Grímannsfell from Gljúfrasteinn Running trail
A challenging mountain run on Grímannsfell, the highest mountain in the Mosfellsbær area (484 m), from Gljúfrasteinn, the home of Halldór Laxness. An approximately 10.5 km loop with substantial climbing along a waymarked path by Kaldakvísl, past Helgufoss and up the mountain. The Nobel laureate's landscape and spectacular views.
More information
Region
Höfuðborgarsvæðið, Mosfellsbær
Starting point
Parking at Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsdalur
Markings
- Marked trail, at regular intervals
- Sign(s) at the starting point of the trail
Duration
2 - 3 hours
Surface
- Gravel
- Unsmooth grassy surface
- Wetlands
- Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
- 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
Bridge over Kaldakvísl and several streams to cross. Near Grímannsfell the ground can be wet and boggy except in dry spells. Tussocky ground in places and a steep climb up the mountain. The summit can be windy.
Hazards
- A ford - Unbridged river/a stream, wetland or a swamp
- Wind gusts - A route known for powerful wind gusts
Service on the trail
- No service
- Restrooms
Bílastæði og safnið Gljúfrasteinn (með salerni og kaffi á opnunartíma) við upphaf leiðar.
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
The route is inaccessible part of winter due to snow and ice
This is a challenging mountain run on Grímannsfell, sometimes also written Grímarsfell, the highest mountain in the Mosfellsbær area at 484 metres. The route starts at Gljúfrasteinn in Mosfellsdalur, the home of the Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness, now a museum, and crosses historic ground. The writer is said to have often walked along Kaldakvísl for his health, up to Helgufoss and back. From the museum you follow a waymarked path, often called the Poet's Route, along the Kaldakvísl river. You soon reach Helgufoss, a beautiful waterfall with a pleasant resting spot and protected ruins of a shieling named after Helga. Above the waterfall you cross the river on a bridge and head up the mountain. The path is waymarked all the way with posts. The highest part of the mountain is called Stórhóll, while the western peak is Flatafell. From the top there are magnificent views over Mosfellsheiði, the slopes of Esja, Móskarðshnúkar and the whole greater Reykjavík area. On the descent you can take a loop at the top over Katlagil, which lengthens the route slightly but opens new views of Mosfellsdalur. The route is about 10.5 km with around 475 metres of ascent and suits experienced runners in good shape. The surface is mixed; fields, moorland, tussocky ground and waymarked paths. Near the mountain the ground can be wet and boggy except in dry spells. Parking and the museum are at Gljúfrasteinn.