Krossanesborgir Hiking trail
More information
Region
Norðurland, Akureyrarbær
Starting point
65.702588, -18.137313 (65° 42.155'N, 18° 8.239'W)
Markings
Marked trail with cairns
Duration
1 - 2 hours
Surface
- Wetlands
- Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
Bridge - A structure that carries a path/trail/road across a waterfall, river, ravine or other obstacle
Hazards
- Slippery trail
- Cyclist traffic
Service on the trail
No service
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
Krossanesborgir has been a protected nature reserve since 2004.
The area is home to diverse plant and bird life, which the protection aims to preserve, ensuring a rich and lasting habitat for flora and fauna while providing the public with easy access for education and outdoor recreation. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that visitors do not disturb the plant and bird life. The rock formations consist of 5–10 million-year-old basalt, forming the bedrock of Akureyri.
The area is characterized by clusters of rocky outcrops and low ridges aligned north–south, generally shaped like whalebacks — gently sloping to the south with steeper rocky faces to the north and east. Glacial features are clearly visible, including striations, crescent-shaped fractures, and large erratic boulders. The area has seen little drainage, and between the rock formations are fertile wetlands and ponds with distinctive and diverse plant and bird life. The main ponds are Djáknatjörn, Startjörn, and Hundatjörn.
Around 170 plant species have been recorded here, including 16 species of sedge (wetland plants), as well as several species of pondweed, including the rare long-stalked pondweed. According to a detailed bird survey conducted in 2003, at least 27 bird species nest in the area. These include the Arctic tern; black-headed gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, and common gull; whimbrel; various ducks and geese such as common shelduck and greylag goose; along with numerous waders and moorland birds.
Marked trails run through the area (see overview map) to make it easier for visitors to enjoy the surroundings. The northernmost path follows an old bridle track that was once a historic route. Information boards with further details are located within the area. Source: Environment Agency of Iceland website.
The area is home to diverse plant and bird life, which the protection aims to preserve, ensuring a rich and lasting habitat for flora and fauna while providing the public with easy access for education and outdoor recreation. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that visitors do not disturb the plant and bird life. The rock formations consist of 5–10 million-year-old basalt, forming the bedrock of Akureyri.
The area is characterized by clusters of rocky outcrops and low ridges aligned north–south, generally shaped like whalebacks — gently sloping to the south with steeper rocky faces to the north and east. Glacial features are clearly visible, including striations, crescent-shaped fractures, and large erratic boulders. The area has seen little drainage, and between the rock formations are fertile wetlands and ponds with distinctive and diverse plant and bird life. The main ponds are Djáknatjörn, Startjörn, and Hundatjörn.
Around 170 plant species have been recorded here, including 16 species of sedge (wetland plants), as well as several species of pondweed, including the rare long-stalked pondweed. According to a detailed bird survey conducted in 2003, at least 27 bird species nest in the area. These include the Arctic tern; black-headed gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, and common gull; whimbrel; various ducks and geese such as common shelduck and greylag goose; along with numerous waders and moorland birds.
Marked trails run through the area (see overview map) to make it easier for visitors to enjoy the surroundings. The northernmost path follows an old bridle track that was once a historic route. Information boards with further details are located within the area. Source: Environment Agency of Iceland website.