Getting There -- Route 1 leads north from Reykjavík, passing Esja before reaching the tunnel across Hvalfjörður to Akranes. For Akranes, turn left after the tunnel on Route 51, then left again on Route 509. Nine buses make the trip from Reykjavík to Akranes on weekdays (six on weekends); the route -- bus 15 from BSÍ or Hlemmur stations, connecting with bus 27 in Mosfellsbær -- goes right past the Esja trailhead (tell the driver if that's your destination) but bypasses the coastline of Hvalfjörður by taking the tunnel.

Visitor Information -- Questions about Esja should be directed to the tourist information office in Reykjavík. Hvalfjörður is in Akranes township. The Akranes Tourist Information Center, Kirkjubraut 8 (tel. 431-1780; www.visitakranes.is), is open daily mid-May to mid-September from 10am to 5pm, and daily 1pm to 5pm the rest of the year; another branch (tel. 431-1780) is at the Akranes Museum Center, below. The Borgarnes tourist information office (tel. 437-2214; www.west.is) is also helpful.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.