The Kjarni Forest forms a part of the belt of woodland which is planned to encircle Akureyri in the future. This plot of land has been owned by the municipal authorities since 1910 and was originally a common. It is now a leisure and recreation area and forestation site, with footpaths playgrounds, picnic spots and barbecue facilities.

The first trees were planted in Kjarnaskogur in 1952. Dominant species of trees are birch and larch, but a number of other trees and shrubs also grow there. The wild vegetation in the woods is also highly diversified, with more than 210 recorded species including those found in the adjoining wetlands. Among the rare species there are strict primrose and bluebell.