A surprisingly wild riverside walk through Reykjavik's backyard salmon river valley, just 10 minutes from the city center. The Elliðaár river flows through birch forests and lava fields, and in late summer (August-September) Atlantic salmon can be seen leaping up the Elliðaárfoss waterfall — an astonishing sight so close to a capital city.
| Distance | 5km (various loop options) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-2 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Elliðaárdalur, East Reykjavik
Weather through the year in Capital Region
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Capital Region.
Highlights
- Salmon leaping falls (Aug-Sep)
- Birch forest
- Lava field sections
- Calm river pools
- Easy access from Reykjavik