Mount Esja, commonly referred to simply as Esja, is a
mountain located on the Kjalarnes peninsula, today within
the city limits of Reykjavík.
The mountain is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks of the capital area and
forms a dramatic backdrop to the city.
Views of Mount Esja have long influenced the identity of Reykjavík, and many locals claim
they can predict the weather by observing the changing colours of the mountain.
The highest peak reaches 914 metres above sea level, making Esja the
southernmost basalt mountain in Iceland.
Several well-marked hiking trails lead up the mountain, making Esja one
of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in the country. Common routes include the
trail to Steinn, the ascent toward Móskarðshnúkar, and hikes continuing along the ridge.
The highest visible ridge from Reykjavík is known as
Kerhólakambur.
Mount Esja is closely connected to Icelandic history and folklore. In the medieval
Kjalnesinga Saga, the farm Esjuberg is mentioned as the home of the
settler Örlygur Hrappsson, who arrived in Iceland from the
Hebrides of Scotland.
The saga also tells of an Irish woman named Esja who arrived at
Kollafjörður, leading some to believe the mountain’s name
has Celtic origins. However, it is considered more likely that the name derives from an
Old Norse word meaning “slab stone”, a term also found in Norway.
Numerous attractions lie close to Mount Esja, including
Mosfellsbær,
Meðalfellsvatn,
Úlfarsfell,
Hafrafell,
Hafravatn,
Mosfell Church,
and the historic geothermal pool
Varmárlaug.
Rising directly across the bay from Reykjavík, Mount Esja is an essential part of daily
life in the capital — a constant presence, a popular hiking destination, and a powerful
symbol of Icelandic nature.
Source:
Wikipedia
Photo: Anton Stefánsson
Esjan er fjallgarður norðan við Reykjavík og afar vinsæll meðal útivistarfólks.