About the Tour
The Falcon Via Ferrata is the perfect next step for adventurous beginners. Longer climbing sections, greater exposure and panoramic viewpoints make this an exciting intermediate challenge on Mt. Esja — combining scenic hiking with exhilarating climbing and rewarding mountain views over the ocean toward Reykjavík.
This is a self-guided experience: after a thorough safety briefing and gear fitting at the base, you take on the route at your own pace. All certified via ferrata equipment and access to the route is included — helmet, harness, lanyard system and gloves. No previous climbing experience is required, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Free cancellation · more than 24 hours in advance
Certified equipment · meets strict European safety standards
Intermediate challenge · the next step up from Panorama
Highlights
Longer climbing sections with greater exposure, a true intermediate challenge
Panoramic viewpoints over Mt. Esja, Faxaflói Bay and Reykjavík
Scenic hiking combined with exciting protected climbing
Take on the route at your own pace, with self-guided freedom, only 25 minutes from Reykjavík
Included
Access to the via ferrata route
Certified helmet, harness and Via Ferrata lanyard system
Gloves
Safety briefing and instruction before you set off
What to bring
Warm outdoor clothing in layers (avoid cotton)
Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
Water and snacks
A phone or camera for the views — securely stowed
Itinerary
Your adventure starts at the Mt. Esja Hiking Center (Esjustofa), just 25 minutes from Reykjavík. After check-in, gear fitting and a thorough safety briefing, you set off at your own pace:
Our team will equip you with all necessary Via Ferrata gear — helmet, harness, lanyards and gloves — and give a clear, friendly introduction to how the system works, how to clip in and move safely on the cable, and what to expect on the route.
A gentle hike along the lower slopes of Mt. Esja on a marked trail — fresh mountain air, views toward the ocean, and a perfect warm-up before you reach the start of the climbing route.
Clip into the steel safety cable and take on the Falcon route: longer climbing sections with secure steel rungs, narrow ledges and exciting exposed passages — a real sense of adventure, with continuous protection from the cable system and views that get better with every step.
Reach the top of the route and soak in the panoramic views — Mt. Esja, Faxaflói Bay and Reykjavík in the distance. Perfect for photos, a snack and celebrating your accomplishment.
Descend via a scenic marked hiking trail back toward the base, enjoying the mountain landscape on the way down.
The tour ends where it began — return your gear and enjoy some final photos before heading home.
Safety
At Fálkaklettur, safety is our top priority. Our via ferrata routes on Mt. Esja are designed and maintained to the highest standards, and the Falcon route is protected by a continuous steel safety cable along its entire length. All guests are equipped with certified safety gear and receive a thorough safety briefing before setting off.
The route is regularly inspected and adapted to weather and trail conditions — we only operate when conditions are safe, and reserve the right to postpone or cancel tours if necessary. Participants are expected to stay on the marked route, follow the instructions from the safety briefing at all times, and inform us of any medical conditions that may affect their ability to climb.
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
No prior climbing experience is required, but the Falcon route is an intermediate challenge with longer climbing sections and greater exposure — a moderate level of fitness is recommended. If you’re new to via ferrata, our Reykjavík Panorama route is a great place to start.
You take on the route at your own pace, without a guide accompanying you on the climb. Before you set off, our team fits your equipment and gives you a thorough safety briefing, and the entire route is protected by a continuous steel safety cable.
More than 24 hours notice: full refund. Less than 24 hours notice: no refund.
Yes, we have toilets at the Esja Hiking Center for our customers, and public toilets are located at the Mt. Esja parking lot. There are no toilets on the Via Ferrata trail itself.
We do not recommend climbing with a backpack, but you can leave a bag at the start of the climb.
April to October. If weather allows, custom and private tours can be arranged outside the normal date range.
