Private Tour · Mt. Esja · Expert

Dragon Via Ferrata

Our ultimate via ferrata experience for experienced adventurers seeking the greatest challenge — sustained exposure, technical climbing and an unforgettable private mountain adventure on Mt. Esja.

Book now — ISK 99,500 per group

About the Tour

The Dragon Via Ferrata is the ultimate challenge on Mt. Esja — our most demanding and technical route, reserved for climbers who already have experience with via ferratas or rock climbing and are looking for a more demanding adventure. Expect steeper terrain that is slightly overhanging in sections, greater exposure, and more technical climbing than on any of our other routes. While you remain continuously secured to the steel safety cable, the route requires strength, endurance, balance and confident movement on rock.

This is a private guided tour for groups of 1–4, allowing your guide to focus entirely on your group, adapt the pace, and provide expert technical guidance throughout the climb. The reward is an incredible feeling of achievement, spectacular scenery, and one of the most exciting outdoor experiences available in Iceland.

Free cancellation · more than 24 hours in advance

Certified equipment · meets strict European safety standards

Private guide · exclusively for your group of 1–4

Highlights

Mt. Esja’s most difficult and technical via ferrata — steep, exposed and physically demanding climbing
Exclusive private guide focused entirely on your group
A true test of skill, endurance and determination — designed for experienced climbers and via ferrata enthusiasts
Breathtaking views over Reykjavík, Faxaflói Bay and the surrounding mountains

The Highlight

The Dragon Via Ferrata delivers continuous excitement from start to finish, but its defining feature is the series of steep, exposed climbing sections high above the mountainside. These demanding sections require focus, strength and precise movement, rewarding experienced climbers with breathtaking views over Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.

Unlike easier routes, the Dragon is about more than reaching the summit — it’s about embracing the challenge, testing your abilities, and experiencing the satisfaction that comes from completing Mt. Esja’s most difficult via ferrata.

Included

Private experienced guide — small private group (max 4)
Certified helmet, harness and Via Ferrata lanyard system
Gloves with rubber grip
Comprehensive safety briefing and technical guidance throughout the climb

What to bring

Technical outdoor clothing in layers, suitable for changing mountain conditions
Sturdy hiking or approach shoes with excellent grip
Water bottle
Energy snacks

Itinerary

Your adventure begins at the Mt. Esja Hiking Center (Esjustofa), just 20–25 minutes from Reykjavík. Meet your private guide, check in, and prepare for Iceland’s most challenging via ferrata experience:

1. Equipment Check & Technical Briefing (20 min)

Your guide will fit your equipment, perform a complete safety check, and review advanced via ferrata techniques and route-specific considerations before the climb begins.

2. Approach Hike (20 min)

A scenic but purposeful hike leads to the base of the Dragon Via Ferrata, where the climb begins.

3. Dragon Via Ferrata Ascent (1.5–2 hrs)

Tackle Mt. Esja’s most demanding via ferrata — steep rock faces, sustained climbing, exposed traverses and technical sections that require strength, focus and confidence, with your private guide offering technical advice throughout.

4. Summit Experience (10–20 min)

Celebrate your achievement, take in the spectacular panoramic views, and capture photos from one of the finest viewpoints overlooking Reykjavík and Faxaflói Bay.

5. Descent & Return (30–40 min)

Descend the route under your guide’s supervision before enjoying the hike back to Esjustofa, where your adventure concludes.

Safety

Although the Dragon Via Ferrata is our most challenging experience, safety remains our highest priority. Before the climb begins, your guide will conduct a thorough equipment check and provide a detailed safety briefing. Throughout the route, your guide will monitor the group, offer technical advice, and ensure that all participants move safely and confidently.

The route is regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards, and tours only operate when mountain and weather conditions are suitable — we reserve the right to modify, postpone or cancel tours if conditions are deemed unsafe. Because of the technical nature of this route, participants must honestly assess their experience and ability. Your guide may refuse participation if they believe the route exceeds a participant’s capability, ensuring the safety of both the individual and the group.

How to get there

All tours start from Mt. Esja Hiking Center (Esjustofa), a 20–25 minute drive from Reykjavík city center. Drive east on Route 1 toward Mosfellsbær, continue until you see signs for “Esja/Esjustofa”, and turn right into the Mt. Esja parking area. Free parking is available on site.

View on Google Maps →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need climbing experience?

Yes — the Dragon is our most technical route and is designed exclusively for experienced climbers and confident via ferrata enthusiasts. Previous via ferrata or rock climbing experience is necessary, excellent physical fitness is required, and participants must be comfortable with exposure and vertical climbing. If you’re newer to via ferrata, our Panorama or Falcon routes are a better fit.