If you only have time for a single day trip out of Reykjavik, Kerlingarfjöll is a top pick. This surreal mountain range has been sculpted by Iceland’s volcanic activity just 10,000 years ago! Its Mars-like, orange-hued landscapes are enough to win anyone over, but wait until you see Hveradalir—a geothermal wonderland featuring bubbling mud holes, steaming vents, and hot springs with snowfields clinging to the slopes. Departing from Reykjavik, we’ll make a stop at the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall and then spend hours exploring the extraordinary Kerlingarfjöll and the Icelandic Highlands! Ready to spend a day in Iceland’s untamed wilderness?
For a day-long wilderness escape from the city, there’s hardly a better choice than Kerlingarfjöll—and we’ll see Gullfoss, too!
We’ll be navigating wooden walkways and narrow paths, crossing bubbling mud pools with steam all around
Hveradalir, one of Iceland’s largest geothermal areas, might just be the highlight of the trip
Kerlingarfjöll is a gem of Iceland’s central Highlands, a breathtaking volcanic range of vibrant rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and rugged peaks. This day-long adventure takes us to Gullfoss Waterfall first, and then onto Kerlingarfjöll and the surreal Hveradalir—the Valley of Hot Springs. With an expert and knowledgeable guide by your side, expect an unforgettable adventure in the Icelandic wilderness!
We’ll pick you up in Reykjavik at approximately 8am. Before reaching the remote Icelandic Highlands, and Kerlingarfjöll—a volcanic mountain range and a picturesque paradise filled with steaming geothermal valleys, gushing glacial rivers, and fabulous panoramic views—we will make a quick stop to admire the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall. We will continue our adventure, and we’ll be treated to spectacular views of vast lava fields and glacier-topped mountains along the way.
We’ll stop to rest and stretch our legs at the Highland Base in the Ásgarður Valley, right at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll. Finally, our journey will lead us to Hveradalir Valley. Hveradallir, meaning ‘the Valley of the Hot Springs,’ reflects its name by being one of the largest geothermal valleys in the country. Some of these natural hot springs are suitable for bathing, but some are so powerful that they should only be admired from a safe distance. The area is surrounded by the picturesque rhyolite mountains that are part of the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. We’ll spend some time exploring the area and soaking in the views before heading back to Reykjavík for an evening arrival.
Included:
Add-ons (rental available)
Not included:
This Iceland Kerlingarfjöll hiking tour is rated moderate—you need to be able to hike for 2 hours on uneven terrain, there will be both upward and downward hills. As long as you have a good level of fitness, you’re good to go! This tour is also family-friendly—children above the age of 10 can join with their parents or legal guardians.
For more hiking adventures in Iceland, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Iceland Kerlingarfjöll hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Iceland Kerlingarfjöll hiking tours is Reykjavik, Iceland. To get there, fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF).From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach the city of Reykjavik.
You’ll meet your guide at 8am in Reykjavik, and you can choose one of the following locations for pick-up: in front of the City Hall, Miðbakki, Safnahúsið / The Culture House, Hallgrímskirkja, Snorrabraut, Höfðatorg, or Vesturbugt. You can choose your preferred pick-up and drop-off location upon checkout.
It’s also possible to meet at Gullfoss.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
To book a trip, please pay the full amount at the checkout.
