When do the leaves change in Iceland?
Iceland has little native forest, but its downy birch scrub and planted rowan turn gold in Þórsmörk and Skaftafell by mid-September, a short, crisp prelude to the country's long winter.
Forecast coming soon
Weather data for Iceland lands with the next model run. Meanwhile, explore the map.
Known for
Things to do in fall in Iceland
4 iconic stops, including scenic drives, farms, haunts, and the views locals plan their October around.
Þórsmörk
ForestTypically September 15–October 5
A highland river valley walled in by three glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull, Tindfjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, warm enough in its own pocket…
Skaftafell
National parkTypically September 15–October 5
Iceland's tallest native birch grows in Bæjarstaðarskógur, a stand inside Vatnajökull National Park reached by a rough 16km round-trip…
Hallormsstaðaskógur
ForestTypically September 15–October 12
Iceland's first protected forest, set aside in 1905 along the Lagarfljót river in the Eastfjords.
Vaglaskógur
ForestTypically September 1–September 15
Iceland's straightest, tallest native birch grows here in Fnjóskadalur valley near Akureyri, some trunks over 12 meters where most…
Frequently asked
- What are the best things to do in fall in Iceland?
- The iconic stops: Þórsmörk, Skaftafell, Hallormsstaðaskógur, Vaglaskógur. Every one is mapped on this page with its peak-color timing.