Kjarnaskógur Forest Akureyri
A beautiful forest near Akureyri with diverse trails, playgrounds, BBQ spots, and unique features like a beach volleyball court.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and playgrounds
Kjarnaskógur Forest Akureyri
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and playgrounds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful forest near Akureyri with diverse trails, playgrounds, BBQ spots, and unique features like a beach volleyball court.
"A big nice forest with lots of trails, art, playgrounds, nice view & a labyrinth."
📸 Map Your Hike
Take a photo of trail maps at the entrance to avoid getting lost on unmarked paths .
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain, so good footwear is essential .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unmarked Hiking Trails
Throughout the forest
Explore a network of trails offering beautiful scenery, art installations, and hidden benches.
Playgrounds & Adventure
Various locations within the forest
Fun for all ages with playgrounds, swings, and adventure outbound activities.
Forest Lagoon Views
Near the forest
Relax and enjoy stunning views after a hike or ski, especially in winter.
Beach Volleyball Court
Within the forest
A unique sandy court nestled amongst the trees for a fun game.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Kjarnaskógur's Trails
Best Time for Forest Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Map Your Hike
Take a photo of trail maps at the entrance to avoid getting lost on unmarked paths.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain, so good footwear is essential.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Plenty of playgrounds and activities to keep kids entertained.
🎿 Winter Skiing
Enjoy cross-country skiing in the beautiful snowy forest.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Map Your Hike
Take a photo of trail maps at the entrance to avoid getting lost on unmarked paths.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain, so good footwear is essential.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Plenty of playgrounds and activities to keep kids entertained.
🎿 Winter Skiing
Enjoy cross-country skiing in the beautiful snowy forest.
🏖️ Unique Volleyball
Don't miss the sandy beach volleyball court hidden in the woods!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kjarnaskógur Forest is praised as a beautiful and versatile natural space near Akureyri, offering something for everyone from hikers to families. Visitors appreciate the playgrounds, barbecue areas, and unique features like the beach volleyball court. However, the lack of trail markings can be a significant drawback for hikers.
"Very nice place!
You can find there barbecue, children playgrounds, beautiful small water streams, some ominous statues or hidden benches. Perfect place for small hike in the woods and to spend some time near the trees."
Maciej Lipiński
"Big nice forest with lots of trails, art, playgrounds, nice view & a labyrinth. Not far from Akureyri. A camping place near by. They also have a beach volleyball field in the forest with tons of sand 🏖️ Lots of parking spots & something for everyone."
Josefina M
"Went there for a hike, and actually got lost. There are no signs, no map, no markings on the trails… we wanted to follow the red parh. Started walking, ended up on the pink one. Continued towards the red one, ended up even further on the white one. Tried to reach the other side of the pink one, ended up at the start of the blue one !!! They don’t indicate if trails are easy, moderate or hard. We ended up on top of the mountain in mud trails and it was raining. Couldn’t make sense of the names of the trails since there was no markings and no map on top. Thank god we met an Icelandic woman who helped us get back to the parking lot ! Thought we were going on a 20 min walk, ended up on a 1h30 hike instead ! But at least views were nice 🥹"
Rachel Therrien
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kjarnaskógur Forest is conveniently located close to Akureyri. You can drive there, and there are ample parking spots available. Some visitors have noted that Google Maps might not be perfectly accurate for the exact trailheads, so be mindful of your surroundings.
While specific public transport routes directly into the forest might be limited, it's very close to Akureyri, making it easily reachable by a short drive or taxi. Consider checking local bus schedules for routes that get you near the forest's edge.
The trails are beautiful but often unmarked. Redditors strongly recommend taking a photo of the trail map at the trailhead before you start your hike to help you navigate and avoid getting lost.
While specific trail names are hard to follow due to lack of markings, many visitors enjoy exploring the various paths that lead to scenic viewpoints and art installations. The forest offers a range of difficulties, from easy walks to more challenging mountain routes.
Yes, Kjarnaskógur Forest is accessible year-round. In winter, it transforms into a picturesque snowy landscape, perfect for cross-country skiing and enjoying the serene beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kjarnaskógur Forest is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can explore its trails and amenities for free.
As an outdoor natural area, Kjarnaskógur Forest is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment, especially when navigating the trails.
No, booking is not required to visit Kjarnaskógur Forest. It's a public space open to all visitors.
Yes, the forest offers various facilities including barbecue areas, children's playgrounds, and benches. There's also a unique beach volleyball court.
Absolutely! Kjarnaskógur Forest is a perfect destination for a day trip from Akureyri, offering a mix of nature, recreation, and relaxation for all ages.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on numerous trails, picnicking with barbecue facilities, playing on playgrounds, and even trying out the beach volleyball court. In winter, cross-country skiing is a popular activity.
Unfortunately, the trails are often unmarked, which can lead to confusion. It's highly recommended to take a picture of the trail map at the trailhead before you begin your hike.
Kjarnaskógur is very family-friendly, with dedicated children's playgrounds, swings, and adventure outbound activities. There are also 'jumpy things' mentioned by visitors.
Yes, there are designated barbecue areas within the forest, making it a great spot for a picnic.
The forest features various art installations and 'ominous statues' scattered along the trails, adding an element of discovery to your walk.
📸 📸 Photography
Kjarnaskógur offers beautiful natural scenery, especially during spring and summer with lush greenery. The winter wonderland with snow and the unique beach volleyball court provide interesting photographic subjects. Don't forget the art installations!
Yes, the forest provides diverse landscapes, from dense woods to open areas with views. The changing seasons offer different photographic possibilities, from vibrant greens to snowy whites.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for landscape and nature photography. However, the forest's charm is present throughout the day.
While not explicitly marked, many trails lead to elevated points offering lovely views over the forest and surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for natural clearings.
Absolutely! The 'ominous statues' and other art pieces are unique features of the forest and make for interesting photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
❄️ Winter Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit