Hamrar through the years

Hamrar, the Scouts' outdoor centre in Akureyri, began operating in 2000 after several years of development. Hamrar is a diverse outdoor recreation and activity area, with a focus on environmental issues, tourism, and outdoor activities that serve both the scouting movement and the public. Hamrar is situated on land associated with the settlement of Helgi magri.

The Hamrar grounds are located on the outskirts of Akureyri, beneath a rugged rocky belt separating Eyrarlandsháls and Súlur from the lowlands at the head of Eyjafjörður. Hamrar lies at the centre of Akureyri's outdoor recreation areas, south of the Glerá River. Kjarnaskógur lies to the south, while Nausta and Hamraborgir are to the north.

Hamrar is a popular stopover for tourists visiting Akureyri. Visitors include guests staying overnight at the campsite, as well as tourists and local residents who want to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful environment with many recreational opportunities. The area includes several playgrounds and ponds suitable for a variety of water sports and outdoor activities.

The scouting movement in Akureyri took the initiative in preparing and developing Hamrar and continues to manage its operations under an agreement with the Municipality of Akureyri. Hamrar is one of Iceland's two national jamboree locations. The first jamboree at Hamrar was held in 2002, and the most recent was held in 2014.

Hamrar I

A country house built in 1930. The building contains various facilities that are useful to the area and to the town's scouts. An old barn and stables beside the farm are used as storage and tool sheds for the campsite and outdoor centre.

Hamrar II

A farm building was built in 1956 and rebuilt in its current form in 2000. It contains a local service house with sleeping accommodation for 18 people in the loft, along with two toilets, a shower, a dining room, a kitchen, and a room with brochures, maps, and information for tourists. The service house is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the main summer holiday period. At other times, opening depends on attendance and other circumstances.