Glerárdalur up to the dam Mixed trail (both hiking and cycling)
The hiking trail starts close to the bridge on Hlíðarfjallsvegur by Fallorka’s new power station, follows the so-called Fallorka Trail up to the reservoir above the Glerá dam, and then loops back down along the trail toward the Súlur parking area and continues down Súluvegur to Akureyri.
Parking is available by the new power station close to Hlíðarfjallsvegur.
More information
Region
Norðurland, Akureyrarbær
Starting point
65.677230, -18.132067 (65° 40.634'N, 18° 7.924'W)
Markings
- Sign(s) at the starting point of the trail
- Marked trail with cairns
- Unmarked trail, no markings to guide the way
Duration
4 - 6 hours
Surface
- Pavement - e.g. asphalt or concrete
- Gravel
- Wood chips
Obstacles
- Aqueduct - A ditch or a chute to divert water
- Bridge - A structure that carries a path/trail/road across a waterfall, river, ravine or other obstacle
Hazards
- No hazards on the way
- Slippery trail
Service on the trail
No service
Bílastæði er við upphaf leiðarinnar og einnig við Súluveg ef fólk kýs að aka frekar þangað og byrja leiðina þar.
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
A hiking trail starts close to the bridge on Hlíðarfjallsvegur, beside Fallorka’s new power station, and follows the so-called Fallorka Trail up to the reservoir above the Glerá dam before looping back down along the trail to the Súlur parking area (Súlubílastæði).
Parking is available by the new power station above the bridge on Hlíðarfjallsvegur. The route heads south along a gravel and dirt path that runs close to, or alongside, the canyon. Along the way, you pass the motorsport area of the Akureyri Car Club (BA) and the motor and snowmobile sports association (KKA).
Two marked viewpoints along the trail overlook the canyon, offering spectacular views of the dramatic gorge and beautiful waterfalls. After passing the KKA area, the route detours around the fenced shooting range of the Akureyri Shooting Association (SA). Once above the shooting area, the trail joins a track, crosses a cattle grid, and climbs slightly up the hillside before turning left (south) onto a road leading into the valley and all the way to the new Glerárdalur dam. The route crosses the river via the dam and continues up a steep path to the eastern side of the canyon. From there, the trail descends along the river toward Akureyri.
Detour: Alternatively, instead of heading toward Akureyri after crossing the dam, you can continue further into the valley to Lambi mountain hut, operated by the Akureyri Touring Association (note: advance booking and payment are required for access with a key).
If you do not take the detour, the trail toward Akureyri leads you to the Súlur parking area. From there, follow Súluvegur road down toward town, passing the dairy plant (Mjólkursamsalan). Continue across Þingvallarstræti by the Flúðir preschool, turn left, cross the bridge over the Glerá River, and almost complete a full circle at the roundabout before following the path back down to the power station, where the loop ends.
Two marked viewpoints along the trail overlook the canyon, offering spectacular views of the dramatic gorge and beautiful waterfalls. After passing the KKA area, the route detours around the fenced shooting range of the Akureyri Shooting Association (SA). Once above the shooting area, the trail joins a track, crosses a cattle grid, and climbs slightly up the hillside before turning left (south) onto a road leading into the valley and all the way to the new Glerárdalur dam. The route crosses the river via the dam and continues up a steep path to the eastern side of the canyon. From there, the trail descends along the river toward Akureyri.
Detour: Alternatively, instead of heading toward Akureyri after crossing the dam, you can continue further into the valley to Lambi mountain hut, operated by the Akureyri Touring Association (note: advance booking and payment are required for access with a key).
If you do not take the detour, the trail toward Akureyri leads you to the Súlur parking area. From there, follow Súluvegur road down toward town, passing the dairy plant (Mjólkursamsalan). Continue across Þingvallarstræti by the Flúðir preschool, turn left, cross the bridge over the Glerá River, and almost complete a full circle at the roundabout before following the path back down to the power station, where the loop ends.