The first settlers of Akureyri, in the 10th century, were Helgi magri (Helgi the thin) and his wife, Þórunn Hyrna. Taking this path past their statues and following the streets named in their honour will give you a feel for modern-day Akureyri.
The walk starts by the skating rink, from there cross the road Miðhúsabraut and walk uphill along the street. At the first curve, cross the street and walk towards south along the hot water pipeline.
One of the best things about cities and towns in Iceland is that you never feel too far from nature. Even walking through the town of Akureyri, the second-biggest settlement in Iceland, you’re still able to find plenty of peaceful green areas, rivers and gardens.
The valley Glerárdalur is named after the river Glerá that flows through it. A nice walk leads from the mouth of the valley to the bottom of it and ends by the mountain hut named Lambi, some 11 km into the valley.
The hike goes from the bridge by the beginning of the road Hlíðarfjallsvegur, upp along the so called path "Fallorkustígur" up to the reservoir / dam for the hydro powerplant where the hike started and returns along the otherside of the river.
A scenic walk along the lower-part of the river Glerá which flows through Akureyri. The route is mostly along the river and its canyon, passing the old power plant, crossing the red pedestrian bridge over the dam by the reservoir.
At Þór's athletics field there is a 400m heated track which is perfect for both running and having a walk. It can be used both during summer and winter so it is a great option if you are looking for a solid surface to walk/run on.
A paved path between Akureyri and the village of Hrafnagil invites to a easy walk on a flat ground.
The path is about 9 km long (one way), but can easily be shortened by just doing a part of it.
Mt. Hraundrangi is a national landmark of Iceland and one of the most majestic places to take pictures. The area offers many hiking options e.g. to the lake Hraunsvatn. Most hikes start by the farm Haun.
Hrísey is about 11,5 square kilometres. The island is about 7 km long and 2,5 km at its widest. Its highest point is by the lighthouse on the north end, or about 110 meters above sea level.
The walks starts from the car park by Ljómatún street, along a footpath up the hill towards Naustaborgir. When you reach the hill, there is a good view out of the fjord to Kaldbakur and to Súlur, from there you walk to the right into the golf course area along a gravel path that runs around the course.
Kjarnaskógur is a woodland area south of Akureyri and one of the most popular recreation area in town. The area is about 800 hectares. In 1950 there were no trees in the area at all but since then over 15 million trees have been planted,
Walk around the area above and west of Akureyri. The route runs along Lónsá river, along Lögmannshlíð itself, where a lot of forestry takes place south of Lögmannshlíð Church. At the stable area, enter Safírstræti street in the direction of the animal hospital, from where you keep to the left along a gravel road to the north to Lónsá, and from there continue down to highway 1 the same way as at the beginning of the walk.
If you don't have a lot of time but would still like to get a feel for the town of Akureyri, take this short walk through the old neighbourhood of Oddeyri by the sea. With its charming old houses, outdoor artwork and stunning view of Eyjafjörður fjord and the mountains on the other side, this route will give you a taste of what Akureyri is all about.
Follow Sandgerðisbót past Norðurorka's new sewage treatment plant, up an old road in the slope below the rock belt to the north towards Krossanes. You can loop on the way and walk down to Sílabás, which is the only untouched sandy beach in an urban area within the town limits.
A rather easy walk. Begins by the woodland Miðhálsaskógur in Öxnadalur. Head up from the parking to above the forestry area and along the edge of the mountain ridge up to the top of the mountain.