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Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Tour from Reykjavík

11.5 hoursGroup: Small group, about 19 guests at mostEasySmall-group minibusAge 10+June-September
5.0(6 reviews)

A Kerlingarfjöll hiking tour from Reykjavík into one of Iceland's most colourful highland areas. You hike through the geothermal Hveradalir valley among steaming vents and rhyolite mountains, with small-group minibus transport there and back.

Reykjavík pickupGullfoss café stopHighland Base, Ásgarður valleyHveradalir geothermal valley
  • Full-day trip into the Kerlingarfjöll highland range, only open in summer
  • An easy hike through Hveradalir, one of Iceland's largest active geothermal areas
  • Colourful rhyolite mountains and hot springs along the trail
  • Small-group minibus with an English-speaking guide
  • Stop at Gullfoss on the way in

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkMeet your guide at the pick-up point around 8:00 am.
2Gullfoss café stopGullfoss café stopA short break near Gullfoss waterfall on the way to the highlands.
Gullfoss café stopGullfoss café stopGullfoss café stop

A rest stop with coffee and toilets near Gullfoss waterfall, about 10:15 to 10:30, before continuing into the highlands. Gullfoss is a 32-metre, two-step waterfall on the Hvítá river. The stop is short.

Time here · short stop, around 10:15-10:30 am
Read our Gullfoss guide →
3Huts at the highland base in KerlingarfjöllHighland Base, Ásgarður valleyArrive at the base area in the Kerlingarfjöll range.
Huts at the highland base in Kerlingarfjöll

You arrive at the base area in the Kerlingarfjöll range, in the Ásgarður valley, where the hike begins. The range is only reachable in summer, once the mountain roads open.

4Steam rising along a rhyolite ridgeHveradalir geothermal valleyAn easy hike among hot springs and coloured rhyolite mountains.
Steam rising along a rhyolite ridgeHiker in the steam at HveradalirHiker on a path through the steaming valley

One of Iceland's largest active geothermal areas, with steaming vents and hot springs set among red, yellow and green rhyolite mountains. You walk an easy valley trail for about 2 hours. Weather can range from near freezing to 20°C, with possible snow.

Time here · about 2 hours of walkingWalking · easy valley trailWeather · can range from near freezing to 20°C, with possible snow
5Return to ReykjavíkDrive back to your pick-up point, arriving in the evening.

About the Kerlingarfjöll hiking tour

Kerlingarfjöll is a highland mountain range only reachable in summer, once the mountain roads open. This tour takes you there by minibus from Reykjavík, with a stop near Gullfoss on the way, then into the Ásgarður valley at the Highland Base.

From there you hike into Hveradalir, a geothermal valley with steaming vents, hot springs and rhyolite mountains in shades of red, yellow and green. The walking itself is easy and takes around two hours on a valley trail, but it is a long day overall because of the driving distance, so plan for roughly 11.5 hours door to door.

Weather in the highlands changes quickly even in summer, with temperatures that can range from near freezing to 20°C and occasional snow showers. Your guide adjusts the route and hiking time on the day depending on conditions, so the exact trail can vary.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers rental
  • Hiking boot rental
  • Hiking pole rental

Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Minibus transport
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Personal hiking gear

What to bring

  • Warm, windproof and waterproof outer layers
  • Hiking shoes
  • Thermal underwear
  • Hat and gloves
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Camera

Good to know

  • Runs June to September only, when highland roads are open
  • Full day, around 11.5 hours including driving
  • Minimum age 10
  • Weather is unpredictable even in summer; the exact route can change on the day
  • Small groups, maximum around 19 guests per guide

Questions people ask

How fit do I need to be?

The hike itself is easy, on a valley trail, but it is a long day overall with a lot of driving.

What is the weather like in the highlands?

It changes fast. Expect anywhere from near freezing to about 20°C, and pack for rain, wind and possibly snow even in summer.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, children need to be at least 10 years old.

Does the tour run in winter?

No, it only runs from June to September, when the highland roads to Kerlingarfjöll are open.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 6 reviews
5 stars6
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Great hiking tour

We had an amazing time on this hiking tour. Great route and beautiful surroundings. The group was not big and the guide was great.

Henriette · February 2026
Unforgettable day

My partner and I were a bit nervous about weather & logistics, but the tour delivered. The landscapes are dramatic—hot springs, steam, jagged peaks, rivers. Felt safe even when wind picked up, because guide constantly checked everyone. It gets cold, even in good weather, so layers are must. The trip back is tiring but seeing the sun set over the mountains made it unforgettable.

Lucia P.
Extremely rewarding

Kerlingarfjoll hiking day tour was more than I expected. We saw snow even though it was early summer, which was unexpected and cool. The trail was slippery in spots but guide had spares for people. Lunch break was nice; nice to sit, soak in view. Transport back was long but guides kept it interesting with stops and facts. Would do again.

Mark N.
Felt like another planet

Did this tour with a friend. We were picked up early, long drive, but every minute was worth it. The view walking up through the geothermal fields with steam rising everywhere felt like being on another planet. The group size was good—not too big. Guide shared stories of geology & local folklore, which made it more than just a hike. Bring snacks. My phone battery died from taking too many photos

Olga T.
Completely remote and beautiful

One of the best days we spent in Iceland. Kerlingarfjoll is wild, beautiful, remote in a way that feels adventurous. The hike was challenging in places (wind, uneven ground), but our guide was knowledgeable and caring. I loved the geothermal valley especially the colors. Make sure you dress warm and bring layers. A long day but totally worth it.

Javier
Stunning hike

I did the Kerlingarfjoll hiking tour last month and wow—just wow. The landscapes are insane: rhyolite slopes, steaming vents, icy patches, all of it. Our guide was super helpful, kept the pace comfortable, and stopped often so folks could catch up or take pics. The only downside was the muddy bits (bring waterproof boots!), but honestly the messy parts made it more real. Would definitely recommend.

Sarah M.
From25,990 ISKPer person

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