Hike to Mt Esja: Experience Signature Mountain and Amazing Views of the Capital Area
5.0
33 Ratings
Reykjavík
Embark on a thrilling hike to Mt Esja, the signature mountain of the capital area, and be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility in nature.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Esjan - Welcome to Mt. Esja, the mountain that is the north backdrop of Reykjavík and the capital area.

A popular mountain for outdoor activities, walking and hiking.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
Additional Information

Our iconic Mt. Esja, recognized prominently in the capital region, is a favorite amongst locals. Several paths are offered, but our journey will begin from Mógilsá to Þverfellshorn.

We’ll collect you and head to Kollafjörður. Here we’ll abandon the car and initiate our trek to the summit, anticipated to last under 2 hours. The awe-inspiring viewpoint at the peak provides a unique perspective of the capital region.

This excursion is ideal for both novice and seasoned trailblazers.

Our aim is for you to depart this experience with a sense of tranquility and unity with the environment.

We can’t wait to embark on this trek with you!

Location
Reykjavik BSI Bus Terminal
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(33 Ratings)
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1 star
Ellie_b
Apr 3, 2024
A great trip with Magnus!! - Myself and my family completed the walk up mount esja with Magnus and what an amazing time we had!! He was clear about the route we would be following from the start of the walk and set a good walking pace for us. He did not make us feel rushed and we were able to take breaks as and when we needed and we did not feel any pressure to walk at a pace that did not suit us. Magnus was a great guide! He clearly knew the route very well, making us feel safe at all times. He had a lot of knowledge about the mountain and the nature, and we also enjoyed just chatting to him about life in Iceland. He also brought along his dog Lisa who we absolutely loved! She was a very sweet dog!!! Magnus was well prepared for the walk bringing a long water and coffee for us and also some icelandic chocolate (which Lisa loved too!!!!). It is a challenging walk, so be prepared with appropriate shoes (we all had walking boots so not a problem for us). Magnus also gave us Crampons to use at the top where it is was particularly snowy so we could easily walk safely along on the mountain. We had a great time doing the walk and getting to know Magnus and it was a real highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Viator
Trishabu1271
Feb 29, 2024
Great hike! - First, I live in a very flat area. I prepared by wearing weights on my back while I walked around my neighborhood and by doing hill rides on my Peloton. Ma'am, Sir, I was not ready! LOL This hike was straight up hill. Note, locals were walking and running past me like they were walking on flat ground. LOL I say all this to say that the guide was beyond patient with me and led me up Mt. Esja with care. It's a beautiful hike. I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend this hike especially for a solo traveler. The guide was a gentleman, on time, and communicated effectively before and during the hike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjamin_t
Feb 21, 2024
Great hike, beautiful scenery! - Magnus was a terrific guide... punctual dropoff/pickup and a pleasure to chat with during our hike. He provided extra hiking equipment (and snacks!) and did a great job selecting the best routes up Mt. Esja. His lovely labrador, Lisa, even joined our hike! Overall a fantastic experience I would totally repeat on my next visit to Iceland!
Review provided by Viator
Alexander_b
Jan 11, 2024
Great hike - HI Magnus was a fantastic guide with a wealth of knowledge about the landscape and the history of the area. Me and my dad had a wonderful time and will be definitely be booking his services on our return to Iceland. Yours sincerely Alex
Review provided by Viator
Lisasw4306zj
Jan 1, 2024
Delightful New Years Day Hike! Vegan friendly, Muslim friendly - What a New Years Day adventure! Magnus and his lovely little lab Lisa were wonderful guides in some extreme January Iceland weather. Totally delightful hike with phenomenal views, even in the snow, sleet and wind. Clearly a favorite local hike, we were surrounded by Icelanders setting off the New Year right. We are a 48 year old woman from the US, and a 27 year old woman from Afghanistan (my "honorary daughter"). Magnus was so helpful and really encouraged us to take the hike at our own pace, carved out the easiest path based on our ability, and perfectly read our fitness level and preparation for the weather, knowing exactly the right amount of challenge and when to head back in the cold weather. Doggie Lisa also showed great concern for any and all that seemed to be stressed, including barking to alert us to her concern another hike who was resting by the side of the trail! Also, he provided vegan chocolate for me (very vegan friendly- his mom and sister eat this way!). He gave us all manner of advice on great hikes around Iceland, as well as wide ranging topics from Icelandic politics to the immigration system. A wonderful start to the New Year- highly recommend, would definitely book again. Left feelignlike we have a new local friend in Iceland- completely different vibe from the "small group" trips we are on the rest of our week.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marina_c
Dec 1, 2023
Unforgettable experience - I had a lovely experience on this tour, really glad I picked it out of the many options that were available. Magnus was very knowledgeable and attentive to us during the whole time. Being a small group made it more enjoyable. You must try this out!
Review provided by Viator
Christine_c
Nov 30, 2023
Hike up Mt Esja - This was a great hike up Mt Esja with our guide Magnuss and his dog Lysa. It was tough but being a private tour, we were easily able to go at our own pace with no pressure. He also brought us water, coffee and gingerbread. The view from the top was well worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Cross
Nov 30, 2023
Amazing views, great guide - Had a great trip with the guide magnus, highly suggest going on this hike if you love a good hike and view. I went to Iceland as a solo traveller so was very nice to have someone familiar transport me to the location as well as walk and guide me along the path.
Review provided by Viator
Trishabu1271
Sep 15, 2023
I made it! - What an amazing day! As noted by many, it was a challenging path. I live in a very flat area of the U.S.A. The highest elevation I've ever hiked is around 450 ft. or 137m. Magus was patient and kind. I needed to stop a few times to catch my breath, and he never rushed me. He went at my pace and made sure I was ok. I made it to 600m, and it was awesome. This was a challenging hike, but it felt so good. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurapucci13
Feb 11, 2024
AMAZING HIKE BUT BOOK THROUGH THEIR SITE - The hike was amazing and my tour guide Magnus was great! Definitely something I would recommend doing. The only issue is that I booked a tour for mt. Elsa and ended up going to mt. Helgafell which is a shorter trip and less expensive, also it’s better to book through their site as on trip advisor it’s double the amount! I lost out on a lot of money over $100 booking through trip advisor and doing another mountain. So definitely go on the hike but book through their site and call them to confirm what mountain you’re going on
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 14 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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