Esjuhlíðar Hiking trail
A nearly 2-kilometre walking trail through the diverse landscapes of the slopes of Mount Esja. The route passes through an old woodland and connects to a trail leading through the arboretum at Mógilsá research station.
More information
Region
Höfuðborgarsvæðið, Reykjavík
Starting point
Esjustofa or parking by Kollafjarðará river
Markings
Marked trail with cairns
Duration
1 - 2 hours
Surface
Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
- Bridge - A structure that carries a path/trail/road across a waterfall, river, ravine or other obstacle
- Step - A step, ledge, stair or low ledge that must be stepped on
Hazards
No hazards on the way
Service on the trail
Restrooms
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
The recreational areas around Mt. Esja are among the most popular in the capital region, drawing visitors year-round, whether to climb steeply up the mountain or to run across the Esjuhlíðar slopes through varied and scenic surroundings. Between Esjustofa and Kollafjarðará runs a newer connecting route, about 1,850 metres one way, or just under four kilometres out and back. The route passes through an old forest on the slopes of Esja and links to a network of paths through a tree collection to Mógilsá. The surface is mixed — soil, gravel, rock and forest floor — and several small streams are crossed on bridges. The route is fairly steep in places but otherwise easy going, well suited both to easy running and to training on moderate inclines. Along the way there are good views over Kollafjörður and out to the bays, and the forest offers shelter in changeable weather. You can set off from Esjustofa or from the parking area at Kollafjarðará, from where the route connects to other paths in the Esjuhlíðar area. Parking is available both below Þverfellshorn and at Kollafjarðará, and toilets are available at Esjustofa. Heiðmörk Nature Reserve is managed by the Reykjavík Forestry Association, a non-profit organisation. For more information, visit heidmork.is.