Home / Tours / Reykjavík's Mountain — Private Mt. Esja
Reykjavík's Mountain — Private Mt. Esjafrom 99.900 kr · group · 4.5–5 hOn the Esja trail above Faxaflói Bay
Private tour · Mt. Esja

Reykjavík's Mountain — Private Mt. Esja

Private Mt. Esja Adventure

More than a hike. Your introduction to Iceland.

Your guide. Your pace. Your Iceland.

Moderate⏱ 4.5–5 h👥 Private · 1–8 guests📅 All year · weather-adapted🚐 Reykjavík pickup

The short version

  • Completely private — your guide, your vehicle, your pace
  • Reykjavík hotel pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
  • Icelandic mountain picnic with coffee or hot chocolate
  • Personal recommendations for the rest of your Iceland trip
  • Route adapted to the day's weather and your ability

What you'll do

Most visitors see Mt. Esja from Reykjavík. We take you onto it. Esja is Reykjavík's mountain — the place locals go when they want fresh air, exercise, incredible views, and a quick escape from the city. And it's only 25–30 minutes away, so you spend your time on the mountain, not in a vehicle.

This private adventure is designed to be more than simply a guided hike. Your local guide picks you up directly from your Reykjavík accommodation, and from the beginning the experience is yours: ask questions about Iceland, learn about the landscape, hear local stories, get restaurant recommendations, discuss your road trip — or simply enjoy the scenery. We hike at your pace and choose the best route for the day's weather, trail conditions, and your ability. Along the way we stop somewhere scenic for a small Icelandic mountain picnic.

By the time you're back in Reykjavík, you'll have experienced one of the capital area's most beautiful outdoor adventures — and hopefully feel like you understand Iceland a little better too. Your guide. Your pace. Your Iceland.

Why book this tour?

Start your Iceland trip with a local

Instead of spending your first day on a large sightseeing bus, spend a few hours with someone who lives here. Ask us anything about Iceland.

Completely private

It's your guide, your vehicle, and your pace. No waiting for strangers and no fixed group schedule.

A real Reykjavík experience

Mt. Esja isn't just a tourist attraction. It's where Reykjavík locals actually go hiking.

Personal recommendations

Your guide helps you make better decisions about the rest of your Iceland trip, based on what you're interested in.

Icelandic picnic included

A simple Icelandic mountain picnic during the hike — instead of a supermarket stop to buy your own.

Photos included

Your guide takes photos throughout, so everyone in your group can actually be in the pictures.

Flexible to Icelandic weather

Icelandic weather changes quickly. We adapt the route, pace and turnaround point to the day's conditions.

The day, roughly

  1. Pickup Your guide meets you directly at your hotel or accommodation in Reykjavík. The 25–30 minute drive to the mountain is the perfect time to get to know your guide, ask questions about Iceland, and talk about the adventure ahead
  2. Trailhead At Mt. Esja your guide explains the route, the day's weather, trail conditions and what to expect. The exact route may change depending on conditions
  3. The hike Up through the lower slopes of Esja. As you climb, the views open across Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavík and the surrounding landscape. This is a private tour — stop whenever you want for photos, questions, or simply to look
  4. Steinn When conditions and ability allow, the goal is Steinn, one of the best-known landmarks on the Esja trail and a natural place to stop, enjoy the view and take photos. We never promise a specific summit or turnaround point — your guide decides the safest and most enjoyable route on the day
  5. Picnic A stop at a scenic spot for a simple Icelandic mountain picnic — think skyr, Icelandic rye bread, kleinur or Icelandic chocolate, fruit, and coffee or hot chocolate. Exact contents vary; dietary requirements happily accommodated when requested in advance
  6. Return Back down to the trailhead and home to Reykjavík in the private vehicle — a great time to quiz your guide about the rest of your trip: restaurants, geothermal pools, road trips, northern-lights spots

Included

  • Private local guide
  • Private transportation
  • Reykjavík hotel/accommodation pickup and drop-off
  • Icelandic mountain picnic (contents vary · dietary needs on request)
  • Coffee or hot chocolate + water
  • Photos taken by your guide throughout
  • Personal Iceland travel recommendations
  • Hiking poles when available/required
  • Microspikes when appropriate and available

Bring

  • Good hiking shoes
  • Warm layers
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Gloves and hat when appropriate
  • Small backpack
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing

Icelandic weather can change quickly. You'll receive practical clothing recommendations before departure based on the expected conditions.

Good to know

Level3 / 5 · Moderate
Duration4.5–5 h
GroupPrivate · 1–8 guests
SeasonAll year · weather-adapted
ChildrenActive kids — ask us
Meeting pointReykjavík hotel pickup included
Effort
Half a day of steady uphill. Normal fitness, no experience.

Who is this tour for?

  • Couples
  • Friends
  • Solo travelers
  • Active families
  • First-time visitors to Iceland
  • Travelers who want an active experience close to Reykjavík
  • People who prefer private experiences over large group tours

You should be comfortable walking uphill on uneven terrain for several hours. This is not a technical mountaineering experience, but weather and trail conditions can make the hike significantly more challenging.

Safety & weather

Iceland decides the weather. We adapt.

We never promise a specific summit or viewpoint regardless of conditions. Your guide selects the route and turnaround point according to wind, rain, snow, ice, visibility, trail conditions, and guest comfort and ability. Safety always comes first.

If conditions make Mt. Esja unsuitable, we'll contact you and offer the available alternatives according to our booking and cancellation policy.

The route

ReykjavíkEsja

Reykjavík hotel pickup included

Pickup and drop-off directly at your Reykjavík accommodation — we'll confirm the exact time after booking.

Photos

Questions

How difficult is the Mt. Esja hike?

Generally moderate and suitable for active travelers. You should be comfortable walking uphill on uneven terrain for several hours. Weather conditions can make the hike easier or more challenging.

Do we hike to the summit?

Not necessarily. The exact route and turnaround point depend on weather, trail conditions, and guest ability. Steinn is often a natural objective, but safety and guest comfort always come first.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The experience is private for your booking — no unrelated guests join the group.

How does the pricing work?

The price is per private group, not per person: 99,900 kr for 1–4 guests and 129,900 kr for 5–8 guests. It includes pickup, the picnic, and photos. Change the group size in the booking box and the total updates.

Where do you pick us up?

Pickup is included from hotels and accommodations in the Reykjavík area.

Is food included?

Yes. A simple Icelandic mountain picnic plus water and a warm drink are included.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Usually yes, when requested in advance. Please tell us your dietary requirements when booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The route may be adjusted according to conditions. If Mt. Esja is not suitable, we'll contact you to discuss the available alternatives or rescheduling according to the booking policy.

What should I wear?

Good hiking shoes, warm layers, and waterproof outerwear. We'll send practical clothing advice before departure based on the expected conditions.

Can children join?

Active older children may be able to join. Suitability depends on age, hiking experience, weather and conditions — contact us if unsure.

Can our guide help us plan the rest of our Iceland trip?

Absolutely. One of the ideas behind this experience is to give you a personal introduction to Iceland. Ask your guide for recommendations throughout the tour.

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