Hiking from Akureyri: Trails Above the City

The hills surrounding Iceland's northern capital offer some of the country's most accessible highland hiking, with trails that ascend from sea level through birch scrubland to expansive viewpoints over Eyjafjörður. These paths, carved by generations of locals and maintained by Akureyri's active hiking community, provide everything from gentle evening strolls to challenging day-long expeditions across the Vaðlaheiði plateau.

The Sulur Ridge System

The most prominent hiking destination above Akureyri is Sulur, the 1,213-metre peak that dominates the eastern skyline. The mountain's name translates to "The Columns," referring to the distinctive basalt formations visible from the fjord below. The standard route begins at the Kjarnaskógur forest recreation area, 8km south of the city centre, accessible by car or the seasonal bus service that runs from mid-June through August.

Main Sulur Trail

The 14km round-trip to Sulur's summit follows a well-marked path that gains 1,100 metres of elevation. The first 3km wind through the protected birch woodland of Kjarnaskógur, where interpretive signs detail the forest's role in Iceland's reforestation efforts since the 1950s. The treeline ends abruptly at 400 metres elevation, giving way to heath dominated by crowberry and Arctic willow.

The middle section crosses a series of false summits connected by narrow ridges. Weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly here, with visibility dropping to mere metres when clouds descend from the Vaðlaheiði plateau. The final 2km to the summit traverse loose scree slopes that require steady footing, particularly when wet.

From Sulur's cairn-marked peak, the panorama encompasses the entire Eyjafjörður system, from Hrísey island in the north to the Öxnadalur valley stretching inland. On clear days, the view extends to Dettifoss, 90km to the east, and the Westfjords peaks across the Denmark Strait.

Glerádalur Valley Circuits

For hikers seeking shorter routes closer to the city, the Glerádalur valley offers several interconnected trails accessed directly from Akureyri's residential neighbourhoods. The valley's name derives from the Glerá river, whose milky appearance comes from glacial sediment originating in the Kerling massif.

Naustaborgir Loop

This 8km circuit begins at the Naustaborgir recreation area, 4km east of central Akureyri via Drottningarbraut. The trail initially follows the Glerá's eastern bank through cultivated fields before ascending into the valley's hanging glacial cirques. Maximum elevation reaches 650 metres at the turnaround point, where a shelter hut provides respite during the frequent weather changes that sweep down from the interior highlands.

The return leg follows ancient sheep paths along the valley's western rim, offering elevated perspectives of Akureyri's harbour and the geometric fish farms dotting Eyjafjörður's calm waters. Total hiking time ranges from 3-4 hours, making this an ideal half-day excursion.

Lambi Summit

The 743-metre Lambi peak, accessed via a 6km spur trail from the Naustaborgir Loop, rewards hikers with intimate views of Akureyri's urban layout. The ascent gains 500 metres through increasingly sparse vegetation zones, culminating in a lunar landscape of weathered basalt and seasonal snow patches.

Vaðlaheiði Plateau Access

Advanced hikers can access the vast Vaðlaheiði plateau directly from Akureyri via the historic Vaðlaleið pass route. This ancient pathway, used for centuries to connect the Eyjafjörður and Fnjóskadalur valleys, begins near the Hlíðarfjall ski area, 15km south of the city.

The 18km traverse to Fosshóll farm requires 6-8 hours and crosses terrain above 700 metres elevation for most of its length. Navigation skills are essential, as the plateau's featureless topography can disorient hikers during the frequent fog banks that roll in from the Greenland Sea. The trail is marked by traditional stone cairns spaced at 200-metre intervals, though snow can obscure these markers well into June.

Practical Considerations

Timing and Weather

Akureyri's hiking season extends from May through October, though snow may persist on higher elevations into July. The most reliable weather occurs during the brief summer window of late June through mid-August, when temperatures typically range from 8-15°C and precipitation averages 40mm monthly.

Wind exposure increases dramatically above 500 metres elevation, particularly on the Sulur ridge system where gusts regularly exceed 60 km/h. The Icelandic Met Office (Veðurstofa Íslands) provides detailed mountain weather forecasts updated every six hours.

Equipment and Safety

All trails above Akureyri require proper hiking boots with ankle support, as loose volcanic scree comprises much of the terrain above the treeline. Layered clothing systems are essential given the rapid temperature changes with elevation gain. Emergency shelters exist at key points along major routes, stocked and maintained by the Akureyri Search and Rescue team.

Mobile phone coverage extends to most hiking areas below 800 metres elevation, though the Vaðlaheiði plateau remains largely outside the network. GPS devices or detailed topographic maps (available at Ferðafélag Akureyrar for 2,500 ISK) are recommended for longer routes.

Getting There

Strætó bus route 57 connects central Akureyri with Kjarnaskógur during summer months (680 ISK one-way). Taxi services to trailheads typically cost 4,500-6,800 ISK depending on destination. Most visitors opt for rental vehicles, with parking available at all major trailheads for 500 ISK daily fees.

The trails above Akureyri represent some of Iceland's most rewarding hiking, combining accessibility with genuine wilderness character. Whether seeking a gentle introduction to Icelandic highlands or a challenging plateau crossing, these paths deliver authentic northern landscapes within reach of comfortable accommodation and dining.

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