Hallormsstaðaskógur
Coordinates: 65 ° 5 '49 " N , 14 ° 43' 54" W.
Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest forest in Iceland .
It is located 25 kilometers south of Egilsstaðir on the eastern shore of Lake Lögurinn and west of Skriðdals- og Breiðdalsvegur 
. The forest takes its name from the Hallormsstaður farm . The arboretum has been researching which trees are suitable for Iceland since 1903.
history
In 1899 the Althing passed a law to protect Hallormsstaðaskógur, which finally came into effect in 1905. Hallormsstaðaskógur was thus the first national forest in Iceland and also the first step by the Icelanders in nature protection, as the forest was protected to protect the "only bush forest in Iceland".
In the years 1905-1908 a fence was built which is commonly referred to as "Bjarg". However, it turned out to be insufficient against the sheep and was therefore renewed in 1925. However, this was not an absolute pasture protection, as the cattle roamed freely in the forest until 1941. In 1957 the fence was moved over the northern part of the forest to the so-called Votabjarg, which is part of the ridge that reaches Hafursá.
From 1947, the state forestry bought more areas. The fencing of this land was completed in 1964. The afforestation of these new areas began in 1965 and was well advanced by 1980.
Forest
Today, more than a century after the forest was protected, Hallormsstaðaskógur is still the largest and most famous forest in the country. In 1906, the birch covered about 250 hectares within the fence and immediately began to spread after being protected. The birch forest now covers about 350 hectares of land within the same fence, in addition to which other tree species have been planted on 200 hectares. Large larch forests have been planted in the north , while the birch is naturally tapered in the south .
Hallormsstaður also has an arboretum with over 70 tree species. In total there are around 85 tree species from around 600 origins in the forest around the world.
Recreational facilities
The forest is a popular recreation area in a varied landscape. There are around 40 km of hiking trails in the forest, including many marked trails. In Atlavík Bay, where outdoor gatherings have long been held, there is now a popular campsite.
Web links