c

Hólavallagarður Cemetery

Reykjavík  >  Iceland

In the middle of Reykjavík city centre, Hólavallagarður cemetery stands as one of the most interesting places for passerines in downtown Reykjavík.

Added* by Bjørn Penk
Most recent update 22 prosince 2025
This birdingplace has not been rated yet. Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars

Description

Hólavallagarður cemetery is located just west of Tjörnin, but offers a much calmer atmosphere. Here you will get the chance to get an impression of which passerines nest and migrate amidst the busy streets of Reykjavík, such as drozd cvrčala, kos černý and čečetka zimní. The different corners of the cemetery offer different types of vegetation, in turn attracting a diversity of birds. The cemetery takes place as one of the best locations in town to observe the střízlík obecný. While the cemetery has hosted more regular vagrants, such as pěnice černohlavá and budníček menší, Hólavallagarður is most known for the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), famously shot and collected, the autumn of 1955.

Details

Access

Hólavallagarður Cemetery is best accessed by foot or bike. There is no parking directly linked to the cemtery, and visitors are asked to park in the residential area, Vesturbær, or elsewhere. One can access the park from several sides through designated (and unlocked) gates. At arrival, one will quickly gain a first impression regarding the amount of birds present. A visit can range from a thorough and detailed scan through the intricate network of trailes, to a quick walk through the cemetery on the main paved trail.

Terrain and Habitat

Park , City/village , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat , Slippery

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Narrow trail , Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Post comment, tip or bird sighting
Rate this area
Add to my favourites
Remove from my favorites