From Ambassador (Hiking experience in Iceland - Mt. Esja)
2022/4/27
Although there is no high mountain in Iceland like Mt. Fuji in Japan, Iceland is a great place to pop out for a walk or hiking and enjoy unique sceneries: lava-covered plateaus and mountain massifs, once a geological strata covered by glaciers during the Ice Age (later isolated by uplift) and fjords carved out by the retreating glacier.
There are several good hiking destinations right outside Reykjavik city.
Among them, I strongly recommend Mt. Esja. If weather permits, the mountain can be seen anywhere from the capital city. In fact, I can see the mountain from my office and never get tired of its view that changes from time to time, depending on the weather and season.
Mt. Esja is not a single mountain, but a volcanic mountain range, the highest peak of which reaches 914 meters tall. There are several well maintained hiking trails and many people visit the mountain on sunny weekends. Most people hike up to Steinn, or the Stone, relatively moderate trail of approx. 6.6 km. It takes me about an hour and a half to climb the path slowly, but for people who are confident in their health, it takes only an hour, so I have heard. I even see that some people are running and jogging the trail as part of their training programs. The path from Steinn to the summit, Þverfellshorn can be intense and suitable for experienced hikers. I have not tried the trail yet myself.
Although Mt. Esja is only about 20 km north of the capital city, without any package travel offered, it can be difficult to reach for those without a car. However, you can easily get there by public bus.
As long as the weather is good, the hiking trail is relatively easy, but this is Iceland where the weather changes quickly. It can be dangerous depending on the season. Have the right gear and prepare yourself well. Then enjoy the hike at your own risk!
There are several good hiking destinations right outside Reykjavik city.
Among them, I strongly recommend Mt. Esja. If weather permits, the mountain can be seen anywhere from the capital city. In fact, I can see the mountain from my office and never get tired of its view that changes from time to time, depending on the weather and season.
Mt. Esja is not a single mountain, but a volcanic mountain range, the highest peak of which reaches 914 meters tall. There are several well maintained hiking trails and many people visit the mountain on sunny weekends. Most people hike up to Steinn, or the Stone, relatively moderate trail of approx. 6.6 km. It takes me about an hour and a half to climb the path slowly, but for people who are confident in their health, it takes only an hour, so I have heard. I even see that some people are running and jogging the trail as part of their training programs. The path from Steinn to the summit, Þverfellshorn can be intense and suitable for experienced hikers. I have not tried the trail yet myself.
Although Mt. Esja is only about 20 km north of the capital city, without any package travel offered, it can be difficult to reach for those without a car. However, you can easily get there by public bus.
As long as the weather is good, the hiking trail is relatively easy, but this is Iceland where the weather changes quickly. It can be dangerous depending on the season. Have the right gear and prepare yourself well. Then enjoy the hike at your own risk!