capital-region · Iceland
Guðmundarlundur
About Guðmundarlundur
Guðmundarlundur is a recreational woodland area located in Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík. It is one of the largest forested areas in the Capital Region and a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, running, and family outings. The area features a network of trails that wind through planted woodland, offering a different natural experience compared to Iceland’s more open landscapes. Guðmundarlundur has been developed over time as part of Iceland’s reforestation efforts, providing a sheltered green environment where visitors can enjoy nature year-round. With picnic areas, open spaces, and easy access from nearby neighborhoods, the forest is a well-loved local escape that combines recreation, nature, and community use.
History & Background
Guðmundarlundur was developed during the 20th century as part of Iceland’s reforestation movement, which aimed to restore tree cover after centuries of deforestation. Located in Kópavogur, the area was gradually planted and maintained to create a sustainable woodland environment for both ecological and recreational use. As urban areas expanded around Reykjavík, Guðmundarlundur became an important green space within the Capital Region, offering residents access to nature close to the city. Today, it continues to play a role in environmental conservation while serving as a well-used public outdoor area.
Did You Know?
- ✔Iceland is home to the Arctic fox, the only native land mammal
- ✔Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in Iceland
- ✔The surrounding waters are rich in marine life including whales and seals
Tours Near Guðmundarlundur
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Visit Guðmundarlundur to enjoy a rare forest setting in Iceland with peaceful walking paths and family-friendly outdoor spaces close to the city.
Did You Know?
Large forested areas like Guðmundarlundur are relatively rare in Iceland, where most landscapes are open—making it a unique place to experience woodland environments near the capital.
A peaceful forest oasis in Kópavogur, Guðmundarlundur offers walking trails and green shelter in a landscape where forests are naturally rare.
On the edge of Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík, Guðmundarlundur began as part of Iceland’s efforts to bring trees back into a landscape that had long been largely open. Over time, careful planting and natural growth transformed the area into a living forest where people could experience something uncommon in Iceland—woodland paths, shelter from the wind, and a sense of quiet among trees. As the forest matured, it became a popular destination for everyday outdoor life. Families gathered for picnics, runners found calm trails, and visitors returned throughout the year to see how the forest changed with the seasons. Today, Guðmundarlundur stands as both a recreational space and a symbol of environmental restoration, showing how a once sparse landscape can be reshaped into a green refuge close to the city.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
