Kjalarnes district is the largest district in Reykjavík measured in the land but the smallest measured by population. Up until the end of the 20th century, Kjalarnes was a rural municipality north of the capital but merged with Reykjavík in 1998. Most of the residents live in a small cluster or a hamlet, Grundarhverfi, located by the Ring Road heading to the West Region and the Northern Region of Iceland. Although part of the country's capital and largest city, there is still farming and agriculture in Kjalarnes and, thus in Reykjavík. It is an ideal place for those who seek to live in a rural part of the country but also like to remain in the city with quick access to all the city's cultural activities.
Esja is a favorite mountain in Reykjavík
The mountain Esja has always been a symbol for Reykjavík and an important part of the city and Reykjavík identity. But it wasn’t until Kjalarnes became a part of the capital that the mountain became a part of Reykjavík. Hiking to the top of Esja is a popular recreation for both residents and visitors in Reykjavík. On the slopes of Esja is a public park, a cultivated forest taken care of by the Reykjavik Forestry Association, and there is also the research center of Icelandic forestry in a house donated by Norway in the sixties.
Kjalarnes offers excellent service to its residents
As a municipality, before merging with the capital, Kjalarnes always provided good quality service to its residents. The district still offers a good preschool, a primary and secondary school, a swimming pool, and a community center. Social life and social activities have always been a large part of the Kjalarnes way of life. The district still has many clubs and lively social agendas within the district. A new, challenging golf course recently opened on Kjalarnes with a spectacular view.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.