The Garðabær Circle

The route starts at Vídalínskirkja, with an excellent opportunity to begin or end the walk by exploring the Minjagarður at Hofsstaðir, where one of the largest Viking Age longhouses ever found in Iceland was excavated. The walk continues through residential streets and Holtstún, where the Sisters of St. Joseph lived until 1998. On the way to Vífilsstaðavatn, the historic Vífilsstaðir can be seen, a former tuberculosis sanatorium that operated from 1910 until tuberculosis was largely eradicated in Iceland. The hike then leads towards Vífilsstaðahlíð and onward to Urriðaholt, where a short section along the edge of Flóttamannavegur is required before reaching the trail near Urriðaholt. Along the way, the Icelandic Institute of Natural History building becomes visible. The route crosses a bridge over Hafnarfjarðarvegur and connects to a trail traversing the rugged Garðahraun lava field, offering a glimpse of the area's unique volcanic landscape. The path then winds through the residential area in Flöt before returning to Vídalínskirkja, completing the circuit.