Run for the hills

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Trail Run

Mt. Esja is undeniably the most prominent entity on Reykjavík's horizon and the most accessible and popular mountain in the area. However, sitting next to it and offering an equally good view but with more interesting variations in geology and terrain is its much less frequented and somewhat neglected sibling, Mt. Móskarðshnjúkar.

For those interested in geology, the three peaks of Mt. Móskarðshnjúkar are made of rhyolite, making them not only seem constantly to be bathed in sunlight, but also geologically and visually related to many of Iceland's most beautiful areas, such as Landmannalaugar.

The track we will take you on will not only see you summit all three peaks of Mt. Móskarðshnjúkar, but also Mt. Skálafell, which is located next to it. The terrain in varied, but the path is well trodden and reliable.

For those interested in random historical facts, the term rhyolite replaced the term baulite, which was drawn from another similarly looking Icelandic mountain, Mt. Baula, in the 19th century. The person responsible for the term rhyolite was Baron von Richtofen. Yes, the paternal uncle of the more famous Red baron.

Móskarðshnjúkar Trail Run

**Expected time on foot**: 60-90 minutes

**Distance from RVK City Center:** 15k

**Distance**: 12k

**Level of difficulty**: Easy

**What you´ll see:** One of the most beautiful trails in the Reykjavik area is through Búrfellsgjá Lava Channel.

Mt. Búrfell was formed in a single volcanic eruption just over eight thousand years ago. Fissure (gjá) is really not the correct term for Búrfellsgjá because it is essentially a beautiful and seemingly intact lava channel, just over three kilometres long. You drive past the lake Vífilsstaðavatn towards Heiðmörk, past Maríuhellar and alongside Vífilsstaðahlíð. Soon after the paved road turns into a gravel road there is a sharp bend in the road where cars can be parked and our run begins.

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Our Tours

Both of our currently available tours start - and end - just outside of Reykjavík

Móskarðshnjúkar Trail Run

Búrfellsgjá Trail Run