Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2023, Blaðsíða 39

Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2023, Blaðsíða 39
39 Th e R ey kj av ík G ra pe vi ne Be st o f R ey kj av ík 20 23 multiple directions, there are various trails to choose from. However, the most straightfor- ward and popular route starts just when you drive past Mos- fellsbær. About five kilometres past Mosfellsbær, you’ll see an exit to the right to Esjan’s trail- head. There you’ll find a parking lot, usually half full. Once you’ve managed to climb Queen Esja, marvel at the view it offers you. This is the best view you can get of Reykjavík. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Keilir in Reykjanes. Móskarðshnjúkar: Esja’s evil twin Slightly east of Esja is a series of peaks named Móskarðshnjúkar. These peaks have long tricked the citizens of Reykjavík during wet seasons into thinking that sunshine is on its way. Due to their geological formation, the rhyolite peaks seem to be con- stantly bathed in the sun. It’s an especially warming sight on cold days. This is a fairly challenging, but accessible hike. It totals about six kilometres round-trip, with approximately 700 metres of elevation. The most popular trailhead starts from the south. From Mosfellsbær, instead of driving north towards Esja, turn right onto Þingvallave- gur (Route 36). Head straight for about seven kilometres and turn left onto a gravel road with a sign saying Hrafnhólar. From there, you’ll drive past the farms Skeggjastaðir and Hrafnhólar, until you’ll follow the road to the right, where you’ll end up at a parking lot by the trailhead. Like all hikes, Móskarðsh- njúkar becomes more treach- erous during the winter. It is prone to avalanches and many hikers have become injured. In 2020, an avalanche even led to the death of a young hiker. Úlfarsfell: Standing on the shoulders of giants Standing tall on the border of Mosfellsbær and Reykjavík is Úlfarsfell –  a 296-metre-high mountain that seems puny com- pared to its neighbours. There was once a farm there, which was deserted around the year 1900. You can still find the ruins if you look closely. Úlfarsfell is a fairly easy hike and a nice outing for the fam- ily. The hike is about three ki- lometres round-trip. The trail- head is very close to the main road connecting Reykjavík and Mosfellsbær. From Reykjavík, you’ll enter a roundabout from where you’ll take the first exit to the right. Voilá! You’re at the trailhead. The Forestry Associ- ation of Mosfellsbær has grown trees there since the early 20th century, so the start of the hike leads you into a nice collection of evergreens. Once out of the copse, you’ll hike up a pretty bar- ren environment for the rest of the trip. The round-trip takes on average about 90 minutes and grants you a spectacular view of the cityscape. Helgafell: A lesser- known gem If you want to skip the trip to Mosfellsbær – I won’t blame you – there are more hikes available near Hafnarfjörður. Helgafell is one of the more popular moun- tains to hike within the capital area. But it means you’ll have to go to Hafnarfjörður. Pros and cons, people. Driving into Hafnarfjörður, head in the direction of Keflavík until you reach a looped inter- section taking you to Kaldársel. Drive until you reach the road Kaldárselsvegur which ulti- mately takes you out of civilisa- tion. You’ll reach the trail’s park- ing lot. Although the elevation isn’t much to write home about – ap- proximately 250 metres –  the trail becomes steep. The more popular route leads you into a small crevice, where your hand and foot coordination is tested. No worries though, it’s not a climb in any sense of the word. Continue upwards to be re- warded with a beautiful pan- oramic view over Reykjanes and the capital area. A well-deserved rest Once you’ve finished these hikes – yes, all these hikes – give yourself a pat on the back. Your muscles will be sore tomorrow, which is a perfect time to hit up one of the local swimming pools. There will be an air of smugness around you and you’ll want to tell everyone what hikes you got up to last weekend. Don’t resist the urge. Tell them. Send them a friend request on Stra- va. After all, you are better than most. Congratulations. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Keilir in Reykjanes.

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Reykjavík Grapevine

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