Construction in Austurheiðar

Description of the action and objectives

Green Deal action

The Austurheiðar outdoor area is a total of approximately 930 hectares, covering most of Austurheiðar: Hólmsheiði, Grafarheiði, and Reynisvatnsheiði. The area includes Rauðavatn, Reynisvatn, and Langavatn. The project is in line with the approved Municipal Plan of Reykjavík City and supports Reykjavík City's policy to promote public health and make accessible outdoor areas. The project is based on the approved framework plan for Austurheiðar, which was approved by the Planning and Transport Council on March 10, 2021. Austurheiðar is also part of the Green Belt, which refers to afforestation and outdoor areas on the outskirts of the seven municipalities in the capital area.

The objectives of creating a framework plan for Austurheiðar are diverse and aim to ensure the coordination of land use within the area to avoid conflicts of interest between current and future land use. The main goals are:

- Define and delineate areas based on their utilization.

- Create a diverse and accessible outdoor area for all age groups and different user groups, such as horseback riders, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, off-road vehicles, walkers, runners, mushroom pickers, berry pickers, tourism services, and flying single-engine aircraft.

- Determine and define the location of main road connections and walking, cycling, and riding routes throughout the area.

- Strengthen the connection between built-up areas and outdoor areas.

- Strengthen the interaction and connection of Austurheiðar with adjacent outdoor areas.

Implementation period

Planned completion in the second half of 2024

Status: In progress

Status report on January 1, 2023

The first phase was completed in 2022, consisting of developments in the outdoor recreation area of Austurheiðar near Lyngdalur and Pardísarskál, as well as repairs to the trails. The second phase will be implemented in 2023, which involves the development of an outdoor recreation area near Rauðavatn

Older status reports

Below you can find older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Timing Progress description
July 2022

The first phase of actions to improve the Austurheiðar area of Reykjavík as a better outdoor area with marked walking paths and marked trails began in the summer of 2022.

The actions of the Green Deal are linked to Reykjavík City's policies, which include:

Reykjavík City departments:

Related actions

The table below contains actions related to this initiative, and you can access more information by clicking on the "action title" in the table (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Action name Completion Departments
Climate forests in Úlfarsfell 2030 Department of Environment & Planning
Development in Öskjuhlíð 2024 Department of Environment & Planning
Construction in Austurheiðar 2024 Department of Environment & Planning
Greenery on municipal land 2030 Department of Environment & Planning