Esja up to Steinn Running trail
Esja up to Steinn is the most popular mountain route near the capital region. A demanding running route up to Steinn on Þverfellshorn with steep sections and sweeping views over the city and Faxaflói.
More information
Region
Höfuðborgarsvæðið, Reykjavík
Starting point
Parking lot by Esja mountain
Markings
- Marked trail, at regular intervals
- Marked trail with cairns
Duration
1 - 2 hours
Surface
Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
Step - A step, ledge, stair or low ledge that must be stepped on
Rocky, steep upper sections with loose gravel; care is needed on the descent. Icing can occur in winter.
Hazards
- Rockfall - Rocks can fall from cliffs, landslides and mountain slopes
- A ford - Unbridged river/a stream, wetland or a swamp
Service on the trail
Restrooms
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
A demanding trail-running route up Mt. Esja to Steinn, a landmark on Þverfellshorn. The run starts at the parking area by Mógilsá in Kollafjörður. After a short start it reaches a footbridge and then climbs Þvergil. At Smágil the route splits: one option crosses a bridge over Mógilsá and follows the stream, the other is a steeper western route via Einarsmýri. The paths rejoin at Steinn. The lower section is runnable, but higher up the route becomes steeper and rockier, so the final metres to Steinn are often hiked. From the top there are sweeping views over the greater Reykjavík area and Faxaflói. The route is a loop of almost 7 km and suits experienced trail runners in good condition. In winter crampons are recommended because of icing. The return runs back down and care is needed on loose gravel and rocky sections in the slopes.