Running Iceland: Thrilling Moments on Mt. Esja
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- Опубліковано 14 кві 2024
- Mt. Esja, is located north of Reykjavík across Kollafjord and dominates the view from the capital. While not particularly tall, standing at just over 900 meters (3000 feet), its proximity to the city makes it a popular destination for hikers.
On a good day, hundreds of people climb to “Steinn”, which is not the summit of the mountain, but a rock sitting at 600 meters above sea level (2000ft). A hiker climbing Esja on one of those good days will run into a diverse group of people doing the same; former and current President of Iceland are sometimes spotted there, so are numerous members of parliament, many artists and musicians and other local celebrities, and surely, you’ll stumble over an influencer or too taking a selfie.
And even on days when the weather is nothing short of terrifying, you’ll still see someone make the climb. But those hikers are usually extremely well acquainted with the mountain.
The reason why most hikers make due with “Steinn” is the fact that the path up to that point is well marked and even if steep in places, within the ability of most hikers. From “Steinn” to the top, things are a little dodgier, and even though the view does get better, the further you accent, it’s still pretty damn good by “Steinn”.
The name "Esjan" is peculiar, and many have suggested a Gaelic origin rather than Norse. This is because Icelandic names for mountains and islands tend to be descriptive, like "Eyjafjallajökull," which means "the glacier on the mountains across from the islands”, while Esja doesn’t really ring a bell to an Icelandic speaker. It simply means that mountain, and nothing else.
The lack of an obvious descriptive meaning for Esjan has led to the Gaelic theory. However, a more recent theory proposes a more mundane explanation. The name may derive from the Scandinavian word for "smithy," where iron tools are made. Perhaps the rocks from Esjan were considered suitable for building smithies, or maybe its flat top resembles an anvil.
Regardless of its etymological origins, Esjan is a mountain that demands respect. Hikers and runners should dress appropriately for the cold weather, even in May or September. Thick jackets, hats, gloves, and multiple layers are essential. Windproof clothing is also crucial, as the weather can turn windy even if it seems pleasant at sea level.
Proper footwear is equally important. Hiking boots with ankle and toe protection are ideal. Trail shoes are suitable for jogging, but spikes are necessary during the winter months to prevent slipping on icy surfaces. An ice ax is also recommended for added safety in case of a fall when the slopes are really icy.
Checking the weather forecast before venturing out is crucial. Strong winds and low visibility are signs that it's best to postpone the hike. Esjan may not be the tallest mountain, but its proximity to Reykjavík belies its potential dangers. Hikers can get lost in blizzards, freeze to death, fall to their deaths, or be caught in an avalanche.
While these risks are remote, they can be easily avoided by coming prepared or choosing an alternative activity when the weather outlook is unfavorable. Additionally, hikers should inform someone of their plans, especially if they intend to hike alone or on a mountain with few other people.
With proper preparation and respect for the elements, hikers can enjoy a safe and rewarding experience on this iconic Icelandic landmark.
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CLOTHING & GEAR INFO
The video was sponsored by 66North and these items were visible therein:
66North Straumnes Gore-Tex jacket,
66North Straumnes Gore-Tex pants,
66North Dyngja beanie,
66North Langjökull winter mittens,
66North Straumnes zip-neck inner layer.
All these items are available at the Grapevine Shop: shop.grapevine.is/collections...
Also used; trail running traction spikes called "Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction". Sold in Iceland by Fjallakofinn.is
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I miss Valur and Polly and Art. What a team.
We would never risk their lives for stunts like these.
Entertaining to say tge least! You survived! 😂
That descent was madness. :)
It looks worse than it is
Well that was entertaining. Art the enabler for sure….anything for a great video 😂😂. Thank you Jon I did enjoy that and kudos to you for sharing your crampons.
Yeah. I have to ask my insurance company talk to Art about what he makes me do on camera.
It's absolutely beautiful
Great !!! Thnx 😅
Lol, your belligerence is wonderful. Though Art played it smart, lol. Yes you needed crampons.
More of the same please, love the views.
Nice sneaker skiing there! 😁 Hope you got your crampons back. That was so cool that you loaned them to the guy who had come so far and really wanted to make the top.
Imagine if Valur and Polli were at the top waiting for you lmao
As a Blacksmith who has worked in Iceland and In Sweden and Germany numerous times I can assume Esja might be the Norse variant for Essa which means forge(where the fire is for forging) in German, but in Germanic language the word can be used contextually to refer to a place where the forge is or the forge work. On the other side about an hour or so is the Surthellir caves no?
Marvellous. The authorities, whoever they are here, really need to erect marker poles along the proper path through the snow to prevent people from having to find their own way down, which might not end happily. I went a little way up here in 2008, but had to return before the last bus so did not make it to the top. Thanks for that and I hope you got your crampons back.
You are welcome! And I can happily report that the very pleasant American who borrowed the crampons returned them after having made it to the top and back without incident.
Thanks Jon and Art. The view from the top is amazing. When does the snow at the top finally disappear? Or can it snow any time during the summer? Valur did a video from somewhere in that area, as I recall. There was no snow at that time though.
We needed a f**k counter in the video 😂
Do it! 😂
We tried but we f***ing lost count and then gave up on it
@@jontrausti2 ah f*ck 🤣
@@jontrausti2 ah f*ck
@@jontrausti2 ah f**k
How much weight can the drone carry to you if you need, say, an aluminum walking stick, for example?
Good question. I’ll ask if it can bring me beer.
Haha, you're crazy. But it looked like a fun challenge.
Great video! How long did it take you to get to the top?
Just under an hour if my memory serves me right. But I was not in a hurry
😅
I hope your mom never sees this video! Bad enough they’ve lost their home in Grindevik they don’t want to lose you too! You couldn’t go back the way you came??
She has four more kids, so she’ll be fine. Or that’s what I tell myself…. But the way I came up was no better I’m afraid.
4:10 "Ah F it, I'll go there"....
🏔️👌😉