Route Description
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Introduction
This is arguably Iceland's most popular route on the most popular mountain. Esja is more of a massif than mountain, its graceful bulk and skyline dominating the view to the North from the city. Its summit gullies will hold snow for the whole year, usually except one or two weeks in late August. I once met the President and his wife on the way up.
There is a geocache on the top.
Conditions
Obvious path all the way, a little thready at the top. Quite steep in places.
Hazards and warnings
In anything except high summer there *will* be snow on the upper slopes. The wind can be very strong and Icelandic weather is very, very mercurial.
The final leg to the summit crosses a steep rock band and is marked with yellow posts and chains. Be sure to follow the route closely. Take extreme care on the way down as a fall could be serious.
Detailed description
Start at the carpark, follow the path to the top.
There are variations but all will get you to the same place.
I normally get to the summit in 1:15 to 1:30, but expect to take anything from 1:15 to 2:30, depending on your condition.
There is an observation post on top and a guestbook for you to sign.
Narrative
I had watched this mountain from afar for many years before setting foot on it.
I do this route regularly in the summer and even so it took me three years of living here to finally get on the real summit.
Route Map
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