Hike to Mt Esja

Posted By : Ellie_B
Myself and my family completed the walk up mount esja with Magnus and what an amazing time we had!! He was clear about the route we would be following from the start of the walk and set a good walking pace for us. He did not make us feel rushed and we were able to take breaks as and when we needed and we did not feel any pressure to walk at a pace that did not suit us.
Magnus was a great guide! He clearly knew the route very well, making us feel safe at all times. He had a lot of knowledge about the mountain and the nature, and we also enjoyed just chatting to him about life in Iceland. He also brought along his dog Lisa who we absolutely loved! She was a very sweet dog!!! Magnus was well prepared for the walk bringing a long water and coffee for us and also some icelandic chocolate (which Lisa loved too!!!!).
It is a challenging walk, so be prepared with appropriate shoes (we all had walking boots so not a problem for us). Magnus also gave us Crampons to use at the top where it is was particularly snowy so we could easily walk safely along on the mountain.
We had a great time doing the walk and getting to know Magnus and it was a real highlight of our trip!
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Posted On : 2024-04-03 17:14:45

Posted By : Trishabu1271
First, I live in a very flat area. I prepared by wearing weights on my back while I walked around my neighborhood and by doing hill rides on my Peloton. Ma'am, Sir, I was not ready! LOL This hike was straight up hill. Note, locals were walking and running past me like they were walking on flat ground. LOL I say all this to say that the guide was beyond patient with me and led me up Mt. Esja with care. It's a beautiful hike. I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend this hike especially for a solo traveler. The guide was a gentleman, on time, and communicated effectively before and during the hike.
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Posted On : 2024-02-29 11:13:23

Posted By : Benjamin_T
Magnus was a terrific guide... punctual dropoff/pickup and a pleasure to chat with during our hike. He provided extra hiking equipment (and snacks!) and did a great job selecting the best routes up Mt. Esja. His lovely labrador, Lisa, even joined our hike! Overall a fantastic experience I would totally repeat on my next visit to Iceland!
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Posted On : 2024-02-21 12:14:24

Posted By : laurapucci13
The hike was amazing and my tour guide Magnus was great! Definitely something I would recommend doing. The only issue is that I booked a tour for mt. Elsa and ended up going to mt. Helgafell which is a shorter trip and less expensive, also it’s better to book through their site as on trip advisor it’s double the amount! I lost out on a lot of money over $100 booking through trip advisor and doing another mountain.
So definitely go on the hike but book through their site and call them to confirm what mountain you’re going on
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Posted On : 2024-02-11 07:00:07

Posted By : Alexander_B
HI

Magnus was a fantastic guide with a wealth of knowledge about the landscape and the history of the area. Me and my dad had a wonderful time and will be definitely be booking his services on our return to Iceland.

Yours sincerely
Alex
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Posted On : 2024-01-11 06:23:34

Posted By : lisasW4306ZJ
What a New Years Day adventure! Magnus and his lovely little lab Lisa were wonderful guides in some extreme January Iceland weather. Totally delightful hike with phenomenal views, even in the snow, sleet and wind. Clearly a favorite local hike, we were surrounded by Icelanders setting off the New Year right.
We are a 48 year old woman from the US, and a 27 year old woman from Afghanistan (my "honorary daughter"). Magnus was so helpful and really encouraged us to take the hike at our own pace, carved out the easiest path based on our ability, and perfectly read our fitness level and preparation for the weather, knowing exactly the right amount of challenge and when to head back in the cold weather. Doggie Lisa also showed great concern for any and all that seemed to be stressed, including barking to alert us to her concern another hike who was resting by the side of the trail!
Also, he provided vegan chocolate for me (very vegan friendly- his mom and sister eat this way!). He gave us all manner of advice on great hikes around Iceland, as well as wide ranging topics from Icelandic politics to the immigration system. A wonderful start to the New Year- highly recommend, would definitely book again. Left feelignlike we have a new local friend in Iceland- completely different vibe from the "small group" trips we are on the rest of our week.
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Posted On : 2024-01-01 16:38:40

Posted By : Marina_C
I had a lovely experience on this tour, really glad I picked it out of the many options that were available. Magnus was very knowledgeable and attentive to us during the whole time. Being a small group made it more enjoyable. You must try this out!
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Posted On : 2023-12-01 06:21:19

Posted By : Christine_C
This was a great hike up Mt Esja with our guide Magnuss and his dog Lysa. It was tough but being a private tour, we were easily able to go at our own pace with no pressure. He also brought us water, coffee and gingerbread. The view from the top was well worth it.
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Posted On : 2023-11-30 10:18:14

Posted By : cross
Had a great trip with the guide magnus, highly suggest going on this hike if you love a good hike and view. I went to Iceland as a solo traveller so was very nice to have someone familiar transport me to the location as well as walk and guide me along the path.
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Posted On : 2023-11-30 04:23:25

Posted By : Trishabu1271
What an amazing day! As noted by many, it was a challenging path. I live in a very flat area of the U.S.A. The highest elevation I've ever hiked is around 450 ft. or 137m. Magus was patient and kind. I needed to stop a few times to catch my breath, and he never rushed me. He went at my pace and made sure I was ok. I made it to 600m, and it was awesome. This was a challenging hike, but it felt so good. I highly recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2023-09-15 13:00:20