Esja, Mountain range near Reykjavík, Iceland
Esja is a mountain range north of Reykjavík consisting of multiple peaks made of basalt and volcanic rock. The highest point rises above 900 meters and forms a distinctive backdrop to the city.
The range formed during the Pleistocene period, with the western section originating about 3.2 million years ago and the eastern part forming about 1.8 million years ago. This difference in age creates the geological variety visible across the slopes.
The name connects to an Irish settler from the Kjalnesinga saga, though the mountain likely influenced the naming rather than the other way around. This link to early settlement remains part of how locals understand the place.
Visitors can reach the hiking trails from Reykjavík by taking bus number 5 from Hlemmur station, which gets you closer to the trail access points. The best time to hike is during longer daylight hours when conditions are drier and visibility stays good.
The hiking paths feature a boot-based difficulty rating system, with markers showing one boot for basic trails and three boots for steep climbing sections. This system makes it easy to quickly identify which route matches your fitness level.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
