Tumastadir Forest

Tumastadir Forest, known in Icelandic as Tumastadaskogur, is a national forest tucked into the Fljotshlid valley of South Iceland. Located about 9 kilometres east of the town of Hvolsvollur along Route 261, it sits at the foot of the mountains that line the northern edge of the south coast lowlands. In a country where less than 2 percent of the land is forested, Tumastadir stands as a quiet testament to decades of patient reforestation work.

History and the Republic Grove

The land at Tumastadir was completely treeless when the Icelandic Forest Service took it over in 1944 to use as a nursery and forestry station. That year also marked Iceland's declaration of independence from Denmark and the founding of the Icelandic Republic. To commemorate the occasion, foresters planted the first stand of Sitka spruce on the hillside and named it Lydveldislundurinn, the Republic Grove. These trees, now over 80 years old, form the historic heart of the forest and remain among the tallest and most impressive Sitka spruce in the country.

The Arboretum and Tree Species

One of Tumastadir's most interesting features is its arboretum, a collection of tree species from around the world planted to test their viability in Iceland's harsh climate. Alongside the dominant Sitka spruce, visitors will find a variety of native and foreign species carefully labelled and arranged. The arboretum functions as both a research site and a living museum of Arctic forestry. The variety of foliage creates a landscape that feels strikingly different from the open, treeless terrain that characterises most of Iceland.

Trails and Walking

Well-maintained paths wind through the forest, offering easy walks suitable for all fitness levels. The trails pass through dense spruce woodland, open grassy clearings, and the arboretum. A loop walk covers roughly 5 kilometres with gentle elevation changes, taking one to two hours at a comfortable pace. An extended route leads to viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valley and includes a small waterfall along the way. The paths are not formally colour-coded like those at larger forests such as Hallormsstadur, but they are clear and easy to follow.

Wildlife and Birdlife

The forest provides crucial habitat for bird species that depend on woodland cover, something that is scarce across most of Iceland. Redwings, one of the country's most common songbirds, nest readily among the trees. Redpolls feed on seeds in the birch and spruce, and wrens dart through the undergrowth. For birdwatchers, the relative quietness and density of the forest make it a rewarding stop compared to the open landscapes along the rest of the south coast.

Practical Information

Tumastadir is freely accessible with no entrance fee. A small parking area at the forest entrance includes picnic tables, making it a convenient place to stop for a break while driving the south coast. The forest lies within easy reach of several major attractions, including the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the Thorsmork nature reserve. From Thorsmork, experienced hikers can walk to Tumastadir on a route of approximately 15 kilometres. For most visitors, however, the forest works best as a peaceful side trip from the Ring Road, offering a rare chance to walk among tall trees in a country where they are the exception rather than the rule.