Hiking Trails in Múlaþing

Hike starts by að sign on the bank of river Þverá south of Eiríksstaðir farm and continues on to Fremri Hnefill – mountain top (947 m). From there one can cross over to the top of Ytri Hnefill (922m) and down to Eiríksstaðir farm again. Travellers could challenge themselves to a longer hike by walking over to the ruins of the abandoned Hneflasel farm and then traverse back between the two mountains to Jökuldalur valley. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65°08.617-W15°28.195

An easy and pleasant walk from the center of Seyðisfjörður town, by a walkway partly gravel, partly grassy through a forested area towards the vale Fjarðarsel where beautiful waterfalls and varied green growth await the wanderer. A visit to the oldest operational power plant in Iceland at Fjarðarsel (1913) is optional, provided that it is arranged beforehand. The plant marked a turning point in the history of Icelandic electrification. For the avid waterfall lover an added walk along the south side of Fjarðará river up to Neðri Stafur rock stratum, (300 m. alt.) is a must. Out of a total of 25 waterfalls, in river Fjarðará some of the most spectacular ones can be seen along the way. At Neðri Stafur rock stratum, the wanderer is presented with an exquisite view over Seyðisfjörður fjord and town, along with a fine selection of berries in late August. The scenic mountains, waterfalls, vegetation, and the history of the town is a wonderful blend that makes this walk unforgettable. Fjarðará River & Fjarðarsel MuseumDuration: 2,5 and 4 hours / 2- 4 km. Period: June - September 

Period: summer By climbing seven of the peaks surrounding the fjord of Seyðisfjörður, one earns the prestigious title of "a Seyðisfjörður Mountain Viking". Mostly exceeding an altitude of 1.000 m, these mountains are as follows:  Sandhólatindur, Bjólfur, Nóntindur, Hádegistindur, Strandartindur, Snjófjall, and Bægsli. You´ll find guestbooks and ink stamps waiting at each peak. The cards for summit stamps and further details are available at the information centre in the ferry terminal, tel. +354 472 1551 and at www.seydisfjordur.is

A walk to Vestdalur Nature Reserve, Vestdalur lake and the Mountain Lady cave. The route was used to transport mail and trade in the old days between Seyðisfjörður and other towns in East Iceland. In 1880 – 1910 this was one of East Iceland’s most frequently used trails and still presents several pretty, piled-rock constructions, including cairns. After several tiers of glorious waterfalls, you will arrive at a small lake, Vestdalsvatn, which remains frozen most of the year. There you will see Mt Bjólfur to your left. To the right you’ll find the tiny cave where the remains of the Mountain Lady were found in 2004. Around the Mountain Lady cave a group of workers found bones of a 30 year old lady, more than 400 pearls and brooches from the Viking era which have been identified as remains from the year 940.

On arrival to Borgarfjörður Eystri, you will se a distinctive landmark in the middle of the village; Álfaborg, or The city of Elves, where the Queen of Elves lives, legend tells. Numerous tales tell of relations between elves and locals, such as young women marrying elvish men and living in Álfaborg. Álfaborg was declared a nature reserve in 1976, which makes the area protected for recreational and public use. On top of Álfaborg is an observation platform with excellent view over the fjord and surrounding mountains. The trail up Álfaborg is an easy walk and suitable for all. Below Álfaborg is the local camping ground and a fresbee golf course.

Brúnavík is a deserted inlet just south of Borgarfjörður Eystri, renowned for its serene surroundings. A hike back and forth from the parking lot at Hafnarhólmi marina across Brúnavíkurskarð pass (360 m) down to the ruins of the farm is approx. 12 km. Crossing at the mouth of the river is an absolute must to appreciate the colorful beach. The way back crosses the Brotagil ravine across the bridge to pass Hofstrandarskarð (320 m). The hike takes about 5-6 hours on a marked trail.

The gorge Innra-Hvannagil is located in Njarðvík near Borgarfjörður Eystri and is accessible on foot from a parking by the road. After about 100 meters you find yourself at the mouth of this marvelous rhyolite canyon, where numerous dark basalt dikes crisscross the bright slopes.

Numerous marked trails surround the village at Borgarfjörður Eystri. One of them leads to the mountainous terrain of Kúahjalli and Hrafnatindur. The trail follows the banks of Bakkaá river up to Hrafnatindur mountain offering a remarkable view over the fjord. Thereupon the trail continues to Kúahjalli and down again to Geitavík where a monument dedicated to the reowned Icelandic painter Jóhannes S. Kjarval stands. The hike should take about 3 hours with 350 m elevation.

Loðmundarfjörður is a beautiful deserted fjord north of Seyðisfjörður. It was probably inhabited since settlement started in Iceland. It is known that 143 people lived there in 1860, but their number decreased after that. Loðmundarfjörður was deserted in 1973. You can still see quite a few traces of settlements in the area, and there is still a tiny church by Klyppstaður. Today, Loðmundarfjörður is a popular destination for hikers, as the fjord is part of the hiking trail system Víknaslóðir. It is possible to drive to Loðmundarfjörður in the second half of the summer, but it is necessary to have a four-wheel-drive car.

Stórurð boulders is one of Icelands most spectacular sights and has gained more popularity amongst hikers in recent years. The expansive surroundings offer plenty to see and experience; blue-green ponds contrast with flat, vegetated meadows surrounded by sheer-sloped and jagged tuff Dyrfjöll mountain peaks. As the name suggests, the area is strewn with many enormous boulders, likely abandoned by retreating glaciers. Five marked trails lead to and from Stórurð. Two from Vatnsskarð pass, one from Njarðvík and two from Borgarfjörður Eystri. Since Stórurð is located over 400 m above sea level, snow often lingers far into summer so best time for exploring this magnificent area is from mid-July to first appreciable snows of autumn. The hike back and forth takes about 4-5 hours so consider this a day tour.  

A delightful short walk from Afrétt in the innermost part of Borgarfjörður Eystri takes the wanderer to Urðarhólar; idyllic scenery with hilly terrain and small ponds, rich birdlife, and colorful view of the mountaintops.  The marked trail is 3 km. But should you wish to extend it, there is much to see!  

Víknaslóðir trails, sometimes also referred to as Trails of the Inlets is a vast net of well-marked and versatile hiking routes reaching from the village in Borgarfjörður Eystri to Loðmundarfjörður. Locals have through the years marked out and maintained numerous trails, making the area a rightfully called hiker's Paradise. They also publish a high-quality hiking map and operate comfortable hiking lodges with facilities in Breiðavík, Húsavík and Loðmundarfjörður, deserted inlets and fjord, south of Borgarfjörður Eystri. The mountains come in all shapes and sizes and the variety of colors is stunning; everything from the black sand beaches to the pinkish orange hues of the mountain ridges. The trails wind themselves between isolated coves and fjords over colorful hills and through green valleys all the way down to the coast. Abandoned houses and ruins of ancient farms leave their mark on the surroundings. Travellers can easily spend a few days in the area exploring and taking in the breathtaking views. Tourism companies in Borgarfjörður Eystri offer hikers all kinds of services related to their journey, whether it be tour planning, guidance or transport.

Fardagafoss waterfall is close to Egilsstaðir, at the roots of Fjarðarheiði. It is one of three waterfalls in the Miðhúsaá river; the others are called Gufufoss and Folaldafoss. There is a marked hiking trail to the waterfall, and it is easy except for the last part, which is a bit difficult to cross. The hiking trail starts at a car park by road 93, close to Áningarsteinn rock.  Behind the waterfall is a cave. The story goes that an awful giantess one lived in the cave. It is believed that a tunnel runs through Fjarðarheiði to Gufufoss in Fjarðará in Seyðisfjörður. The giantess in Fardagafoss was famous for having a cauldron full of gold. When the giantess had become so old that she knew her death was imminent, she slid the kettle with the gold down into a deep pothole in the middle of Gufufoss, further down the Miðhúsaá river. The handle of the cauldron is said to be visable when there is little water in the river. Powered by Wikiloc

A walk of about two and a half hours, fairly short but quite steep. Park your cars at the crossroads to Hnefilsdalur. Walk from the sign, located by the main road (no 1), a marked path up along the river Sauðá up to the edge of the slope to the stone wall or fence. Follow the fence until you’ve reached the cylinder with the visitors’ log and stamp. Keep on towards Teigará to the cairn and then walk back for a bit down a staked horse riding trail through Hestagil creek. The purpose of the stone wall is unknown but thought to have been a fence for farm animals. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65°21.391-W15°00.061 Powered by Wikiloc

Hnjúksvatn is a lake on the heath across from Merki farm. Walk from the sign by road no. 923 along Hnjúksá river to Binnubúð hut by Hnjúksvatn. By the hut, you will find the cylinder with the visitors’ log and stamp. An old lady and midwife, Brynhildur Stefánsdóttir built this hut for those who wished to visit and enjoy the highlands. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65°14.333-W15°15.887   Powered by Wikiloc

Húsey farm is renowned for its picturesque nature, abundant wildlife and hiking opportunities. A marked hiking route will take you towards river Jökulsá where seals and seal pups hang out in the river mouth and out to Héraðssandur black sand beach. Húsey is a bird watchers' paradise and with nesting grounds of red-throated divers, parasitic jaegers and great skuas, to name a few.  GPS : N65°38.775-W14°14.670   Powered by Wikiloc

Walk from the sign by the road no 917 towards Ker (before crossing the mountain road Hellisheiði) (N65°42.52- W14°24.41), and from there to Landsendahorn cliff. There one can enjoy a magnificent view of Móvíkur. Above them are 200–300 meters high cliffs and hanging rocky slopes called Móvíkurflug. The rock consists mostly of rhyolite of many colors but mostly yellowish, light brown or greenish grey. The cylinder with the visitors’ log and a stamp is on the banks above Ker. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N65° 43.352-W14°23.300 Powered by Wikiloc

Drive north of Kárahnjúkastífla reservoir along a road (fit for SUV) on Lambafell to crossroads by Laugavellir. Drive down to a parking area by Dimmugljúfur canyons. There you will find a sign containing information and the trail running through Hafrahvammar canyon and Magnahellir cave where you will find the cylinder with the visitors’ log and stamp. The farmers in Eiríksstaðir used to keep their sheep in the slopes by Jökulsá river close to the cave called Magna cave which derives its name from the farmer named Magni who was the first one to keep his sheep there in winter. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N64°99.252-W15°71.683   Powered by Wikiloc

Drive north of Kárahnjúkastífla reservoir along a road (fit for SUV) on Lambafell to crossroads by Laugavellir. Drive down to a parking area by Dimmugljúfur canyons. There you will find a sign containing information and the trail running through Hafrahvammar canyon and Magnahellir cave where you will find the cylinder with the visitors’ log and stamp. The farmers in Eiríksstaðir used to keep their sheep in the slopes by Jökulsá river close to the cave called Magna cave which derives its name from the farmer named Magni who was the first one to keep his sheep there in winter. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region GPS : N64°99.252-W15°71.683   Powered by Wikiloc

Möðrudalur is the highest settled farm in Iceland, 469 meters ( 1.539 feet) above sea-level. It has been inhabited since early settlement in Iceland and Möðrudalur has served as a presbytery for centuries. The builder of the church in Möðrudalur was Jón A. Stefánsson (1880 – 1971). He was a great farmer and a multitask-artist and the altarpiece is made by himself. His son was Stefan ,,Stórval“ Jónsson ( 1908 – 1994), one of a kind character and a painter. The panorama view from the farm is interesting in many ways – judge for yourself.  Several hiking trails are available in the area, and you can get maps at the information center. There you can also see a film that shows the eruption in Holuhraun 2014. Möðrudalur is close to many incomparable natural gems such as Herðubreiðarlindir, Askja, Kverkfjöll, Hvannalindir, Jökuldalsheiði Stuðlagil and Stórurður.  Campsites open from June until mid-September.

Selskógur the small forest on the eastern outskirts of Egilsstaðir, mainly consists of birch but also numerous rowans. Inviting woodchip trails of various lengths lure the wanderer to stroll through the peaceful surroundings.  A football field and a playground are among other recreational options in the area.

Stapavík is an inlet that lies in a magnificent setting of steep cliffs and the open sea. From 1930-1945 Stapavík was a used as an unloading port for ships and is closely related to the commercial history of Borgarfjörður Eystri and Hérað. Remains of the facilities are very picturesque and the view from the inlet is beautiful on a sunny day.  A marked trail leads from the farmstead Unaós, following Selfljót river downstream to the rivermouth. Héraðssandur black sand beach opens to the North of the river with a view over Hellisheiði Eystri rhyolite mountain ridge. This is a about a two hour long (back and forth) family friendly hike. Travellers could also challenge themselves to a longer hike by crossing Gönguskarð mountain pass over to Njarðvík which adds a about two hours to the hike. Powered by Wikiloc

Drive the main road up Hellisheiði mountain and when you’ve reached where you are about the highest part, take an off-road trail to the right from there until you’ve reached Kattárdalsdrög. The trail leads to Kattárdal valley. There is a sign where you can park your car and start walking. The trail is staked to the edge of the cliffs above Múlahöfn harbor. From there (65°45.144 - W14°21.964) lies a trail below the edge, down a rocky slope down to Múlahöfn, one of the natures’ masterpieces surrounded by cliffs and huge pillars of rock on two sides. This harbor was declared an official trading harbor in 1890 but was only used once as such because of the complications when bringing the shipment further on land. From the harbor, walk north to the outer point. From there one can see Þerribjarg cliffs and Langisandur shore. The cylinder with the visitors’ log and a stamp is by the trail leading down to the beach. Hikers are encouraged to go down and walk along the sand under Þerribjarg before turning back. Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region Powered by Wikiloc