Mt. Esja landmark falls — “Steinn” now lying on its side
The Stone lying on its side. Photo/Sent to mbl.is
One of the most iconic markers on Mt. Esja , known simply as "Steinn" (The Stone), has toppled over and is now lying on its side along the popular hiking path. The stone, which has served as a well-known turnaround point for hikers, is marked by a signpost and a guest book box, and has long been a fixture for those making their way up the mountain from the Reykjavík side.
The change was noticed early Sunday morning by runner Sif Sumarliðadóttir, who was hiking the trail with friends. She told mbl.is that the stone appeared to have fallen recently.
“It looks like the sign is pointing down,” she said. “It had a chain, but it’s broken. It doesn’t seem like it fell far, though.”
The path now slightly shorter
The fallen stone has slightly shortened the hiking path, which previously led up to its base. Sumarliðadóttir estimates the path is now a meter or two shorter than before.
This isn’t the first sign of instability. Back in 2015, reports indicated that the stone had shifted and was leaning noticeably. As a preventative measure, the Reykjavík Forestry Association, which oversees the trail infrastructure on Mt. Esja, had anchored the stone down with nails. However, those measures ultimately proved insufficient.
The fallen stone has slightly shortened the hiking path, which previously led up to its base. Photo/Sent to mbl.is
Forestry Association to investigate
Auður Kjartansdóttir, managing director of the Reykjavík Forestry Association, confirmed that the stone had indeed fallen and said the organization would assess the situation after the weekend.
“At this time of year, you have to be extra cautious,” Kjartansdóttir said. “After the frost, dampness, and heavy rain over the winter, rocks on the mountain can become loose.”
Each spring, the association sends crews up the mountain to remove potentially hazardous rocks, and this year’s visit may now include evaluating what—if anything—can be done with Steinn.
Rebuilding unlikely
As for restoring the landmark to its former upright position?
“We just have to assess what can be done on site,” Kjartansdóttir said. “But I don’t think it’s a viable option to put it back in place.”
Though the stone's fall marks the end of an era for hikers used to reaching the spot, the path remains open—and perhaps now just a little bit easier to reach.
