Kópavogsdalur, Fossvogur and Kársnes from Kópavogslaug

This route is a varied run linking three of Kópavogur's most popular outdoor areas and giving a good sample of the town's green nature. The route starts at Kópavogslaug on Kársnes and follows a continuous network of paved walking and cycling paths. It first goes through Kópavogsdalur, a green valley where the Kópavogslækur stream runs through. At the western end there is a duck pond with varied birdlife, and the valley also has the Breiðablik sports grounds, playgrounds, exercise equipment and old tree groves from the era of summer houses. From there it crosses into Fossvogsdalur, which lies on the boundary of Kópavogur and Reykjavík and was formerly called Fossvogsmýri. In the eastern part of the valley there is an arboretum and the Yndisgarður, a joint project of Kópavogur and the Agricultural University, where planting began in 1997 and there are now around 500 species of trees and shrubs. Finally the route runs west onto Kársnes and the coastal loop along the sea, past the small-boat harbour, with wide views over Fossvogur and towards Reykjavík, before returning to Kópavogslaug. The route is about 12 km with little elevation, around 100 metres, and suits training runs. The valleys are sheltered and a good choice in windy weather. Parking and swimming facilities are at Kópavogslaug.