Heimörk nature reserve

Reykjavík Nature City

Beautiful nature can be found in all corners of Reykjavík. With mountains, islands, seasides, and dark parks to view the northern lights, you don‘t have to go far to experience a touch of nature. One of Reykjavík’s most beautiful areas is Heiðmörk nature reserve, a wonderful recreational area with many trails leading through a vast expanse of bushy vegetation and lava formations. Dramatically dominating the Reykjavík City skyline and providing a stunning backdrop to the capital area is the impressive Mount Esja, a popular destination for day-trippers and riddled with well-worn hiking trails. Once surmounted, the view from the top of this 914-meter-high mountain is breathtaking. Mount Úlfarsfell is lower than its sister "Esja", and definitely not as well known. But it's actually closer to central Reykjavík and offers a just as impressive view over the city.

A system of walking and cycling paths has been developed to enable the people of Reykjavík – and visitors – to travel around the city in a safe, pleasant, and environmentally friendly manner. Many main roads can be crossed via pedestrian/cycle bridges and underpasses, and paths pass through popular recreational areas such as the Elliðaár valley and along the coastline Ægissíða on the southern side of the city.

For avid bird watchers and others alike, the nature around Reykjavík and the city itself is home to a diverse selection of birds and their habitats including garden birds, shorebirds, seabirds, waterbirds, and heathland birds. Places like the Tjörnin Pond, Vatnsmýri, Reykjavík Botanical gardens or Viðey Island are easily accessible and all have a rich birdlife.

In Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains), you can walk down towards the centre of the earth. Leiðarendi Cave is an impressive lava tube and a guided journey into its depths reveal a wealth of knowledge about Icelandic history, geology, and folklore. The dormant volcano Þríhnjúkagígur, is one of the few volcanoes in the world that allows entry through the top crater and all the way to the bottom of its empty magma chamber which once was filled with red-hot molten magma.

Not too far from the centre of Hafnarfjörður rest the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík, where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-coloured hills. The massive solfatara steaming away on the hilltop is a tempting attraction, even for those with tired legs, and the spectacular view of the surrounding area is well worth the extra legwork

Of course, the Northern lights have to be mentioned as they can be seen in the city on clear and crisp winter nights. They appear in a variety of colours and intensity, either twirling gently in shades of milky green or occasionally blazing in a wild and multi-coloured dance across the night sky. The quality of darkness is surprisingly high in many areas of Reykjavík, with beautiful secluded dark parks such as Reynisvatn Lake, Borgarholt Church Hill, and Grótta Lighthouse, ensuring a great experience.

Map of Heiðmörk
Heiðmörk

The outdoor recreation area of Heiðmörk is in the process of improvement and revision, the map shows the improved layout of the area as it has developed through recent years. 

Heiðmörk
Heiðmörk at day time

Get ready for the diverse landscapes and unbelievable lava formations of Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. Enjoy hiking, fishing or horseback riding, walk among the 26 species of trees and spot some of the 60 species of wild birds. Watch the northern lights away from the city lights. You can experience the diversity of Icelandic nature all within the capital.

Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær route on a sunny day

With outdoor activities as its greatest attraction, get ready for a journey of beautiful hikes in diverse landscapes, historic sites, wool shopping and more, all within the Mountain Borough area.

 

Elliðavatn
Elliðavatn lake

Elliðavatn is a lake situated in the area of Reykjavík. It is in the vicinity of natural park Heiðmörk with its hiking and biking trails, small forests and lava formations.

 

Mt. Esja
Mount Esja under Northern lights

Dramatically dominating the Reykjavík City skyline and providing a stunning backdrop to the capital area is the impressive Mount Esja, a popular destination for day-trippers and riddled with well-worn hiking trails. Once surmounted, the view from the top of this 914-metre high mountain is breathtaking.

Viðey
Viðey Island on a beutiful day

The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat-ride takes you to another world, to be explored in your own time.

Mount Keilir
Mount Keilir overview

Mount Keilir is a small volcanic mountain to the south west of Hafnarfjörður (Harbour Village). It can be easily visited when travelling between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport, or the Blue Lagoon.

Mt. Úlfarsfell
Úlfarsfell

 "Úlfarsfell" is lower than its sister "Esja", and definitely not as well known. But it's actually closer to central Reykjavík and offers just as an impressive view over the city.

Mt. Helgafell
Grindarskarð

Formed in the late Ice Age when a volcano erupted under a glacier, today Helgafell Mountain anchors Hafnarfjörður. Rising low in the distance beyond the town, this dense sandstone and lava mound is often referred to as the town's mountain.

 

Leiðarendi lava cave
Inside Leiðarendi lava cave

Leiðarendi is a lava tube located in a lava field close to Bláfjöll, the Blue Mountains, in southwest Iceland. These beautiful and natural wonders are created by flowing lava under the earth after a volcanic eruption. Journeys in its depths reveal a wealth of knowledge about Icelandic history, geology and folklore.

 

Elliðaárdalur Valley
Elliðaá river on a sunny day

A 15-minute bus ride from central Reykjavík lies Elliðaárdalur Valley, a large green, public space. It's a very popular destination with the locals for all sorts of outdoor activity, including jogging, biking, walking, horse back riding, fishing and playing.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Aerial photo of Krýsuvík geothermal area

Not too far from the centre of Hafnarfjörður rest the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík, where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-coloured hills.

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