Galtalækjarskógur

Background

History & Background

Galtalækjarskógur holds a fascinating history, deeply intertwined with the traditional agricultural practices of the Icelandic countryside. Historically, this 80-hectare forested area was known as 'Dráttur'. This name, meaning 'drawing' or 'pulling apart', refers to its crucial role as a sheep-gathering point. Farmers from the nearby Land region would drive their flocks down from the vast Landmannaafrétt highlands to this sheltered forest. Here, they would sort and separate their sheep, a vital annual event in the pastoral calendar. This practice highlights the strategic importance of Galtalækjarskógur as a natural boundary and a relatively fertile oasis within a largely rugged landscape. The forest provided shelter and a defined space for this communal activity, a tradition that shaped the local community for centuries. While its primary function has shifted, Galtalækjarskógur continues to serve as a hub for people connecting with nature. Today, it hosts a beautiful campsite, guesthouse, and summer houses, preserving its legacy as a welcoming stopover and a place for gathering, albeit for leisure and outdoor pursuits rather than livestock herding.

Galtalækjarskógur is a wooded recreation area near Ytri-Rangá in the Hekla region. The site has historic links with local sheep gathering and sorting and later developed as a place for camping, accommodation and outdoor recreation. Current access and facilities should be checked before travelling.