HIKING NEAR REYKJAVIK – A STROLL THROUGH RAW BEAUTY
Blue House Blog, Reykjavik, Iceland
It’s Sunday morning. After having a nice breakfast with pancakes prepared by Luise, I felt like going for a hike. However, since I don’t have a car, it seemed difficult to make a plan. After a bit of research, I found a nice hiking spot near Reykjavik easy to reach by bus. So I decided to go to the Esjuraetur Hiking Center first as a starting point to hike Mount Esja and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape and the view of Reykjavik.
Going Hiking by Bus From Reykjavik: Mount Esja
Things To Know Before Going
· Difficulty = moderate, family-friendly
Although Mount Esja is not a difficult hike, I would recommend you to be careful at all times and avoid going off course especially if you’re not experienced.
· Distance = 6.9km
· Highest peak = 914m (2.999 ft)
· Accessible season = any season of the year
For winter hikes, I advise you to use hiking shoes and other proper equipment, such as crampons, hiking sticks, warm clothes, and thick socks.
· Signs present along the way to indicate the path difficulty
Mount Esja is a popular hike, so if you go on weekends or in the summertime, do not be too surprised by the trail packed with hikers and runners.
There is no specific recommended time to go hiking on this mountain. You can either hike early in the morning and see a beautiful sunrise or go in the evening for a sunset! It all depends on your schedule and preference.
There’s even a stream running down the mountain, offering you a relaxing background sound during the hike. Drink the water from the stream if you get thirsty. It’s safe and refreshing! When you reach the top of the mountain, stop for a breathtaking view, and don’t forget to take pictures! You’ll see the different shades of color: the brown of the mountain, the green of the trees, and the white of the ice.
In total, we spent 2h30 hiking and going back to the hiking center. However, remember it could take more time if the weather is bad, especially when the ground is muddy.
Why Is Mount Esja One of the Best Hikes?
· Located near Reykjavik
· Amazing view of Reykjavik and surrounding area
· Accessible by bus
· Relatively easy hike
3 Best Hiking Trails Around Reykjavik Easy to Reach by Bus
1 – Mount Esja
How to get there?
By Bus: Around 1h-1h30
– Walk to the bus stop Lindarbraut / Hæðarbraut from the Blue House (4min by walk)
– Take the bus 11 in the direction to Mjódd – Get off at Mjódd
– Take the bus 57 in the direction to Akranes – Get off at Esjuraetur – Hiking Center
Source: Straeto – more info
By Car: Around 30min
– Take Suðurströnd and Eiðsgrandi – direction Hringbraut/Road 49 to Reykjavik
– Follow Road 49 and Þjóðvegur 1 – direction Lækjarmelur
– Continue on Lækjarmelur. Drive to Esjan at Mógilsá and stop at Esjuraetur – Hiking Center
Source: Google Maps
2 – Helgafell
Helgafell is a recommended hike for those who want to spend the day outdoors in nature, hiking and appreciating different landscapes. The highest peak reaches 338m (1.108 ft) and it takes about 1h30 to reach the top of the mountain and enjoy a beautiful view of Reykjavik.
How to get there?
By Bus: Around 1h30-2h
– Walk to the bus stop Lindarbraut / Hæðarbraut from the Blue House (4min by walk)
– Take bus 11 in the direction to Mjódd – Get off at Stjórnarráðið
– From the bus stop Lækjartorg, take bus 1 in the direction to Hfj. Vellir – Get off at Fjörður
– Take bus 44 in the direction to Lækjargata – Get off at Kaldárselsvegur
– Walk to the mountain – about 6.4km
Source: Straeto – more info
3 – Úlfarsfell
Úlfarsfell is a small mountain located in Mosfellsbær, not far from Mount Esja. The mountain is about 296m high (971ft) and it takes 1-1h30 for a round-trip. You can enjoy the view of Reykjavik and surrounding areas once you reach the top.
How to go there?
By Bus: Around 40min
– Walk to the bus stop Lindarbraut / Hæðarbraut from the Blue House (4min by walk)
– Take bus 11 in the direction to Mjódd – Get off at Hlemmur
– Take bus 15 in the direction to Mosfellsbær – Get off at Ártún
– Take bus 57 in the direction to Akranes – Get off at Úlfarsá
Source: Sraeto – more info
Going Hiking by Car
Do you prefer to reach the hiking trail from Reykjavik by car? You can rent a car here!
Discover other activities you can do in and around Reykjavik on Blue House Blog!
More Posts:
Esjan Near Reykjavik: Local Hiking Guide
South Iceland’s Top 3 Hiking Trails
Best Running Spot In Reykjavik
