The forest in general

Many people enjoy the popular outdoor recreation of traversing the forests in the hills of Mount Esja, ascending to "Steinn" (Stone) or even the summit. Fewer, however, may have explored the forest surrounding and above the Land and Forest Iceland premises at Mógilsá, a site of forestry research for over fifty years. There, you will discover a diverse forest with a notable clone collection and various hiking trails connecting to the extensive outdoor trail network of Mount Esja, popular for walking, running, and cycling.

Location and access

Mógilsá is situated on Highway 1, at the end of Kollafjörður fjord. To reach it, please turn off the highway at Esjustofa and then immediately bear right. After a short drive along the pond on the turnoff, you will find the Mógilsá driveway on your left.

Facilities and recreation

Mount Esja, a beloved outdoor recreation area near the capital, boasts numerous trails winding through forests, across streams and banks, and along wooded slopes. The Mógilsá path network connects to the Esjustígar (Esja Trails, see map below), while many smaller trails offer delightful alternatives to the usual Esja hiking route. We highly recommend a shorter, forested Esja hike.

History

In 1967, a decision was made to foster research in Icelandic forestry, leading to the construction of a research facility on the Mógilsá land in Kollafjörður. This was made possible by a generous national gift from Norway, commemorating King Ólaf V's visit to Iceland in 1961. A key aspect of forestry research involves experimenting with new tree species, and many of these experimental plantings are located on the hillside above the Mógilsá facility. Consequently, this area boasts one of the nation's most diverse forests, offering many points of interest.

Arboriculture

The forest is at its densest near the Land and Forestry facilities at Mógilsá, where you will find a designated arboretum showcasing tree species from around the globe. This forest includes rare species for Iceland such as the common lime (Tilia x vulgaris), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), common alder (Alnus glutinosa), Caucasus fir (Abies nordmanniana) and western larch (Larix occidentalis), among others; however, most tree species are clearly marked. In the forest at Mógilsá, you will be able to see the first oak grove in Iceland, planted with 50 English oak trees (Quercus robur) to commemorate 50 years of forestry research in 2017.

Other points of interest

Mógilsá is renowned for its diverse birdlife during spring and early summer, as numerous wading birds pause at Mógilsá before reaching their nesting sites. The landscape of the lower slopes of Mount Esja is captivating, with its hills, ravines, and streams. This diverse landscape also supports a variety of vegetation.

Maps of the forest

The Mógilsá trails connect to the wider Esja trail network, as shown in the attached maps. The color-coded trails are detailed in the Mógilsá hiking trail brochure, and a map from the Reykjavík Forestry Association covers the entire Mount Esja recreation area as well. Please be aware that trail difficulty varies considerably. The most challenging trails to the Esja summit can be hazardous, particularly in wet or winter conditions. Please review the trail descriptions carefully and follow all instructions. The trails are well-marked with directional signs and information. Registering your travel plan on safetravel.is is recommended before your hike.