capital-region · Iceland
Öskjuhlíð — Reykjavík's Forest Hill
About Öskjuhlíð — Reykjavík's Forest Hill
Öskjuhlíð is a forested hill in southwest Reykjavík topped by Perlan museum and surrounded by walking/jogging trails. The hill was planted with Alaskan pine, spruce and birch starting in the 1950s, making it one of Reykjavík's few wooded areas. Trails wind through the forest connecting Perlan at the summit to Nauthólsvík beach below. Popular with joggers, dog-walkers and families, Öskjuhlíð offers peaceful forest walks minutes from downtown.
History & Background
Öskjuhlíð ('Ash Hill') named for volcanic ash deposits. The hill was barren until afforestation began 1950s as experiment by Reykjavík Forestry Association. Perlan hot water tanks built 1930s–1940s, glass dome added 1991. The forest has become one of Reykjavík's most-used recreation areas.
Did You Know?
- ✔Planted forest from 1950s (rare in Iceland)
- ✔~5 km of walking/jogging trails
- ✔Connects Perlan museum to Nauthólsvík beach
- ✔Alaskan pine, spruce, birch
- ✔Popular local recreation area
Tours Near Öskjuhlíð — Reykjavík's Forest Hill
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Öskjuhlíð is a forested hill in southwest Reykjavík topped by Perlan museum and surrounded by walking/jogging trails.
Did You Know?
The trees on Öskjuhlíð are imports — none are native Icelandic species (Iceland's only native tree is dwarf birch). The forest is an entirely human-created landscape.
The Forest That Shouldn't Exist
Iceland has almost no trees — Vikings cut them all down 1,000 years ago. Then in the 1950s Reykjavík planted a forest on Öskjuhlíð just to see if it would work. It did.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
The Winter Snow-Covered Forest
When snow settles on the pine trees in winter, Öskjuhlíð becomes genuinely magical — silent, white, peaceful. The most un-Icelandic landscape in Iceland.
The Dog-Walker Morning Ritual
Early mornings (7–8am) the trails are full of locals walking dogs before work — it's the friendliest, most social time on the trails.
Practical Information
Best Time
Early morning for peaceful walks
Duration
30 min–2 hours
Access
From Perlan or Nauthólsvík — trails connect both
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the trails marked?▾
Yes — trails are well-marked and maintained. Pick up a map at Perlan or use the trails spontaneously.
Can I walk from Perlan to Nauthólsvík?▾
Yes — trails connect Perlan at the summit to Nauthólsvík beach at the base. ~20–30 minute walk downhill.
