Elliðaárdalur Valley
Reykjavik's unexpected forest oasis, offering lush trails, a charming waterfall, and a peaceful natural escape within the city.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nature truly shines
Elliðaárdalur Valley
Best Time
Nature truly shines

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Reykjavik's unexpected forest oasis, offering lush trails, a charming waterfall, and a peaceful natural escape within the city.
"A fantastic little hidden gem, right in the middle of Reykjavik!"
🌳 Embrace the Forest
Enjoy the surprisingly tall trees and lush greenery, a unique forest experience in Iceland. :deciduous_tree:
🚶♀️ Scenic Waterfall Views
Don't miss Kermóafoss waterfall; its beauty is a highlight for many visitors. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kermóafoss Waterfall
Within Elliðaárdalur
A picturesque waterfall nestled within the valley, offering a serene and beautiful natural spectacle.

Lush Forest Trails
Throughout Elliðaárdalur
Wander through surprisingly tall trees and vibrant greenery, creating a unique forest atmosphere in Iceland.

Riverfront Walks
Along the Elliðaá River
Enjoy peaceful strolls alongside the river, surrounded by wildflowers and the fresh Icelandic air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Green Oasis
Getting to Nature's Doorstep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Elliðaárdalur bus and trail
🌳 Embrace the Forest
Enjoy the surprisingly tall trees and lush greenery, a unique forest experience in Iceland. :deciduous_tree:
🚶♀️ Scenic Waterfall Views
Don't miss Kermóafoss waterfall; its beauty is a highlight for many visitors. :water_wave:
Iceland-Reykjavik-Help Hidden Gems/Hotspots
Planning to Propose
🚴♀️ Bike or Hike
The valley offers excellent trails for both walking and biking adventures. :athletic_shoe::bike:
☀️ Best on Sunny Days
The park's natural beauty is amplified by sunshine, making it ideal for a bright day out. :sunwithface:
Nature around Reykjavik
Tips
from all over the internet
🌳 Embrace the Forest
Enjoy the surprisingly tall trees and lush greenery, a unique forest experience in Iceland. :deciduous_tree:
🚶♀️ Scenic Waterfall Views
Don't miss Kermóafoss waterfall; its beauty is a highlight for many visitors. :water_wave:
🚴♀️ Bike or Hike
The valley offers excellent trails for both walking and biking adventures. :athletic_shoe::bike:
☀️ Best on Sunny Days
The park's natural beauty is amplified by sunshine, making it ideal for a bright day out. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Elliðaárdalur as a surprisingly beautiful and tranquil forest park within Reykjavik, offering a refreshing natural escape with lovely trails and the charming Kermóafoss waterfall. It's a hidden gem that provides a peaceful respite from the city.
"Amazing park, hard to believe you’re in Iceland at times, so many trees, some quite tall!"
Bruce Farmer
"A lovely forest park that's not too far from Reykjavik. It's got cool trails for both walking and biking as well as a beautiful waterfall called Kermafoss."
Ayon Ibrahim
"Very beautiful park, the scenery at the waterfalls (Kermóafoss) is splendid"
Mantidactyle Dendrobate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elliðaárdalur is accessible by public bus from Reykjavik. Bus routes like 55 can get you close to the park. For specific stops and routes, check the Straeto app or website.
Getting to Elliðaárdalur directly from Keflavík can be tricky. You might need to take the Flybus or a combination of buses, potentially involving a transfer in Reykjavik.
Yes, driving is an option, and there are parking areas available within or near the valley. This offers more flexibility for exploring.
While there isn't one single 'Elliðaárdalur' stop, several bus routes stop near the park entrances. It's best to use a journey planner for the most convenient stop based on your starting point.
It's a bit of a walk, likely over an hour, from downtown Reykjavik. Taking a bus or a short taxi ride is more practical for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Elliðaárdalur is a public park and is free to enter. You can explore its trails and natural beauty without any admission fee.
Elliðaárdalur is open 24/7, as it's an outdoor natural park. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are best for enjoying the scenery.
Kermóafoss waterfall is located within Elliðaárdalur, and there is no separate entrance fee for the waterfall itself. Entry to the park is free.
While there aren't typically official guided tours for Elliðaárdalur itself, many Reykjavik-based tour operators might include it as part of a broader city nature tour.
As a natural park, visitors are encouraged to respect the environment. Stick to marked trails, avoid littering, and be mindful of the flora and fauna.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The valley offers a network of trails, including paths along the river and through the forest. Many are well-maintained and suitable for casual walks. Look for signs indicating different routes.
Yes, Elliðaárdalur is popular with cyclists, featuring dedicated trails that are great for mountain biking and leisurely rides.
You might spot various bird species, and if you're lucky, small mammals. The focus is more on the diverse plant life and the tranquil atmosphere.
Basic facilities like picnic tables are available in some areas. Restrooms might be limited, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.
You can spend anywhere from an hour for a quick walk to several hours if you plan to hike or bike extensively and enjoy the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Kermóafoss waterfall is a prime spot. The forest paths, especially with dappled sunlight, and the riverbanks also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Absolutely. The contrast between the green forest, the flowing river, and the waterfall provides diverse landscape photography options.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunny days highlight the vibrant greenery.
Drone regulations in Iceland can be strict. It's essential to check current local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the park.
Capture the unique Icelandic forest scenery, the charming Kermóafoss waterfall, and the peaceful river flow. The wild flowers in season are also lovely subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
🚴♂️ Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Elliðaárdalur's Natural Beauty
One of the key attractions within the valley is Kermóafoss waterfall. While not as grand as some of Iceland's more famous waterfalls, Kermóafoss offers a beautiful and accessible natural spectacle. The surrounding area is ideal for photography and simply enjoying the sounds of cascading water. The trails here are well-maintained, catering to both casual strollers and more active hikers, and the diverse flora, including wildflowers in season, adds to the valley's charm.
For those looking for active pursuits, Elliðaárdalur is also a popular spot for cycling. The network of trails is suitable for various skill levels, offering a great way to cover more ground and experience the different facets of the valley. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a scenic walk, or an active outdoor adventure, Elliðaárdalur provides a refreshing natural experience right on Reykjavik's doorstep.
Navigating to and Around Elliðaárdalur
For visitors arriving from Keflavík Airport, the journey can be more complex. It typically involves taking the Flybus or a combination of public buses, often with a transfer in Reykjavik. This means factoring in extra travel time and potentially multiple ticket purchases. Renting a car or taking a taxi directly from the airport, while more expensive, offers the most direct and convenient access to the valley.
Once inside Elliðaárdalur, the trails are generally well-marked, making it easy to navigate on foot or by bike. The valley is designed for exploration, with paths leading to key points of interest like Kermóafoss waterfall. Parking is available for those who choose to drive, providing a convenient base for exploring the park's various sections.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit