Hrísey – The Red Route Hiking trail
A beautiful walking trail leads from the harbor and the village, up onto the island, and along the eastern coastline. Most people can complete this loop in approximately 1.5–2 hours.
More information
Region
Norðurland, Akureyrarbær
Starting point
65.978793, -18.380088 (65° 58.728'N, 18° 22.805'W)
Markings
Unmarked trail, no markings to guide the way
Duration
1 - 2 hours
Surface
Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
Aqueduct - A ditch or a chute to divert water
Hazards
- Slippery trail
- Car traffic
- Cyclist traffic
Service on the trail
No service
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
A popular circular route and one of the longer walks on the island, passing many of Hrísey’s main points of interest.
A beautiful walking trail leads from the harbor and the village, up onto the island, and along the eastern coastline. The route passes the fish drying racks, goes through a grove of trees, across a heath, and down to the rocky eastern shore. On the southern part of the island, you’ll see the artwork Yggdrasil, visit the Energy Source, and walk through a sheltered woodland area before continuing to the western part of the island and back into the village, completing the loop.
The walk begins at the harbor, heading toward the church in the “town center” of Hrísey. From there, follow the main street, Norðurvegur, north (to the left). Along the way, you pass the shop, the church, and the island’s museums — some at the start of the walk and others at the end. From Norðurvegur, the path leads through an area of wild angelica up to and past the fish drying racks along a well-maintained trail. At the next intersection, turn left and cross the island to reach the eastern shore and Borgarbrík, impressive cliffs with excellent views across the fjord to Látraströnd on the opposite shore.
Along the east coast, you can see a variety of rock formations, outcrops, and skerries, and if you’re lucky, whales are often visible just off the coast. The route also passes historical remains of ancient settlements, the farm at Hvatastaðir, and moorland graves.
The trail continues to the outdoor artwork Yggdrasil, unveiled in 1998. American artist David Hebb received a Fulbright grant to create the piece in Hrísey. The work was designed to connect Norse mythology (Ásatrú) with imagery from modern industry and craftsmanship. It is about four meters in diameter and three meters high. The piece is intended to weather and gradually decay, eventually returning to nature. Its materials include steel, stone, concrete, gold, other natural elements, and a small tree growing at the top.
From the artwork, the walk continues south (into the fjord) along a good path to the Energy Source, where benches await tired walkers to recharge. From the spring, the route passes through a sheltered woodland area and by a small pond before returning to the road leading back into the village.
Most people can complete this loop in approximately 1.5–2 hours.
A beautiful walking trail leads from the harbor and the village, up onto the island, and along the eastern coastline. The route passes the fish drying racks, goes through a grove of trees, across a heath, and down to the rocky eastern shore. On the southern part of the island, you’ll see the artwork Yggdrasil, visit the Energy Source, and walk through a sheltered woodland area before continuing to the western part of the island and back into the village, completing the loop.
The walk begins at the harbor, heading toward the church in the “town center” of Hrísey. From there, follow the main street, Norðurvegur, north (to the left). Along the way, you pass the shop, the church, and the island’s museums — some at the start of the walk and others at the end. From Norðurvegur, the path leads through an area of wild angelica up to and past the fish drying racks along a well-maintained trail. At the next intersection, turn left and cross the island to reach the eastern shore and Borgarbrík, impressive cliffs with excellent views across the fjord to Látraströnd on the opposite shore.
Along the east coast, you can see a variety of rock formations, outcrops, and skerries, and if you’re lucky, whales are often visible just off the coast. The route also passes historical remains of ancient settlements, the farm at Hvatastaðir, and moorland graves.
The trail continues to the outdoor artwork Yggdrasil, unveiled in 1998. American artist David Hebb received a Fulbright grant to create the piece in Hrísey. The work was designed to connect Norse mythology (Ásatrú) with imagery from modern industry and craftsmanship. It is about four meters in diameter and three meters high. The piece is intended to weather and gradually decay, eventually returning to nature. Its materials include steel, stone, concrete, gold, other natural elements, and a small tree growing at the top.
From the artwork, the walk continues south (into the fjord) along a good path to the Energy Source, where benches await tired walkers to recharge. From the spring, the route passes through a sheltered woodland area and by a small pond before returning to the road leading back into the village.
Most people can complete this loop in approximately 1.5–2 hours.