Mount Esja
Mount Esja
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Saga N
Chapel Hill, NC22 contributions
Apr 2016
So we stayed in Reykjavik and we were told that we would probably need a car if we wanted to visit Esja. However we managed using the city bus system. This is a step by step on how to do it and what to expect (as of April 2016):
-- Walk to Hlemmur bus station in Reykjavik
-- You can buy bus tickets from 10-11 (grocery store). There is one right near Hlemmur bus station
-- Go in and ask them for two bus tickets (per person)
-- The buses you will be taking are the 5 and then transferring to the 57. Go to the Straeto (bus system in Iceland) website and click on "Plan your Journey." From: Hlemmur, To: Esja and you will see times and bus numbers pop up. NOTE: there are other ways to get there. We took the #5 from Hlemmur and got off at Artun and then transferred to the #57 and got off at Esja Hiking Center
-- When you buy your tickets from 10-11 they might try to sell you 4 tickets per person (round trip) because there are technically four busses. YOU ONLY NEED TWO per person (round trip). When you get on the first bus, make sure to take the receipt after you give up your ticket. That receipt serves as a "transfer" for the next bus. This is true both ways.
-- Once you get off at "Esja Hiking Center" there is a small coffee shop (it was closed when we got there so we never tried it). And there is a map of the trails. Basically you will start at the trailhead and follow the poles. We followed the yellow painted poles, there are also green painted poles. There were times we didn't know exactly where we were going, but as long as you follow the poles, you should be fine. There were others on the trail too!
The views from the top are fantastic. Even if you don't have a car, try to include this in the plan if there's time. Also just from a time perspective. We left at around 8AM from Hlemmur and were back in Reykjavik by 4:30PM. Would recommend this hike in the summer as there can be some ice on the trail.
--
-- Walk to Hlemmur bus station in Reykjavik
-- You can buy bus tickets from 10-11 (grocery store). There is one right near Hlemmur bus station
-- Go in and ask them for two bus tickets (per person)
-- The buses you will be taking are the 5 and then transferring to the 57. Go to the Straeto (bus system in Iceland) website and click on "Plan your Journey." From: Hlemmur, To: Esja and you will see times and bus numbers pop up. NOTE: there are other ways to get there. We took the #5 from Hlemmur and got off at Artun and then transferred to the #57 and got off at Esja Hiking Center
-- When you buy your tickets from 10-11 they might try to sell you 4 tickets per person (round trip) because there are technically four busses. YOU ONLY NEED TWO per person (round trip). When you get on the first bus, make sure to take the receipt after you give up your ticket. That receipt serves as a "transfer" for the next bus. This is true both ways.
-- Once you get off at "Esja Hiking Center" there is a small coffee shop (it was closed when we got there so we never tried it). And there is a map of the trails. Basically you will start at the trailhead and follow the poles. We followed the yellow painted poles, there are also green painted poles. There were times we didn't know exactly where we were going, but as long as you follow the poles, you should be fine. There were others on the trail too!
The views from the top are fantastic. Even if you don't have a car, try to include this in the plan if there's time. Also just from a time perspective. We left at around 8AM from Hlemmur and were back in Reykjavik by 4:30PM. Would recommend this hike in the summer as there can be some ice on the trail.
--
Written April 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muttus
Reykjavik, Iceland40 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
With 914 m above see level Mount Esja is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Reykjavik and instant must do for everyone with bit of adventure under the skin. The hike usually starts in Esjustofa where you can park your car and get snacks (64.208630, -21.714242) The trail is easy to follow it is safe and require medium effort (you will be gaining 850m in just couple km). Around the middle the trail splits in 2 (one crossing the stream and other following on the same side), but don´t worry both will meet again in about 1,5 km in the place called Steinn. The right one is bit longer but easier to walk, I prefer it on the way down. From Steinn there is a short but more difficult climb to the top where you can find small stone pyramid and view chart. Under right conditions the views are breathtaking and the climb is very enjoyable. For experience hikers I do estimate 2-3 hours roundtrip, beginners will take hour longer. Be aware of the weather, especially strong winds or ice can make this hike treacherous and even dangerous.
How to get there.
By car just put 64.208630, -21.714242 in to nav and it will get you there. It is on the way to Borgarnes
By bus. Take number 15 from Hlemmur (public bus stop in the centre, with direction Mosfellsbær, the cost is 350 ISK. Ask the driver for transfer ticket which you can use in the other bus and ask him/her to leave you in Háholt. Wait for bus 57, show the transfer ticket and tell the driver you go to Esja. It is just 3 stops and about 5 minutes, but they usually don't go to parking lot unless there is somebody going there. The way back is the same. Since number 57 goes only few times a day the best way to find connection is to use bus planer where you input Hlemmur or your hotel address and Esjustofa to find the best times there and back.
http://s.straeto.is/journeyplanner/enterJourneyPlan.do?hss=kCMPK148214038
Happy hiking.
How to get there.
By car just put 64.208630, -21.714242 in to nav and it will get you there. It is on the way to Borgarnes
By bus. Take number 15 from Hlemmur (public bus stop in the centre, with direction Mosfellsbær, the cost is 350 ISK. Ask the driver for transfer ticket which you can use in the other bus and ask him/her to leave you in Háholt. Wait for bus 57, show the transfer ticket and tell the driver you go to Esja. It is just 3 stops and about 5 minutes, but they usually don't go to parking lot unless there is somebody going there. The way back is the same. Since number 57 goes only few times a day the best way to find connection is to use bus planer where you input Hlemmur or your hotel address and Esjustofa to find the best times there and back.
http://s.straeto.is/journeyplanner/enterJourneyPlan.do?hss=kCMPK148214038
Happy hiking.
Written January 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TOMM
Toronto, Canada449 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
I had read about Mt Esja in a number of guide books. We had some time one after noon and we decided to go. We actually travelled on the local bus system, it was one transfer but quite easy. Its essentially in the suburbs of Reykjavik. I remember think that it cost about 4$.
The facilities at the base are almost non existent . If you want to use the washroom you have to go purchase something in the little restaurant(which is fair).
There is a sign with the routes at the base listing the paths. There are 3 or 4 main routes and depending on your skill you could probably hike for days here. We had just gotten of a plane and were feeling not so energetic,. We walked up for an hour and then came back. It was a lovely day weather wise so it was a great way to ease ourselves into the nature of Iceland.
The facilities at the base are almost non existent . If you want to use the washroom you have to go purchase something in the little restaurant(which is fair).
There is a sign with the routes at the base listing the paths. There are 3 or 4 main routes and depending on your skill you could probably hike for days here. We had just gotten of a plane and were feeling not so energetic,. We walked up for an hour and then came back. It was a lovely day weather wise so it was a great way to ease ourselves into the nature of Iceland.
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SCG
Walworth, WI29 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
I did this hike in July and was blessed to have a beautiful, sunny, clear t-shirt weather day! This is a relatively easy hike, but it is uphill for about 2 hours, so take your time and enjoy the views. There are two points where the trail splits off- take the trail to the right both times if you want a slightly less steep hike up. It is a little longer, just to be aware. It took me less than 2 hours to go up the steep way (and that was with taking lots of breaks to catch my breath and enjoy the view) and about an hour and half going down the less steep, but longer, way.
Very easy to get to with the city bus if you don't have a car. Round trip was approximately $9 and took about a half hour each way. The "Straeto" bus app was pretty easy to use and you can set it up so it's in English. The stop you want to search for is Esjuraetur- Hiking Center.
Very easy to get to with the city bus if you don't have a car. Round trip was approximately $9 and took about a half hour each way. The "Straeto" bus app was pretty easy to use and you can set it up so it's in English. The stop you want to search for is Esjuraetur- Hiking Center.
Written August 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lispony
Parkton, MD1,027 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
My husband and I and our 3 teenagers went here on a beautiful day to hike. The parking lot was about 30-40 min from Reykjavik. Parking was free and there is a big map of the different routes you could hike. We choose to do a 5 mi hike. It was aggressive and did get steeper the higher you got. The views all along the way are truly breathtaking. You start in a very beautiful area with flowers and a stream running through, then you walk through a small pine forest. Then as you walk across the mountain there are grassy fields to moss to rocks. We hiked to Steinn or "Stone" and then hiked the shortest way straight down. The view at the top is totally worth the effort to get there. The weather was crazy. Sunny and warm at the bottom. Windy at the top and on our way down a brief shower. Again the weather is totally unpredictable in Iceland. Take a picture of the map before you head out so you know where you are. Trail is generally well marked.
Written August 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siim T
Tallinn, Estonia14 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Very convenient! The bus picks you up from Reykjavik city and drops you off right in front of the mountain. (The only down side was that on the way back, the bus came only once an hour, so better check the timetable before climbing up!)
We did the blue trail, it was very nice. We were 3 guys and 1 girl, everyone wearing casual clothes, jeans and sneakers, no hiking gear. We made it to the Stein, even a little bit more until the snow stopped us. That was the point you would need hiking boots to go further.
Nevertheless the view over Reykjavik was magnificent.
I would completely suggest it to beginners and low-budget-student-travelers, nothing hard, just takes some time. Also, don't forget your lunch bag, it's amazing to have a lunch break up there!
We did the blue trail, it was very nice. We were 3 guys and 1 girl, everyone wearing casual clothes, jeans and sneakers, no hiking gear. We made it to the Stein, even a little bit more until the snow stopped us. That was the point you would need hiking boots to go further.
Nevertheless the view over Reykjavik was magnificent.
I would completely suggest it to beginners and low-budget-student-travelers, nothing hard, just takes some time. Also, don't forget your lunch bag, it's amazing to have a lunch break up there!
Written June 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aussiedutch2015
Bundaberg, Australia16 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Hike up to the mountain. There are 2 ways to get to the mark where most people stop. First option, take the longer but easier route or shorter but more chalenging and steeper route. You make this choice after about 20 minutes up the path. We decided on the longer route, which was in part quite easy and in some other parts quite rocky. We stopped at the Stein, where you can sign the visitor's book. Fantastic views and we were blessed with great weather ( 23 July). We very briefly toyed with the idea of continuing to the top, but decided that we were out of our league trying that. We wanted to try the more difficult way down and soon decided that it looks easier than it was. It was very slippery and even though we had good shoes, we both took a bit of a tumble, which certainly shook our confidence. We got down, very tired, but would go down the same way as we came upif we had known how difficult it ended up being. Needed toilet stop and walked into the restaurant at the car park. Had to pay 200 ISK as toilet only for paying customers. Apparently there is a toilet somewhere out at the back, which is free. I don't mind paying for a nice toilet but thought that the cost was very expensive! Thought about having some lunch, but were put off by the enormous cost of food. Overall the climb up was a great experience, but more difficult than I had expected!
Written July 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten E
Copenhagen, Denmark46 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Esja is the mountain, that overlooks the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik and it is possible to climb to the top without special gear.
At the foot of the mountian, there is parking lots, because its a very popular Sunday Tour for many inhabitants. It has become a spot to run up to The Stone, just below the top and down again. The record is 18. mnutes to the top.
But I think, its a shame to do so, instead of enjoying the beautiful view to the valleys and smal water streams and waterfalls, that are running beside the steep path. On a clear day, you can see forever.
At The Stone you can put your name on the list of people, who have climbed Esja, before returning down.
But the downhill climbing is extremly rough on the muscles in your legs, and I recommend streching out at the bottom of the path, where you can have a meal, pizza or caffee in a cosey restaurant.
Children can easyly make the climb, but people with knee-problems must take care
At the foot of the mountian, there is parking lots, because its a very popular Sunday Tour for many inhabitants. It has become a spot to run up to The Stone, just below the top and down again. The record is 18. mnutes to the top.
But I think, its a shame to do so, instead of enjoying the beautiful view to the valleys and smal water streams and waterfalls, that are running beside the steep path. On a clear day, you can see forever.
At The Stone you can put your name on the list of people, who have climbed Esja, before returning down.
But the downhill climbing is extremly rough on the muscles in your legs, and I recommend streching out at the bottom of the path, where you can have a meal, pizza or caffee in a cosey restaurant.
Children can easyly make the climb, but people with knee-problems must take care
Written November 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarleneGroen
13 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
I was looking to get out of the city for an afternoon and a lady at the tourist information suggested this hike. It is 2 busses (35 minutes) away to the base of the trail. Like most Icelandic trails I've done, there was cafe and a cute old man to describe the trail.
I hiked at a leisurely pace but lost the trail a bit on the cliffs near the summit. Most people didnt hike the last bit to the top (it was only 1 inch on the map!) It was pretty steep. Going down was much easier because I found the trail and the metal chains to use to scale the side of the mountain.
It took about 2 hours, including a lunch break so had a celebratory beer at the cafe while I waited for the bus.
I hiked at a leisurely pace but lost the trail a bit on the cliffs near the summit. Most people didnt hike the last bit to the top (it was only 1 inch on the map!) It was pretty steep. Going down was much easier because I found the trail and the metal chains to use to scale the side of the mountain.
It took about 2 hours, including a lunch break so had a celebratory beer at the cafe while I waited for the bus.
Written June 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rory T
London, UK529 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
A very beautiful hike that is very close to Reykjavik. It's only around 10 to 15 mins outside of the city centre. Different levels of hikes to choose from.
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are staying in Esja at christmas is it easy to get to from Reykjavik on a bus, the original bus no longer goes there 57? So not sure
Written November 28, 2023
Are the Mount Esja trails clearly marked so beginners can navigate to the top on their own or is a tour guide recommended?
Written January 20, 2018
I only did the trail to the Steinn, but the trail is very clearly marked. No need for a guide. There are two points where the trail splits to the right- stay to the right both times if you want a slightly less steep path up. It does take longer, just be aware. I (accidentally) took the steeper path up and it took less than 2 hours. Taking the less steep way down took an hour/hour and a half.
Written August 10, 2018
Hello there ! I quite enjoy my hiking and exploring and so would love to stay in the area. However in also keen on seeing the famous lights :) do you think there's any chance of seeing them around there ? (I would stay for at least a week)
Written October 11, 2016
i'm so sorry travellin. i just saw your question now; not sure why i wasn't notified sooner. anyway - we were there in the summer so i did not inform myself about the Northern lights, but did see some tourist and travel info talking about them, so I would encourage you to look into it further.
Written December 21, 2016
Hello, I would like to ask about the mountain. I have been looking for the tour where I can join or go to this mountain. Or how can I get there from Reykjavik??
Written February 14, 2015
It is very easy to get there with a car or by city bus. Download the Straeto bus app for bus routes and times. Pretty user friendly and you can set it up so it's in English. The stop you want to search for is Esjuraetur- Hiking Center.
Written August 10, 2018
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