Bæjarstaðaskógur Forest in Morsárdalur
Bæjarstaðaskógur is one of Iceland's most remarkable native birch forests, situated in Morsárdalur valley west of Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Its birch trees are unusually tall and straight, with some reaching approximately 12 metres.
Nature and significance
The forest is renowned for the quality of its native birch. Seeds collected from its trees have been used in birch cultivation elsewhere in Iceland. The woodland also contains diverse ground vegetation and deep soil layers preserving a record of volcanic ash deposits.
Conservation history
Grazing and soil erosion threatened the forest during the early twentieth century. A protective fence was erected in 1936, and subsequent conservation and land restoration have helped younger birch woodland spread into surrounding areas.
Hiking
A walking route leads from Skaftafell to the forest. The return hike takes approximately four hours according to Skógargátt. Visitors should check trail and weather conditions with national park staff before setting out.