Kjarnaskógur - Gamli - Fálkafell - Súluvegur Mixed trail (both hiking and cycling)
A great hiking trail that runs along the rocky belt connecting Kjarnaskógur Forest to Glerárdalur Valley, with stops at the Fálkafell and Gamli Scout Cabins.
More information
Region
Norðurland, Akureyrarbær
Starting point
65.645678, -18.084639
Markings
- Marked trail, at regular intervals
- Marked trail with cairns
Duration
2 - 3 hours
Surface
- Gravel
- Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
- Step - A step, ledge, stair or low ledge that must be stepped on
- 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
- A ford - Unbridged river/a stream, wetland or a swamp
Hazards
- Fissures - A deep gap or a crack in rock or moving soil
- Slippery trail
Service on the trail
No service
Salerni og sorplosun er við upphaf leiðar í Kjarnaskógi / Hömrum (bílastæðin). Engin salerni eru við Súluveg.
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
From Kjarnaskógur, several routes can be chosen, the most common starting just below Kirkjustein, where the trail climbs a steep ridge, Kjarnakambur, up onto the rocks. From there, the path continues across glacially carved rocks, through wooded areas, and up to Gamli, the scouts’ cabin.
The route shown here is slightly further north and a bit longer (about 2 km longer). It follows the trail above Hamrar toward Naustaborgir, then turns off the path up a hill and into the forest along a track that ends at Gamli. The trail is marked “Gamli”; see the map below.
From Gamli, the trail continues north along the rocky ridge up to Fálkafell, another scout cabin. From there, there is a great view over the town and out across the fjord.
An optional detour from Gamli can be taken to Steinmenn, large boulders higher up in the area. This path is quite steep and can be slippery in wet or icy conditions.
When at Fálkafell Scout Cabin, you can choose between two routes: the mountain biking trail down to the parking area for the hike up to Súlur, or the path that passes a large cairn and continues down to Súluvegur, near the hot water utility sheds of Norðurorka (this route is shown on the map).
If starting this hike from opposite direction - that is the Glerárdalur side, it is most common to begin at Súluvegur near the Norðurorka hot water sheds and then follow the above directions in reverse. This route passes through varied terrain: trails, sheep tracks, rocks, bridges, marshes, and moorland. A large portion of the trail runs along the rocky ridge above Naustaborgir and Kjarnaskógur, offering magnificent views. <
Note that the trail is used by both walkers and cyclists.
The scout cabins are locked and used for scout activities, but it is fine to use the deck at Gamli or shelters near the buildings as a rest spot, as long as it does not disturb scout activities.
Points of Interest: the Scout Cairn, Fálkafell, and Gamli (the scouts’ cabin), viewpoints, and the impressive trail along the rocky ridge, Kjarnaskógur.
The route shown here is slightly further north and a bit longer (about 2 km longer). It follows the trail above Hamrar toward Naustaborgir, then turns off the path up a hill and into the forest along a track that ends at Gamli. The trail is marked “Gamli”; see the map below.
From Gamli, the trail continues north along the rocky ridge up to Fálkafell, another scout cabin. From there, there is a great view over the town and out across the fjord.
An optional detour from Gamli can be taken to Steinmenn, large boulders higher up in the area. This path is quite steep and can be slippery in wet or icy conditions.
When at Fálkafell Scout Cabin, you can choose between two routes: the mountain biking trail down to the parking area for the hike up to Súlur, or the path that passes a large cairn and continues down to Súluvegur, near the hot water utility sheds of Norðurorka (this route is shown on the map).
If starting this hike from opposite direction - that is the Glerárdalur side, it is most common to begin at Súluvegur near the Norðurorka hot water sheds and then follow the above directions in reverse. This route passes through varied terrain: trails, sheep tracks, rocks, bridges, marshes, and moorland. A large portion of the trail runs along the rocky ridge above Naustaborgir and Kjarnaskógur, offering magnificent views. <
Note that the trail is used by both walkers and cyclists.
The scout cabins are locked and used for scout activities, but it is fine to use the deck at Gamli or shelters near the buildings as a rest spot, as long as it does not disturb scout activities.
Points of Interest: the Scout Cairn, Fálkafell, and Gamli (the scouts’ cabin), viewpoints, and the impressive trail along the rocky ridge, Kjarnaskógur.