Heidmork Forest

Heidmork is an extensive nature reserve situated on the southeastern outskirts of Reykjavik, officially established and inaugurated in 1950. Spanning approximately 3,200 hectares, it serves as the primary outdoor recreational hub for the inhabitants of the capital region. The reserve is best known for its highly successful long-term reforestation program, which has seen more than four million trees planted since the 1950s, a major achievement in the Icelandic landscape. Beyond its forested areas, Heidmork contains significant geological features such as Rauðhólar, a cluster of striking red pseudocraters formed about 5,200 years ago during a lava flow. The area also acts as a critical protection zone for Reykjavik's municipal water sources, ensuring a supply of pure drinking water under strict environmental regulations. It features a network of over 40 kilometers of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The flora is exceptionally diverse, featuring various conifers, birch, and extensive moss-covered lava fields.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Nature

Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park

The zoo focuses on Icelandic domestic animals and native wildlife like Arctic foxes and seals.

More places

Árbær Open Air Museum

Árbær Open Air Museum features over 20 buildings that create a town square, a village, and a farm environment.

Reykjavik Botanical Garden

The garden showcases a collection of around 5,000 plant species adapted to the subarctic climate.