Mount Esja is the mountain seen along Rekjayik’s skyline and is home to popular walking trails for locals and travelers alike. In fact, if you've seen images of Reykjavík, you've almost definitely seen Esja! Find out all you need to know about the incredible views, neighboring towns, and popular hiking opportunities of Mount Esja in Iceland.
Esja mountain panoramic view
Towering over the capital of Reykjavik, Mount Esja seems to follow you wherever you go in the capital. A playground for both experienced and novice hikers, Mount Esja is blessed with moderate to extreme slopes, challenging each per their given level of experience. Hikers, if you miss out on this hiking hotspot in Reykjavík, your trip wasn’t worth it!
Mount Esja in Iceland is a flat-topped mountain, measuring 914 meters (almost 3,000 ft) high, located only 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) from the capital. It is a part of a the mountain range that frames the Kjalarnes area.
Clear days call for scenic views extending as far as the edge of the Reykjanes peninsula. And on the clearest day, you can even see the next peninsula, Snæfellsnes and its towering glacier volcano Snæfellsjokull.
The hiking paths leading up to Mount Esja are all carefully marked. On the way up you will be greeted by informative signs helping you choose the right paths for you. Each path is marked with a fitness level so you can choose an easier path or challenge yourself in the course hills.
Stay on the path and avoid venturing into unknown areas as it is not only unsafe for you but also unsafe for the biodiversity of the area.
Whether or not you’re hungry, Mount Esja’s Esjustofa is there at your service. Translating to “the House of Esja”, the cozy restaurant and cafe is tucked in the foothills of the mountain and is an essential stop after an exhausting hike.
Esjustofa, “the House of Esja”, is a cozy restaurant and café located right at the foothills of the mountain. It is a fantastic stop to make after a good hike up the mountain. It’s also a good place for some of the less active members of the group to wait out the adventures of the others.
Mount Esja landscape
Mount Esja in Iceland is located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Reykjavik, right above Mosfellsbær. It can easily be reached by car or bus and is the most renowned hiking location near the capital city of Iceland. You can park your vehicle for free at the well-signposted parking lot at the start of the hiking trails.
GPS coordinates of Esja: 64.2452° N, 21.6586° W
Road to Mount Esja, Iceland
DRIVING FROM REYKJAVIK
It’s hard to miss Esja’s presence in the Reykjavík skyline and you will see the mountain the whole way as you follow Road 1 out of town in a northerly direction. The mountain can easily be put into Google Maps if you wish to follow a map.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ESJA
You can easily get to Esja by public bus, taking the number 15 route from Hlemmur Bus Station. You’ll then need to change at Háholt in Mosfellsbær, getting off here and taking the number 57, which will then take you right to the base of the mountain itself.
Another exciting way to explore the mountain is via helicopter, but you can take a Helicopter Tour from Reykjavík!
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ESJA
Hiking trail to Mount Esja
All the way you will find signs which give an indication of the difficulty levels of each route with a grading system of 1 to 3. This is one of the great things about hiking at Esja - you can choose the difficulty level that you prefer while still enjoying stunning views from the top! Experienced climbers can, therefore, choose to do the one rated the most challenging, number 3.
Those who are most interested in a stroll to the top of Esja are recommended to choose number 1. The path is divided into two sections: there is Þverfellshorn, which goes straight up on the left-hand side, and then there is Kerhólakambur, more on the right-hand side.
The first two signs are met by all hikers but in the third one, you can choose which path you will follow. At this point, more experienced hikers will often choose the left route, going a steep trail directly to the top, but others will make a right turn and follow a more gradual path.
After about 6.6 kilometers (4.1 mi) of walking and 597 meters (1,958 ft) in altitude gain, you will encounter the famous big rock called Steinn. This is where many like to stop and take photos. It’s also proof that they victoriously climbed Esja!
Others will continue all the way to the top, up a steep rocky hill. This last part is only advised for athletic hikers so at this point inexperienced climbers often choose to turn around.
Trekking path to Mount Esja, Iceland
For others, the steep rocky hill climb awaits. This is only recommended for athletic hikers, so the inexperienced are free to turn back or give it a try when they are more prepared.
Another great thing about the hike is that you will be in the company of other hikers, both professional and newbies. So, feed your curiosity with their expertise and don’t feel out of place because there are going to be others like you!
Infographic of Mount Esja
Scenic view of Mount Esja in winter
Mount Esja formed during the beginning of the last Ice Age. Magma from eruptions accumulated beneath the glacier, and then the ice retreated, leaving a formed mountain.
The composition of Esja is basalt and tuff rock. It has a pretty rich flora for an Icelandic mountain, and many wildflowers can be found on it during the summer.
Windswept Mount Esja, Iceland
Reykjavik city by the Esja mountain
Whether before or after your climb, you might be after some lunch or a snack. Here are some of the best places to grab a bite to eat nearby.
Hotels
Guesthouses, B&Bs and Farmstays
Cabins and Cottages
Reykjavik and Mount Esja during winter
The snowy white winter paradise that Mount Esja becomes is a must-see. However, the paths are equally discouraging as the cold wind blows and snow covers the trails. But if you wish to witness this winter wonderland, you have to invest in sturdy boots and a good GPS. If not, then you would have to find another way out!
