Carry On Icelandic: Culture [selections] (2004)
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Previous subsectionVegetation
Iceland is a barren country. Only a small part of it is inhabitable and a mere one-fourth of the country is covered by vegetation. This is due to the fact that the climate is unsuitable for vegetation, and to volcanic activity, glacial movements, and over-grazing. About 60% of the country is over 400m above sea-level, but between 200-400m there is a large reduction in the level of vegetation, and at 700m above sea-level the land is at its most barren.
Icelandic vegetation is typically made up of short plants such as heather and birch. There are no large forests in the country, although there is considerable interest amongst Icelanders in forestation and soil reclamation. The largest forest in Iceland is Hallormsstaðarskógur in Hérað.
For those interested in Icelandic plants, it is worth visiting the Botanical Gardens in Akureyri. Most of the local plant types are cultivated there. Another beautiful, although somewhat smaller, botanical garden is located at Laugadalur in Reykjavík.
Soil Erosion
As a result of both the forces of nature and human activities, there has been significant soil erosion and deforestation over the centuries. It is thought that at the time of Norse settlement about 60% of Iceland was covered by vegetation, a figure which now stands at about 25% with only 1% forestation.
The country has been over-exploited: sheep and horses have grazed on the land without pause, leading to serious damage to vegetation. However, much is being done by the Icelandic Government and various organizations to halt this trend and there is considerable public interest in soil reclamation.
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