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Although Reykjavik isn´t really a large city, the locals have several sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle and gridlock. Reykjavik does have a couple of really nice parks, and of course, you can always escape to lovely Grótta on the western edge of town. Perhaps the best place to bring kids is the family-friendly Reykjavik park of Elliðaárdalur.
This article is originally from 2013 but has been updated 🙂
Get to know the family-friendly Reykjavik park
But the closest thing Reykjavik has resembling the legendary Central Park in New York or the parks of London is the Elliðárdalur valley right in the center of Reykjavik. It is perfect for long walks, jogging, cycling, or bird watching. And it has a lot of rabbits too!
Fishing for salmon
The valley is blessed with the well-known salmon river Elliðaár river. You may notice large SUVs parked by the riverbank and middle-aged men fishing for salmon. Why they need large trucks and jeeps for fishing? I am not sure, perhaps they need to fit so much salmon in their cars? In any case, unauthorized fishing is banned so don’t even try that.
Pretty little power plant
One attractive building at the bottom of the valley is the old hydroelectric power plant in Elliðaárdalur river. It was completed in 1921 and used the river to generate power for the growing town of Reykjavik. It is still functional and is in use during winter. Many consider it to be the best looking house in Reykjavik. Take a peek inside and see the original machinery there. Unfortunately, one of the ugliest buildings in Reykjavik is just nearby!
Bird watching in Reykjavik
Interested in birds? You will find plenty in Elliðárdalur valley, either in the woods or in the gentle Elliðaár river. The valley is home to the Greylag Goose, The Mallard, The Golden Plover, The Common Snipe, The Goldcrest, Blackbird, The Common Redpoll, and The Eurasian Siskin. If you are fortunate, you may see an owl or even a falcon, although that is rare.
A nice summer day at Elliðaárdalur
Like Grótta, Elliðárdalur valley is a paradise for joggers, cyclists, or those who like to stroll. You can stay on the main paved track that runs through the valley. Or you can go into the woods and immerse yourself in a little peace and quiet. The added bonus of Elliðaárdalur valley that you and your kids can wade in the river. Just make sure you don´t screw up things for the fishermen. And speaking of fishermen, if you go to the dam in the middle of the valley and stand on top of it, you can often see salmons resting in the deep water below.
Feed the rabbits
Then there are the rabbits. The valley is teeming with them. In winter they come really close if you have something nice to give them to eat. If that is not the perfect thing to do with kids, I just don’t know what that could be.
How to find the family-friendly Reykjavik park
