Falcon Cliffs Via Ferrata
Falcon Cliffs is Iceland's only Via Ferrata, a steel-runged climbing route fixed into the cliffs of Mt. Esja. Clip into the cable system, scale vertical rock, and cross a suspension bridge above the valley floor with an expert mountain guide. No climbing experience required.
Overview
The Cliff
Iceland has no shortage of mountains. What it lacks is a way to climb them without years of training. Via Ferrata, Italian for "Iron Path," solves that problem: permanent steel rungs, cables, and bridges bolted directly into the rock, creating a route that sits between hiking and technical climbing. Falcon Cliffs is the only Via Ferrata in Iceland, built into the flanks of Mt. Esja by the team behind some of the country's most demanding high-altitude expeditions.
The Climb
The route begins with a short approach hike along the lower slopes of Esja. Then the terrain tilts. Steel rungs take you up vertical basalt, across exposed ledges where the ocean opens up below, and through sections that require trust in the cable and commitment from your legs. The route builds: easier traverses give way to steeper faces, and the exposure grows with every meter of elevation. The standout moment is a suspension bridge strung between two faces of Falcon Rock, high above the valley. By the time you reach the top, you will have gained 250 meters of elevation on a route that most people standing at the base of Esja would not believe they could complete.
The Local Difference
The operators behind Falcon Cliffs are the same team that leads expeditions to Hvannadalshnjúkur, Everest Base Camp, and Kilimanjaro. They built this route. They maintain it. They know every hold, every section where the wind catches, and every point where a first-timer needs a word of encouragement. You cannot access this route without a guide, and these are the only guides who take people on it. This is for travelers who want a physical challenge with real exposure and real views, not a ropes course, not a simulated experience, and not a standard Esja hike with a different name.
Included
- Expert mountain guide
- Full Via Ferrata safety gear (helmet, harness, energy-absorbing lanyard)
- Gloves
- Safety briefing and climbing instruction
What to bring
- Stiff hiking boots (essential for standing on steel rungs)
- Stretchy, weather-resistant trousers and a warm jacket
- Small backpack with water and a snack
- Camera or phone with secure attachment
Meeting Point
Mt Esja Capital Area
Meet on Location
The meeting point is 25 minutes driving from Reykjavík centre. Specific location given upon booking. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Reviews(63)
Such a beautiful experience. From the moment we entered the space , which was homey and cozy and had fresh cookies awaiting our arrival per Bjarnþóra. We suited up and went over safety instructions from Haraldur who guided us through our second ever via Ferrata. I felt safe while adventurous. I wish more people could have this experience .
I went on this tour with my wife and we both highly recommend it! It was absolutely amazing — thrilling at times, but we never once felt unsafe. Haraldur is a true professional with decades of experience, and it really shows. He also took plenty of great photos of us and kindly shared them afterwards. The whole experience felt very personal and homely, with outstanding service from start to finish
Went on an absolutely amazing climbing trip — it was a little terrifying but at the same time insanely rewarding. That rush of adrenaline, looking down and thinking “why am I doing this?” — and then pushing through it and actually conquering yourself… that was the best feeling. Reaching the top and taking in the view felt like a pure win. The staff was fantastic too — calm, professional and super encouraging the whole time.
Awesome Activity to do in Iceland! The owner was so friendly! He explained how the via Ferrata was built and how they are expanding the climb with different routes. The course is easy in my opinion (especially if you have done via Ferrata before)and honestly anyone could probably do it! The bridge was a bonus point. I’m excited to see how the climb builds out before my next trip.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to try the Via Ferrata in Iceland and what an experience it was! It was not only thrilling and fun, but also a powerful moment of stepping outside my comfort zone. The climb challenged me in the best possible way and rewarded me with breathtaking views and a deep sense of accomplishment. If you're looking to try something truly unique and memorable in Iceland,