Top attractions
Esja's Mountain Magic
More than just a dramatic backdrop for the city, Esja is the capital’s most iconic hiking destination, drawing around 30,000 visitors every year. Rising to 914 metres, it’s not a single peak but a volcanic mountain range shaped by glaciers and time. Multiple well-marked trails are on offer, ranging in difficulty from easy walks in the foothills to more demanding climbs.
About 6.6km from the parking lot, with around 600 metres of altitude gained, Steinn (The Stone) is a popular turnaround point for hikers, rewarding their efforts with sweeping views of Reykjavík and Faxaflói bay. The trail continues to the summit Þverfellshorn, offering even more dramatic vistas on clear days. For locals and visitors, Esja invites exploration, challenge, and reconnection with nature, just minutes from the city.
Awe & Aurora
The Kjalarnes district, located just beyond Esja, is one of the best places in the capital area to view the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Its low light pollution, open skies, and sweeping views over the bay and mountains create ideal conditions for spotting the northern lights illuminate dark skies.
Visitors can enjoy a quiet evening walk or set up their camera for long-exposure shots with Esja or the North Atlantic as a dramatic backdrop. If you're staying in Reykjavík, a short evening drive to Kjalarnes during the aurora season (typically September to April) offers a good chance of witnessing this celestial display, without the crowds.
Edge-of-Town Wellness
If you’re looking for geothermal bathing experiences that showcase Iceland’s wellness culture at its most authentic, you’re in luck!
In the heart of Kjalarnes lies Klébergslaug, a charming local pool with hot tubs, children's water slide, and panoramic views of Faxaflói bay, Esja, and the surrounding peaks. This quiet, family-friendly spot is ideal for relaxing after a hike or enjoying a peaceful soak beneath the stars. A short drive further along the coastline leads you to Hvammsvík hot springs, an award-winning retreat that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Eight hot pools are set right at the edge of Hvalfjörður (‘Whale Fjord’), offering a unique bathing experience where geothermal water meets the sea, complemented by tidal changes and stunning raw landscapes.
How to get to Esja & Kjalarnes
By Bus
To get to Esja & Kjalarnes by bus, you can take bus number 29, which runs between Mosfellsbær and Kjalarnes.
By Electric Scooter
Electric scooters are not available.
By Car
Esja & Kjalarnes are easily accessible by car. The drive from downtown Reykjavík takes around 45 minutes.
