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Walking and Hiking

The First Settlers & Town Architecture

The first settlers of Akureyri, in the 10th century, were Helgi magri (Helgi the thin) and his wife, Þórunn Hyrna. Taking this path past their statues and following the streets named in their honour will give you a feel for modern-day Akureyri.
0-5Km
Light walks

Historical Path (blue)

Historical sights and many of the main attractions in town
5-10Km
Light walks

Fálkafell

Fálkafell is a hut belonging to the local scout group Klakkur, with a 30-40 min steep hike from the start of the path
0-5Km
Medium walks / hikes

Old Plant Nursery

The walk starts by the skating rink, from there cross the road Miðhúsabraut and walk uphill along the street. At the first curve, cross the street and walk towards south along the hot water pipeline.
0-5Km
Light walks

River and Gardens

One of the best things about cities and towns in Iceland is that you never feel too far from nature. Even walking through the town of Akureyri, the second-biggest settlement in Iceland, you’re still able to find plenty of peaceful green areas, rivers and gardens.
5-10Km
Light walks

Glerárdalur

The valley Glerárdalur is named after the river Glerá that flows through it. A nice walk leads from the mouth of the valley to the bottom of it and ends by the mountain hut named Lambi, some 11 km into the valley.
10+Km
Medium walks / hikes
More challenging hikes

Valley Glerárdalur upp to the hiking bridge

A circle path leading all the way along the canyon of Glerá river up to the hiking bridge opposite the parking area for hikes up Mt. Súlur
5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes
Useful information

Valley Glerárdalur up to the dam

A circle path leading all the way along the canyon of Glerá river up to the dam further up the valley.
10+Km
Medium walks / hikes
Useful information

Glerá Valley circle - Upper

The hike goes from the bridge by the beginning of the road Hlíðarfjallsvegur, upp along the so called path "Fallorkustígur" up to the reservoir / dam for the hydro powerplant where the hike started and returns along the otherside of the river.
5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes

Glerá river - lower part

A scenic walk along the lower-part of the river Glerá which flows through Akureyri. The route is mostly along the river and its canyon, passing the old power plant, crossing the red pedestrian bridge over the dam by the reservoir.
5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes
Winter walks

Grímsey island - 5 hikes

In Grímsey we present 5 different options for hiking/walking.
0-5Km
10+Km
5-10Km
Light walks
Medium walks / hikes

Walking Tours & events

If you prefer to join a organized tour with a guide or an event.
0-5Km
5-10Km
Light walks
Medium walks / hikes
Winter walks

Maps & brochures

Plan your hiking with available maps and brochures
Maps/Brochures

Running track

At Þór's athletics field there is a 400m heated track which is perfect for both running and having a walk. It can be used both during summer and winter so it is a great option if you are looking for a solid surface to walk/run on.
0-5Km
Light walks
Winter walks

Hrafnagil path

A paved path between Akureyri and the village of Hrafnagil invites to a easy walk on a flat ground. The path is about 9 km long (one way), but can easily be shortened by just doing a part of it.
10+Km
Light walks
Winter walks

Hraun in Öxnadalur - 14 different hikes

Mt. Hraundrangi is a national landmark of Iceland and one of the most majestic places to take pictures. The area offers many hiking options e.g. to the lake Hraunsvatn. Most hikes start by the farm Haun.
10+Km
Light walks
Medium walks / hikes
More challenging hikes

Hrísey island - 4 hikes

Hrísey is about 11,5 square kilometres. The island is about 7 km long and 2,5 km at its widest. Its highest point is by the lighthouse on the north end, or about 110 meters above sea level.
0-5Km
5-10Km
Light walks
Medium walks / hikes
Winter walks

Golf course circle

The walks starts from the car park by Ljómatún street, along a footpath up the hill towards Naustaborgir. When you reach the hill, there is a good view out of the fjord to Kaldbakur and to Súlur, from there you walk to the right into the golf course area along a gravel path that runs around the course.
0-5Km
Light walks

Kjarnaskógur

Kjarnaskógur is a woodland area south of Akureyri and one of the most popular recreation area in town. The area is about 800 hectares. In 1950 there were no trees in the area at all but since then over 15 million trees have been planted,
0-5Km
10+Km
5-10Km
Light walks
Winter walks

Krossanesborgir

Krossanesborgir is a nature reserve north of Akureyri, that allows you for a soft walk by the sea
0-5Km
Light walks

Lögmannshlíðar circle

Walk around the area above and west of Akureyri. The route runs along Lónsá river, along Lögmannshlíð itself, where a lot of forestry takes place south of Lögmannshlíð Church. At the stable area, enter Safírstræti street in the direction of the animal hospital, from where you keep to the left along a gravel road to the north to Lónsá, and from there continue down to highway 1 the same way as at the beginning of the walk.
5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes

Naustaborgir

Naustaborgir is a nature reserve south west of town. It has soft and wide tracks.
0-5Km
Light walks
Winter walks

Oddeyri by the sea

If you don't have a lot of time but would still like to get a feel for the town of Akureyri, take this short walk through the old neighbourhood of Oddeyri by the sea. With its charming old houses, outdoor artwork and stunning view of Eyjafjörður fjord and the mountains on the other side, this route will give you a taste of what Akureyri is all about.
0-5Km
Light walks

Sandgerðisbót marina

Follow Sandgerðisbót past Norðurorka's new sewage treatment plant, up an old road in the slope below the rock belt to the north towards Krossanes. You can loop on the way and walk down to Sílabás, which is the only untouched sandy beach in an urban area within the town limits.
0-5Km
Light walks
Winter walks

Skólavarða

Skólavarða is a popular hike among locals in the Vaðlaheiði mountain range
5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes

Mt. Staðartunguháls

A rather easy walk. Begins by the woodland Miðhálsaskógur in Öxnadalur. Head up from the parking to above the forestry area and along the edge of the mountain ridge up to the top of the mountain.
5-10Km
Light walks
Useful information

Súlur

Súlur is the town mountain of Akureyri.
10+Km
More challenging hikes

Súluvegur - Fálkafell hut - Gamli hut - Kjarnaskógur forest

5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes
Useful information

Historical Path

The trail takes you through the historical old town of Akureyri, with its colorful and historic buildings.
0-5Km
Light walks

Ystuvíkurfjall

Rather comfortable mountain hike with great view.
5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes

The estuary of Eyjafjarðará river and the old road

Hiking- and biking route along the eatuary of the river Eyjarfjarðará and along the old road.
10+Km
Light walks

Steinmenn / "Stonemen"

Steinmenn are peculiar rocks on a glacier-eroded cliffs by Súlumýrar above Kjarnaskógur.
5-10Km
Medium walks / hikes
Useful information

Kjarnaskógur to Glerárdalur

Discover a diverse hiking and mountain biking haven nestled between Glerárdalur valley and Kjarnaskógur forest.
0-5Km
10+Km
5-10Km
Light walks
Medium walks / hikes
More challenging hikes
Winter walks