Helgafell Circle from Varmárlaug Running trail
An enjoyable mountain run on Helgafell in Mosfellsbær (216 m), starting at the Varmá sports centre. An approximately 8 km loop with moderate elevation along waymarked paths up the hill and back. Good views over Mosfellsbær, Esja and Hafravatn, with historic remains at the top.
More information
Region
Höfuðborgarsvæðið, Mosfellsbær
Starting point
Varmá sports centre (Varmárlaug swimming pool)
Markings
Unmarked trail, no markings to guide the way
Duration
30 - 60 minutes
Surface
- Pavement - e.g. asphalt or concrete
- Gravel
- Grass
- Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
- Wetlands
Obstacles
Aqueduct - A ditch or a chute to divert water
The descent is steep and loose in places, with a considerable gradient on one section; take care. The summit can be windy.
Hazards
- Rockfall - Rocks can fall from cliffs, landslides and mountain slopes
- Wind gusts - A route known for powerful wind gusts
Service on the trail
Restrooms
Sundlaug, salerni og bílastæði við íþróttamiðstöðina að Varmá (Varmárlaug).
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
This is an enjoyable mountain run on Helgafell, one of Mosfellsbær's local hills, rising 216 metres above sea level. The route starts at the Varmá sports centre, from where the Mosfellsbær Peaks Run is also started, and follows walking and running paths up to the hill. The path up the mountain is marked with orange posts and runs diagonally up the slope. Before the climb begins you can see a small depression in the mountain, remnants of a gold mine from around 1900, where gold was sought without success. At the top there is a short walk to the highest point. From the hill there are wide views over Mosfellsbær, Esja and the sounds, and by walking out to the southern edges you get good views over Hafravatn and towards Bláfjöll. The route is about 8 km with around 218 metres of ascent and forms a loop. The surface is mixed; a paved path at the start and then waymarked soil and gravel paths up the mountain. Note that the descent is steep and loose in places, so take care. Mosfellsbær has done good work marking and waymarking the town's trails. Parking and a swimming pool are at Varmá.