Walk with me in a 100 year old forest in Iceland.
This forest (Tungaskógur) is a prime example of afforestation in Iceland. Called Tungudalur, this area in the far reaches of the Westfjords, near Ísafjörður. From Reykjavik, it’s a healthy six to seven hour scenic drive or you can go by plane from the domestic airport. You can tell that it’s a relatively new forest by the lack of mature undergrowth and relatively small trees, but it truly feels like somewhere my childhood imagination would spend time thinking about fairies and elves. A waterfall called Búnarfoss cascades off the cliffs right in the center of the forest.
Hike this moderate route right outside of town and embrace the green canopy and rush of the river. There are picnic tables here, a campground with kitchen and showers, a beach volleyball court, and small golf course. From here, you can hike a number of places such as Troll Seat or to Fossvatn.
I did not record this route on Gaia GPS like I usually do, but you can find a map at the trailhead with the series of trails around Tungudalur. The coordinates to this waterfall and hike are: 66.05991, -23.20497
Can’t make it there? Explore the area with me.
Location: Tungudalur
Difficulty Level: Choose your own adventure — Easy to Moderate
Distance and Duration: With a series of trails, it’s easy to explore and go your own way
Accessibility: There is a gravel path at the bottom of the waterfall and a wooden bridge for viewing. The main route through the forest is wide but soft, the rest of the trails narrow into footpaths.
Elevation Gain: Depends on your adventure.
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Gear and Equipment: A casual front-country hike, just water and a snack will suffice, but a picnic is lovely.
Essentials: Always bring the 10 essentials!
Permits and Fees: No permits or entrance fees for hiking. You must pay for camping.
Weather Check: It’s Iceland, always check weather but be ready for anything. Local emergency number is 112. There is a shelter in the camping area. It’s wonderful to walk in the forest in the rain.
Trailhead Description: When getting off of 61, you will go down a paved road that will turn into a gravel road. There is a clear parking area by the trailhead marked with a blue “P” sign. There is also a map of the area.
Seasons: In the late spring to summer, this is a beautiful place to see Iceland’s local flora such as the Alaskan Lupines. In the autumn, the willows leaves turn with beautiful warm colors. In the winter, it’s a great area to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing. The waterfall is at its highest after a big rain and during the months of July-September.
Scenic Points: Búnarfoss (the waterfall), there are also remnants of elves hidden in the forest.
Challenges: To get closer to the waterfall, you must climb up a narrow footpath that is relatively steep and sometimes crumbly or muddy. Proceed with caution.
Wildlife Encounters: This is a great area for birdwatching.
See photography from autumn time:
