Kerlingarfjöll Day Hike from Reykjavik

Kerlingarfjöll is a world of steaming earth, colorful mountains, and glacial rivers, reached by a long ride into Iceland’s remote interior. The highlight is Hveradalir, a geothermal valley where you can hike among hot springs and striking rhyolite peaks.

I like the small-group format, with no more than 19 people, and the chance to reach a highland area that can be difficult to visit independently. I also like that the trip includes a guided hike, transport, and a short stop at Gullfoss in one day.

The main consideration is the trail: it can be muddy, and some sections may include exposed stairs and narrow ridges. The hike is weather- and route-dependent, so this is not the day to show up in casual trainers or expect a gentle, uniform path.

Kerlingarfjöll at a glance

• Hveradalir’s hot springs: Walk through one of Iceland’s largest geothermal valleys, with steaming pools and colorful rhyolite mountains.
• A long highland approach: Travel from Reykjavik through black highland desert and past glacial lagoons, with a quick rest stop at Gullfoss.
• About two hours on foot: The guide adjusts the hike to the trail and weather, so the route and length can vary.
• A group capped at 19: The smaller vehicle group offers a more personal feel than a large coach tour.
• Pack your own food and water: Lunch, snacks, and bottled water are not included.
• Plan for a full day: The tour starts with an 8 a.m. pickup and lasts about 11 hours, including travel.

Leaving Reykjavik for the central highlands

The day begins at 8 a.m. at a designated pickup point in Reykjavik. This is not door-to-door service: city-center hotels and private Airbnbs are not eligible for pickup because of traffic restrictions. If your accommodation is not on the operator’s list, you’ll need to make your way to the closest listed stop.

Pickup points include the BSÍ Bus Terminal, Hallgrímskirkja, City Hall, and several hotels and bus stops around the city. Check the exact location before booking, especially if you are staying in the center. A short walk or taxi to the correct stop may be part of the morning plan.

Once the group is aboard, the drive heads away from the capital and toward the highlands. The vehicle is air-conditioned and has WiFi, useful comforts on a day with many hours on the road. The group limit of 19 helps keep the outing from feeling like a full-size bus excursion, though it still means you will be sharing the vehicle and trail with others.

A quick stop at Gullfoss breaks up the journey before the route leaves paved roads for highland mountain roads. Treat this as a rest stop, not a full visit to the waterfall. The focus of the day is Kerlingarfjöll, and the drive itself is part of the experience: the surroundings shift toward a wide, stark expanse of black highland desert, with glacial lagoons along the way.

That change of scenery is a real part of the tour’s appeal. Kerlingarfjöll is remote, and getting there safely takes planning and suitable transport. The guided outing does that work for you, so you can watch the terrain change instead of concentrating on a long drive and unfamiliar roads.

A pause at Highland Base

The first stop in the Kerlingarfjöll area is Highland Base, in Ásgarður Valley at the edge of the mountain range. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the drive before setting out toward Hveradalir.

The stop is described as a place to pause, not as a separate attraction with a planned activity. Keep expectations simple: it is a useful break and a point from which the group can get ready for the hike. You will want your boots, layers, water, and packed lunch easy to reach rather than buried in your bag.

The itinerary allows around four hours in the Kerlingarfjöll area, including the time at Highland Base and the hike. The exact balance depends on conditions and the route. Since the hike is planned for about two hours, do not assume that every minute of the regional stop is walking time.

Hiking through Hveradalir’s geothermal ground

Hveradalir means Valley of the Hot Springs, and this is the central reason to make the long trip. It is one of Iceland’s largest geothermal valleys, set among the colorful rhyolite mountains of Kerlingarfjöll. The scenery brings together steaming ground, mountain slopes, and glacial water in a setting that feels far removed from Reykjavik.

The guide leads the hike, with the route and duration shaped by weather and trail conditions. The target is around two hours, but the path is not guaranteed to be the same every time. Some hot springs are powerful and must be admired from a safe distance. Follow the guide’s directions and stay on the route rather than stepping closer for a photograph.

Be ready for uneven, wet ground. The trail can be muddy enough that ordinary hiking shoes may not be the best choice; one hiker found waterproof boots more suitable. Some portions may also involve stairs without handrails or ropes and narrow ridges. That is important to know if you are uneasy with exposed footing or have limited confidence on steep, slippery paths.

At the same time, the route can be manageable for people with a moderate fitness level, especially when the pace is sensible and you follow the guide. One visitor described the guide as helpful and efficient, and said the pace worked well. The practical takeaway is not to expect a technical climbing expedition, but do expect a real hike whose difficulty can rise with mud, weather, and the chosen route.

The guide’s role matters here. In a remote geothermal area, a guide helps the group move safely and make decisions as conditions change. The operator does not provide a guide name in advance, so you should not book expecting a particular person. You can expect a guided hike in English.

The views are the main reward for the effort. The combination of vivid mountain colors, steaming geothermal features, and highland openness can feel almost otherworldly. Bring a camera, but keep it secure and do not let the hunt for a better angle take you near hot water or unstable ground.

The return drive and a full day out

After exploring the geothermal valley, the group heads back to Reykjavik for an evening arrival. The return journey takes about four hours according to the schedule, and the full tour lasts roughly 11 hours, including travel time. It is a substantial day, with much of it spent in the vehicle.

That length is worth considering before you book. If you have only a short stay in Iceland, this outing gives you access to a remote region without arranging your own transport. But it will use most of a day, and you should avoid scheduling a tight evening commitment after the tour.

The drive is not simply dead time: it carries you through the highlands and gives you a sense of how far the geothermal valley sits from the capital. Still, if you dislike long rides, consider whether the rare scenery and guided access justify the hours on the road.

What $215.65 buys you

At $215.65 per person, the price covers an approximately 11-hour outing, transport from a listed Reykjavik pickup point, an English-language guided hike, sightseeing, and onboard WiFi. The value is strongest if you want to see Kerlingarfjöll but do not want to manage highland transport and route decisions yourself.

You are paying for access as much as for time on the trail. Kerlingarfjöll is a remote destination, and the transition from paved roads to highland roads makes this more complicated than a simple city excursion. A small-group cap of 19 also means the experience is likely to feel more contained than a large coach trip, though the group is not so tiny that you should expect a private outing.

The price does not include lunch, snacks, or bottled water. Bring enough food and water for a long day, and pack them before pickup. There is no reason to assume you will be able to buy everything you need during the trip, so arrive prepared rather than relying on a quick stop.

The outing makes the most sense for someone who values access to a distinctive place and is comfortable spending much of the day traveling. If your priority is the lowest price, a self-organized option may look tempting, but it is not an equal comparison unless you can also arrange suitable transport and feel confident navigating the highlands.

Who should book this hike

This tour suits you if you want to see Iceland beyond the familiar stops around Reykjavik and are keen to walk through an active geothermal area. It is especially appealing if you like dramatic mountain scenery and are comfortable with a long day, changing weather, and a trail that may be muddy or exposed.

You should be in moderate physical condition and willing to follow the guide’s pace and instructions. The route may not suit you if you are uncomfortable on narrow ridges, dislike stairs without handrails, or need a predictable, smooth walking surface. The itinerary itself warns that the hike depends on conditions, so flexibility is useful.

Good preparation can make the day more comfortable. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip and protection from mud, and bring layers appropriate for a highland outing. Pack water, lunch, and snacks, since none are included. Keep your camera handy, but prioritize secure footing and the guide’s safety directions over getting close to geothermal features.

Weather can affect whether the tour operates. If poor weather leads to cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time; cancellations and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book Kerlingarfjöll from Reykjavik?

Book it if the idea of steaming geothermal valleys and colorful highland mountains is worth a full day in the vehicle and a hike on potentially muddy, uneven ground. The guided access, small-group limit, and transport make a remote destination more straightforward to reach, while the scenery is the clear payoff.

Skip it if you need an easy stroll, cannot manage exposed or slippery sections, or would rather spend your day closer to Reykjavik. Before you commit, check that your pickup point is on the approved list and make sure your footwear, food, and water are ready. For a prepared hiker who wants to see a striking corner of Iceland’s interior, this is a strong day trip.

FAQ

How long is the Kerlingarfjöll tour?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time. Pickup begins at 8 a.m., with an evening return to Reykjavik.

How long is the hike?

The plan is to hike for around two hours. The route and duration depend on trail and weather conditions.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, snacks, and bottled water are not included, so bring your own food and water.

Where can I be picked up in Reykjavik?

Pickup is available only at the listed locations, which include the BSÍ Bus Terminal, several bus stops, and selected hotels. City-center hotels and private Airbnbs are not served.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 19 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.