Esja circle with Bibba

Esja is Reykjavík's local mountain and one of the city's most popular outdoor areas, but also a demanding mountain where you have to be carefull and respect the dangers of mountain climbing. This route is an measured 10 km loop with around 670 metres of ascent and suits experienced runners in good shape. Unlike the traditional Esja hike up to Steinn, this route does not go up to Steinn, but uses the eastern part of the hiking area. The run starts at Esjustofa and heads east along roads to the eastern side of the area. From there a service road is followed most of the way up towards Gunnlaugsskarð, the col between Kistufell and Þverfell. Near the top it turns west towards Steinn, but before reaching it the route descends the traditional path and down over the footbridge, before finishing back at Esjustofa. This eastern route is the original route named "Bibba". Bibba is named after Bryndís Baldursdóttir who, together with Sigrún Árna, had the idea of holding a run on Esja where each loop was exactly 10 km, up to a 100 km mountain run. The route was much used by running groups before more paths were added on Esja. Bibba is therefore credited with introducing countless runners to running beyond the traditional Esja loop above Steinn. Today there are even more variants, but people often speak of "taking Bibba" or "adding Bibba" when running east from Steinn towards Gunnlaugsskarð and back. The surface is mixed; roads, paths and scree. Take care, especially in winter, due to avalanche risk, rockfall and ice. Parking, services and information signs are at Esjustofa.