This surprisingly pristine river valley sits just minutes from Reykjavik's suburbs, yet feels completely wild. The Elliðaár salmon river flows through birch forests and lava fields, with well-maintained hiking and cycling trails. In late summer, Atlantic salmon can be seen leaping upstream — a remarkable sight so close to a capital city.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 1-3 hours |
| Best time | August-September for salmon spotting; summer evenings for peaceful walks |
| Address | Elliðaárdalur, 112 Reykjavik |
Good to know
- Best for
- nature lovers, budget travelers, hiking, locals' favorite
Weather through the year in Capital Region
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Capital Region.
Location
Elliðaárdalur, 112 Reykjavik
64.1133, -21.8459 View on map
Tips for visiting
- The valley connects to the longer Reykjavik hiking network
- Look for the dam and salmon ladder
- Free and largely unknown to tourists