Hike to Mt Esja in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland

Hike to Mt Esja

Outty Ranking 74 4.9 · 42 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $110
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hike to Mt Esja worth booking?

Hike to Mt Esja is a 4-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $110 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (42)
Duration
4 hours
From
$110 per person

Mt. Esja is the signature mountain of the capital area and is popular amongst its inhabitants. There are quite a few routes to choose from, our route will be from Mógilsá to Þverfellshorn. We pick you up and drive to Kollafjörður. We will park the car and start our hike to the top which will take less than 2 hrs. The view from the top is amazing and puts the capital area in a new context. The hike is suitable both for beginners and experienced hikers We hope you will leave with the feeling of stillness and being one with nature. We look forward to walk with you!

What you get

    About this experience

    Mt. Esja is the signature mountain of the capital area and is popular amongst its inhabitants. There are quite a few routes to choose from, our route will be from Mógilsá to Þverfellshorn. We pick you up and drive to Kollafjörður. We will park the car and start our hike to the top which will take less than 2 hrs. The view from the top is amazing and puts the capital area in a new context. The hike is suitable both for beginners and experienced hikers We hope you will leave with the feeling of stillness and being one with nature. We look forward to walk with you!

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Bottled water
    • Snacks

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      240 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Reykjavik

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Walk On Iceland

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Hike to Mt Esja in Reykjavik, photo 2Hike to Mt Esja in Reykjavik, photo 3Hike to Mt Esja in Reykjavik, photo 4Hike to Mt Esja in Reykjavik, photo 5Hike to Mt Esja in Reykjavik, photo 6Hike to Mt Esja in Reykjavik, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Physical effort

    9 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    42 verified traveler reviews for Hike to Mt Esja. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    40
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Anna_R · September 2026

    Walk On Iceland 09/03/2026

    Iam a New Yorker and hiking is not first, second or third nature for me. HOWEVER, this tour was exactly what I needed! I was lucky enough to end up on a privately guided hike with Company owner Magnus and his magical pup Lisa (dog people are in for a treat). The plan was Mt Esja but mother nature had other plans, as a mudslide had happened. Instead of canceling or risking it, he offered a safer option. So (as one does when offered to go into the wilderness with an unfamiliar person and no one knowing where you are) I said sure! There was a dog after all. All jokes aside, the regard for client safety while considering hiking ability was greatly appreciated. We ended up at Selfjall. Throughout the Hike Magnus shared his wealth of knowledge about the nature and history of the area including its military history as we walked through former army structures also eating wild blueberries along the way. He made sure we took water/coffee breaks and maintained a comfortable pace. At the peak we had spectacular views of Reykjavík and surrounding mountains. Once Lisa, who was NOT ready to go, was wrangled. I was returned to Reykjavik sore but safe and a little wiser. Thank you again Walk on Iceland and Magnus for a unique and fantastic day!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review :) It was nice hiking with you and I hope you come back to Iceland. When that happens don´t hesitate to contact us.

    via Viator

    Paul_S · June 2026

    Guide was good at...

    Guide was good at communicating prior to the hike, and notified us at 3:00 am the morning of the hike that it was canceled due to weather. We were disappointed but appreciative of the safety concerns.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review. We always put the safety of our customers in first place.

    via Viator

    Pamela_T · June 2025

    Hike in Iceland

    Magnus was the most amazing guide. My 84 year old husband and my cousin went to mountain peaks ! They saw such beautiful things and Magnus was watching over and leading them, also an incredible help. He explained the nature ans answers so many questions on the hike too. He is the best guide! We will hike with him again! Just the most amazing experience on our whole trip. Pam, Horst and Matt

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review :)

    via Viator

    Danrach_H · February 2025

    100% Recommend

    Magnus was an excellent guide. It felt more like hiking with a buddy than a guide. I would 100% recommend.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review :) Hope you come back to Iceland at some point.

    via Viator

    SweeLin_T · November 2024

    Great hike with a good guide

    The weather was terrible on the day of our hike on 3 Nov 2024, with heavy rain and super strong wind, but our guide Magnus and his dog Lisa were great! Lisa especially was really sensitive and would come walk next to me when I was slower. Reaching the summit was such an exhilarating experience. Great hike and highly recommended.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review :)

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $110 to $185
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)41
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hike to Mt Esja: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.

    How much does Hike to Mt Esja cost?

    +

    Prices start at $110 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hike to Mt Esja take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.

    Is Hike to Mt Esja worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hike to Mt Esja?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hike to Mt Esja suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hike to Mt Esja?

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    Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hike to Mt Esja start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Reykjavik?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hike to Mt Esja?

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    Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Hike to Mt Esja include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 69 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Hike to Mt Esja offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hike to Mt Esja?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Hike to Mt Esja wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hike to Mt Esja if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Hike to Mt Esja?

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    Across 42 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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