Private hike to Mount Esja and Geothermal Bathing

8 hours
Private tour
Reykjavik, Iceland

About this activity

This is Private Driving Tour to Mount Esja, with a roughly 2 hour hike included and then off to Hvalfjordur & Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Highlights

  • Expert Guide from Your Friend in Reykjavik
  • A very comfortable tour vehicle
  • Entrance to Hvammsvik Geothermal Baths
  • Seafood soup with Sourdough Bread (Vegan option available)

Full description

You are picked up for this experience by an expert local driver guide from Your Friend In Reykjavik.    

After a roughly 25-minute drive out of Reykjavik, we say hello to Mount Esja, the guardian of Reykjavik, and do an approximately 2-hour hike up and down the majestic mountain, enjoy the views before heading towards a waterfall called Þórufoss, made famous in the TV series, Game of Thrones.    

After that possible shortstop,  you enter the beautiful fjord called Hvalfjordur or Whalefjord, where you can admire the views.

At the same time, you are told all about the significant history of these parts and the folklore connected to the area.    And then it's time for our second shortstop, an Elfstone or home called Steðji, where an Elfman called Staupasteinn is said to reside.    

When we have heard enough elf stories, it's time to head to the brilliant Hvammsvik Hot Springs, which is a beautiful experience where you have access to eight natural hot springs that evolve into the ocean with temperatures ranging from ocean temperatures (around ten °C) to 42°C in the old original hot spring.    
You can even access the sea, Steam baths, and hot outdoor showers to warm you up if you are brave the ocean.   This experience was recently voted as the number one thing to do in the world by Timeout magazine!    

After your rejuvenating soak in the hot springs, it's time to head to the restaurant to enjoy a nice bowl of delicious Seafood soup made out of fish from the fjord and local ingredients (there is also a Vegan option).  With the Seafood soup, you get fluffy Sourdough bread & butter with sea salt, also made on location.    

Now it's time to head back to your accommodation with a nice warm feeling in your body and belly.

Included / Excluded

  • Lunch
  • Entrance to Hvammsvik Geothermal Baths
  • Expert local guide
  • Tips or Gratuity (Not required in Iceland)

Important information

Know before you book

  • To be guided in a different language, please contact us!
  • This tour can be tailored to your wishes
  • Maximum group size per booking is 8 people

Know before you go

  • Please dress according to Icelandic weather
  • Be sure to bring your swimsuit
  • Make sure to be outside your hotel 10 minutes before departure time

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

Google
Zoe
Oct 2026
5.0

My sister and I chose the Folklore Tour and would recommend to anyone, who is also curious about the darker side of folklore. Einar was our guide and he really brought the stories to life - many jokes, committed dramatic performances and a clear passion for folklore

Google
Marisa Clarke
Oct 2026
5.0

Excellent tour with Kristin, informative and engaging, a great blend of history, folklore and mythology. A wonderful introduction to our time in Iceland and very lucky to see so many of the famous cats!

Google
Kathryn Swann-Tart
Oct 2026
5.0

Maria G was punctual, friendly and very knowledgeable. It was very rainy and windy. She made the experience fun. I would highly suggest her as a Icelandic Food Tour guide.