From Reykjavik: Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Day Tour

Kerlingarfjöll is a volcanic mountain range in Iceland’s central highlands, where steaming ground, colorful rhyolite peaks, snow, and glacial rivers meet. The drive is part of the adventure: you leave paved roads behind and cross a broad, stark stretch of the highlands before reaching Hveradalir, the Valley of the Hot Springs.

I like two things in particular: you get access to a remote area without having to drive highland roads yourself, and the hike brings you close to a geothermal valley that is far more dramatic than a quick roadside stop. Guides such as Isabella, Sven, and Zack have been praised for their care, stories, and confident driving.

The trade-off is a long day, about 13 hours, with roughly two hours on foot and plenty of time in the vehicle. Wind, rain, fog, mud, or snow can change the hike, and the early food stops are short, so pack snacks and dress for rough weather.

Kerlingarfjöll at a glance

• The main event is Hveradalir: Walk among steaming geothermal features, colorful rhyolite mountains, and highland views.
• The drive reaches beyond ordinary road trips: The route leaves paved roads for highland mountain roads that standard cars cannot access.
• Expect about two hours of hiking: The guide adjusts the walk to trail and weather conditions, which can mean more walking if road access is limited.
• Gullfoss is a brief stop, not the day’s focus: You get a rest break there on the way to and from the highlands.
• Food is on your own: You can buy something at Gullfoss and the Highland Base, but bring snacks and water for the long outing.
• Weather and footing matter: Waterproof layers, warm clothes, gloves, and solid hiking boots are essential.

Leaving Reykjavík for the highlands

Pickup begins at 8 a.m. from a selected Reykjavík location. There are numerous pickup points around town, including the bus terminal, City Hall, several hotels, and Skarfabakki Harbour. Be ready at your chosen spot by 8. Depending on your location and traffic, the guide may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, so don’t plan a tight morning around the stated start time.

The first bus ride takes about 105 minutes. That is a substantial stretch before the day’s first stop, but it also gives you time to leave the city behind and get a sense of the scale of the journey. The route moves from paved roads toward highland mountain roads, with views of the stark, dark highlands and glacial waters along the way.

This is where the transport adds real value. Kerlingarfjöll lies in a remote part of Iceland, and the road conditions make it a poor match for a standard rental car. You can enjoy the route without taking on the driving yourself. Guides are also responsible for navigating the changing conditions. Past guides have included Isabella, Sven, Rebeka, Ronan, André, and Zack. The guide on your departure will vary, but the best accounts describe attentive drivers who share information and keep the group informed.

Free Wi-Fi is included on board, though I would treat it as a convenience rather than a reason to expect a nonstop connection in remote country. Bring something to drink, a snack, and an extra warm layer where you can reach them easily.

A quick pause at Gullfoss

The first stop is Gullfoss, with about 20 minutes to stretch your legs. It is a useful break before the longer drive, and you may have time to get a quick look at the waterfall or use the facilities. But this is not a full Gullfoss visit. The stop is short, and on the return journey you pause here again for another 20 minutes.

Food can be purchased at Gullfoss, but do not count on a leisurely meal. A short stop has to cover bathroom breaks, a snack, and any quick look at the falls. If you want to spend meaningful time at Gullfoss, this tour is not designed for that. Its purpose is to take you farther inland.

From here, the coach continues for about 80 minutes toward Kerlingarfjöll. The scenery changes as you travel deeper into the highlands, away from the familiar southern route. The journey is long, but it is also part of what makes the destination feel remote. You are not simply hopping between nearby attractions.

Highland Base: a practical pause

The Highland Base sits in Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll. The group has about 20 minutes here before continuing toward Hveradalir. It is a chance to stretch, buy snacks or lunch, and prepare for the walk. There is another 15-minute stop at the base after the hike, so you may have a second opportunity to get food or take a break.

These pauses are useful, but they are not a substitute for carrying your own supplies. A 13-hour day with a hike can make a small snack feel small indeed. Bring water and enough food to keep you going, especially if you have dietary needs or prefer not to rely on what is available to buy.

The base also marks a shift in the day. You have reached the highland setting that the tour is built around, but the most memorable part is still ahead. From here, it is about 15 minutes by coach to the geothermal area.

Hveradalir: steam, color, and careful footing

Hveradalir means Valley of the Hot Springs, and the name fits. This is the day’s centerpiece: a geothermal valley surrounded by the rhyolite mountains of Kerlingarfjöll. The combination of steaming ground, colorful rock, snow or muddy trails, and wide mountain views gives the area a striking, otherworldly feel.

You spend about two hours here on a guided visit that includes walking and hiking. The length is approximate, not a promise of a fixed route. The guide adapts the hike to trail conditions and weather. One early-season trip had enough snow and road trouble to require an extra walk to reach the intended starting point. That meant more hiking than planned, and snow partly hid the mountain colors. On another day, strong wind, driving rain, and fog made the visit tougher, though the valley remained worth seeing.

Take the trail seriously even if the walk is described as manageable. One hiker found it more challenging than expected, particularly in snowy conditions. Mud is also a practical concern. Good hiking boots matter, and waterproof trousers and a jacket are much more useful here than city rainwear. Wear warm layers, gloves, and a hat, and carry a water bottle.

The geothermal features are not all safe to approach. Some hot springs are powerful and should be admired from a safe distance. Stay with your guide and follow instructions, especially where steam or wet ground makes it hard to judge what lies beneath your feet. The appeal is seeing an active geothermal area up close, not testing its limits.

The guide is an important part of the experience here. You are not just being dropped at a viewpoint; you are walking through a place where conditions can shift and where a guide can help you understand what you are seeing and how to move safely. Good guides have been described as friendly, informative, patient, and careful with the group. The hike is not a race, and different fitness levels should not mean everyone is rushed.

Still, this is not a good choice for everyone. The tour is unsuitable for people with mobility impairments or low fitness, and children must be at least 10 years old. If uneven ground, slippery mud, or a weather-exposed two-hour walk would make the day unpleasant, choose a less demanding outing.

The return journey and the shape of the day

After the hike, the coach returns to the Highland Base for a 15-minute break, then heads back toward Gullfoss for another 20-minute pause. The final ride to Reykjavík takes about 105 minutes. Add the morning drive, stops, and time in the geothermal area, and the day comes to about 13 hours.

That is a lot of sitting around a two-hour hike. It is also the price of reaching the highlands on a day trip from Reykjavík. If you want a short excursion with lots of time to wander at each stop, this is not it. If you want to see a remote mountain area without arranging your own highland transport, the long ride is part of the bargain.

A practical note: check your pickup location before travel. You are responsible for updating it at least 48 hours in advance if it changes. The tour offers round-trip transport and English-speaking guidance, while food and drinks are not included. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, and the reserve-now, pay-later option may help if your plans are still taking shape.

What the $214 fare gets you

At $214 per person, this is not a cheap bus outing. But the price covers round-trip transport from Reykjavík, a guide, and access to a highland destination that is difficult to reach in a standard car. The day also includes the Gullfoss breaks and a guided walk in Hveradalir. You avoid the work and risk of driving the mountain roads yourself, which is a meaningful part of the value.

The main limitation is that meals and drinks are extra, and there is no long lunch stop. Bring snacks rather than assuming you will have a full meal at a convenient time. You should also judge the price against the amount of time you want to spend hiking: if you are paying mainly for a long trek, the roughly two-hour walk may feel brief. If you value the full journey into the highlands, the drive and destination together make more sense.

Weather is a key part of that calculation. On a clear day, the colorful mountains and open views can be the highlight of a trip to Iceland. In poor conditions, fog can conceal distant views, and wind or rain can make the walk tiring. There is no way to guarantee the weather, so book this for the experience of reaching the highlands, not for a perfect photograph.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this tour if you want to see Iceland beyond the easy-to-reach stops and are comfortable spending a full day on the road. It suits active visitors who can handle uneven, possibly muddy trails and who are curious about geothermal features as well as mountain views. It is particularly useful if you do not want to drive highland roads yourself.

It may not suit you if you want a relaxed day, a long hike, or a lot of time at Gullfoss. It is also a poor fit if you are sensitive to bad weather or need a predictable trail surface. The route and hike depend on conditions, and early-season snow can alter both access and the appearance of the mountains.

Go prepared and the day has a lot to offer: a remote highland drive, a guided walk through Hveradalir, and the chance to see a wilder side of Iceland than the usual roadside stops. Just keep your expectations realistic. The scenery is the reward; the journey takes time, and the weather makes the rules.

Should you book the Kerlingarfjöll day tour?

Book it if reaching the central highlands is high on your list, you are fit enough for a two-hour hike, and you are happy to trade a long day for a rare look at Hveradalir. The combination of highland access and a guided geothermal walk is the strongest reason to go.

Skip it if you need a short, easy outing or want guaranteed sunshine, dry trails, and an unhurried lunch. Pack waterproof hiking clothes, sturdy boots, snacks, and water, then let the conditions shape the day. For the right person, this is one of Iceland’s more distinctive day trips from Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Kerlingarfjöll tour?

The full tour lasts about 13 hours, including transport from Reykjavík, stops at Gullfoss and the Highland Base, and the hike at Hveradalir.

How long is the hike?

The hike is typically about two hours. Its duration and route depend on trail and weather conditions, and extra walking may be needed if road access is limited.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from selected locations around Reykjavík, including hotels, bus stops, the bus terminal, and Skarfabakki Harbour. Be ready at your selected location by 8 a.m.; the guide may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, depending on traffic and location.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food at Gullfoss and the Highland Base, but the stops are short, so bringing snacks is sensible.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, sturdy hiking boots, hiking trousers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a water bottle, and snacks. A camera is also listed as a useful item.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. The minimum age is 10, and children under 10 are not suitable for this tour.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility or low fitness?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments or a low level of fitness. The hike can be challenging in snow, mud, wind, or rain.