Hallormsstaðaskógur, National forest in East Iceland
Hallormsstaðaskógur is a state forest in East Iceland covering 740 hectares with native birch trees and many other species from around the world. A network of 40 kilometers of marked trails winds through the different woodland areas.
The forest became protected in 1905, becoming Iceland's first nationally designated forest after centuries of tree loss following Viking settlement. This protection marked a turning point in the country's relationship with its woodlands.
Local residents gather here in June for Forest Day celebrations where traditional Icelandic food is prepared and music fills the grounds. The event shows how much this place means to the community and brings people together.
Two camping areas, Atlavík and Höfðavík, provide places to stay within the forest, with Höfðavík offering extra facilities for visitors. The marked trails make it easy to explore the different forest areas at your own pace.
The forest holds an arboretum with 85 different tree species gathered from 600 locations worldwide, making it a center for botanical study and research in Iceland. Visitors who explore carefully can spot trees that rarely grow anywhere else in the country.
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