lagarfljótsormurinn

Hallormstaðaskógur runs along Lagarfljót, the long lake that shapes this part of East Iceland. The lake is deep, glacial and strongly tied to local folklore because of Lagarfljótsormurinn, the legendary serpent said to live in its waters.

The old story says a girl placed a gold ring under a small heath-worm to make the gold grow. Instead the creature grew, was thrown into Lagarfljót and became the serpent. Later tales describe sightings on the lake, strange humps in the water and the creature as an omen when it appeared.

You do not need to believe in lake monsters to enjoy the story. It gives Hallormstaðaskógur and Lagarfljót a stronger sense of place, especially if you are travelling with children or building a slower loop around Egilsstaðir, the forest, Skriðuklaustur and Hengifoss.

How to visit Hallormstaðaskógur

Hallormstaðaskógur is easiest to visit by car. From Egilsstaðir, follow the route toward the east side of Lagarfljót and Road 931. The forest works well as a short stop, a half-day plan or an overnight camping base depending on your pace.

If you only have a little time, choose a short forest walk and Atlavík. With more time, connect the forest with Lagarfljót viewpoints, Skriðuklaustur, Hengifoss and Vök Baths. In summer, allow extra time for the campsites and local traffic around the lake. In winter, check road and weather conditions before committing to the full loop.

Tours and East Iceland ideas near Hallormstaðaskógur

Hallormstaðaskógur itself is usually self-guided, but it fits very well with East Iceland tours from Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður and the surrounding fjords. These options keep the section focused on East Iceland instead of sending travellers north to Mývatn.

Places near Hallormstaðaskógur

Suggested East Iceland itinerary ideas

Short forest stop from Egilsstaðir

Drive to Hallormstaðaskógur, walk a short trail, stop at Atlavík and return by Lagarfljót. This works well when you want a quieter half-day without committing to a long hike.

Forest, folklore and waterfall day

Combine Hallormstaðaskógur with the Lagarfljótsormurinn story, Skriðuklaustur and Hengifoss. This gives the day a mix of woodland, lake folklore, history and one of East Iceland's strongest waterfall hikes.

Soft day after the Eastfjords

Use the forest as a rest day between fjord driving and the next Ring Road leg. Add Vök Baths if you want a warm, low-effort finish near Egilsstaðir.

Seyðisfjörður and East Iceland tour day

If you are based in Egilsstaðir or arriving through Seyðisfjörður, pair the forest with an East Iceland nature, puffin, canyon or coastal tour rather than sending the route north too quickly.

FAQ about Hallormstaðaskógur