Forest loop in Esja

This route is an enjoyable, sheltered trail run through the forestry area in the Esja slopes by Mógilsá, at the foot of Esja, without climbing the mountain itself. The Reykjavík Forestry Society has managed the Esja slopes since 2000, when it took over the farms Mógilsá and Kollafjörður. The route starts at Esjustofa and follows marked colour-coded paths through the woodland, one of the most varied in the country. At Mógilsá there is a forestry research station, built in 1967 as a national gift from Norway, and on the slope above it a formal arboretum with labelled species from around the world, including rare species such as lime, hedge maple and giant larch. The paths run through the forest, over streams and banks and across wooded slopes in the setting of Esja, one of the most popular outdoor areas in the capital region. Many of the smaller paths are an ideal variation on the traditional Esja hike, a shorter Esja outing in itself. The route is about 5 km with around 290 metres of ascent and suits a shorter but brisk workout; the surface is soft forest and gravel paths. In summer 2020 a connecting path was laid between Esjustofa and the parking area at Kollafjarðará, and the area is well marked with signposts. On summer days there is some traffic, both walkers and cyclists. Parking, toilets and Esjustofa are at the start.