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 Austurheiði 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 ultralight flying.
—Determine and define the location of main road connections and walking, cycling and riding trails throughout the area.
—Strengthen the connection between built-up areas and outdoor areas.
—Strengthen the interaction and connection of Austurheiðar with adjacent outdoor areas. Work on outdoor recreation areas, guided by the framework plan, began in 2022 and is scheduled to continue through 2024.
Implementation period
Planned completion in the second half of 2024
Status: Completed
Status report on July 1, 2025
Walking path marking efforts continued.
Older status reports
| Timeline | Progress description |
| July 2024 | In 2024, pathway bollards were installed for the trail system near Lake Rauðvatn. Preliminary designs were developed for parking facilities and a rest area at Lake Reynisvatn and an archaeological assessment of the site was requested. A cross-country ski trail was established in the heath with route improvements including selective tree removal, rock repositioning, and tussock relocation. The development scope was reduced from original plans due to budget cuts. |
| January 2024 | In 2023, a partially covered stopping point with barbecue facilities was constructed at Rauðavatn. Two smaller stopping points, useful for skaters and as viewpoints, were also built at Rauðavatn. Equipment from the 2022 phase was installed that year. |
| July 2023 | Another development phase began in 2023, including the design and reconstruction of the outdoor recreation area at Rauðavatn. A play and leisure area with an accessible path from the parking lot to the lake was also created. New paths and forest shelters were built around the area. Project completion is expected by the end of September 2023. |
| January 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 |
| 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. |
Connection of action to Reykjavík City's policies:
Related actions
| Action name | Status | Completion | Updated | Departments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate forests in Úlfarsfell | In progress | 2030 | July 2025 | Department of Environment & Planning |
| Development in Öskjuhlíð | In progress | 2024 | July 2025 | Department of Environment & Planning |
| Construction in Austurheiðar | Completed | 2024 | July 2025 | Department of Environment & Planning |
| Water Management Plan - Action Plan | In progress | 2025 | July 2025 | Department of Environment & Planning Department of Service & Innovation |
| Greenery on municipal land | In progress | 2030 | July 2025 | Department of Environment & Planning |
Environmental goals
- 1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions | Green Deal A carbon-neutral city by 2040 and environmentally sustainable adaptation to climate change.
- 2. Increased carbon sequestration and enhancement of green areas | Green Deal Increased cultivation, utilization, and connection between green spaces.
- 3. The City adapted to the impacts of climate change | Green Deal Combating climate change and adapting to it.
- 4. Improved access to healthy outdoor recreational options and food | Green Deal Emphasis on public health objectives and increased urban living.
- 5. Sustainable transportation | Green Deal Investment in transport infrastructure based on green and diverse principles.