skógur

Skógur is the Icelandic word for a forest or wooded area. In Icelandic usage it denotes a stand of trees large enough to be considered a forest, rather than individual trees. The term derives from Old Norse skogr, and is cognate with Norwegian skog and Swedish skog. In Iceland, the word is used to refer to woods and woodland areas in the landscape, including both natural stands and managed plantings.

Iceland has one of the lowest forest covers among European countries. Estimates place forest cover at about 2% to 3% of the land area, far below the level typical of temperate regions. Much of the current woodland results from deliberate planting and natural regeneration in the 20th and 21st centuries. The climate, volcanic soils, and historical land use help limit natural forest expansion, so most stands are relatively young plantations or secondary growth rather than ancient forests.

Historically, extensive deforestation occurred after human settlement due to grazing, fuel needs, and shifting land use, contributing to erosion in some areas. Reforestation programs have been implemented by public authorities and private landowners to restore protective forests, stabilize soils, and enhance biodiversity. Efforts focus on a mix of native birch and willow stands and non-native conifers suited to local conditions, with ongoing monitoring and management.

Ecologically, forests in Iceland provide habitat for wildlife, protect soils from wind and water erosion, and contribute to carbon storage. They also support recreation and tourism. Because natural tree cover remains sparse, even small forests are often considered important ecological and cultural assets within the Icelandic landscape.