Skorradalur: Forest, Lake and History

Skorradalur is a wooded valley, with Lake Skorradalsvatn occupying most of the valley. Protected forests and wetlands, hiking trails, Fitjakirkja and the historic Hreppslaug bath offer a range of different attractions. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider nature, outdoor activities, history and bathing as separate themes.

Forest, lake and protected areas

The protection of Vatnshornsskógur aims to preserve a natural, relatively undisturbed, tall birch forest with lush undergrowth. The area is home to the lichen Alectoria sarmentosa ssp. vexillifera, which is found nowhere else in Iceland. The public may visit and stay in Vatnshornsskógur for lawful purposes.

The protected area near Fitjaá preserves an extensive, continuous and little-disturbed wetland. It is an important habitat for plant and bird species. The area is managed and monitored by the Icelandic Environment Agency, Umhverfisstofnun; its responsibilities also include ranger services and preparing informational materials.

The two protected areas have different focuses: Vatnshornsskógur is known for its birch forest and a lichen unique to Iceland, while the area near Fitjaá is known for its continuous wetland, a habitat for plants and birds.

Hiking trails and navigation

Síldarmannagötur connects Skorradalur with the bay of Hvalfjörður. The trail is an old national route in a protected settlement area in the valley. It is closed from November to May because of the weather and trail conditions. If you are considering this route, take note of the seasonal closure and check trail conditions before your trip.

In the Stálpastaða forest, the hiking trail through the area is 1.6 km long. Other trails run throughout the forest, which contains numerous tree species. Road 508 (Skorradalsvegur) leads to the trailhead. The routes differ in where they go: Síldarmannagötur connects the valley and the bay, while Stálpastaða offers trails in the forest.

Historic sites and Hreppslaug

Fitjakirkja stands at the eastern end of Lake Skorradalsvatn. It was built in 1896–97 as an annex church of Lundur. As a historic site, it adds a specific late-19th-century church building to the valley’s natural attractions and trails.

Hreppslaug is a historic, naturally heated bath in Andakíll in Skorradalur; it was built in 1928. Its facilities include two hot tubs, a sauna, an outdoor shower and a cold-water pool. This provides a bathing option alongside the hiking and protected-area attractions. No booking is required for Hreppslaug; check seasonal opening information before your visit.

Vesturland as the wider setting

The wider destination of Vesturland offers further nature and culture attractions. At Hraunfossar, clear, cold underground springs emerge through the lava and flow into the river Hvítá as small waterfalls and rapids. Snorrastofa offers historical exhibitions, guided tours and lectures. Snæfellsjökull National Park lies at the edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland and has two visitor centres that are open year-round.

Discover more destinations: Álftanes, Reynivellir, Búdardalur, Hvanneyri, Miklholt, Snæfellsbær, Akranes, Akrar

View the wider travel overview: Vesturland.