THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A compact two-day escape into Hengill’s geothermal heart: soak in Reykjadalur’s warm streams, cross rivers and lava fields in a 4x4, tour Hellisheiði power plant, then sleep in a simple mountain hut under wide Icelandic skies. Ideal for travelers who want raw landscape and human-scale comforts in one trip.
A compact two-day escape into Hengill’s geothermal heart: soak in Reykjadalur’s warm streams, cross rivers and lava fields in a 4x4, tour Hellisheiði power plant, then sleep in a simple mountain hut under wide Icelandic skies. Ideal for travelers who want raw landscape and human-scale comforts in one trip.
The engine coughs, then settles—low and steady—while steam coils from a patch of ground like breath in the cold. You step out and the air is scattered with the metallic tang of sulfur; beneath your boots the earth is warm, and a distant river dares you to follow it. This is Hengill country: a braided landscape of black lava, mineral-streaked hills, and geothermal fissures just a short run from Reykjavik. Over two days the trip folds from short, easy hikes to bolder off-road driving, capped by a night in a remote mountain hut where the wind and stars keep the schedule.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Backroads Iceland · Reykjavik, Capital Region
The engine coughs, then settles—low and steady—while steam coils from a patch of ground like breath in the cold. You step out and the air is scattered with the metallic tang of sulfur; beneath your boots the earth is warm, and a distant river dares you to follow it. This is Hengill country: a braided landscape of black lava, mineral-streaked hills, and geothermal fissures just a short run from Reykjavik. Over two days the trip folds from short, easy hikes to bolder off-road driving, capped by a night in a remote mountain hut where the wind and stars keep the schedule.
The loop begins with Reykjadalur’s famous hot springs. A 20–30 minute walk along a steam-threaded trail drops you into a valley threaded with thermal streams—simple, accessible immersion in Iceland’s geothermal life. The second act is hands-on: modified Land Rovers pick their way across gravel fans and shallow fords, tires hissing on wet lava rock as drivers thread backroads rarely seen by tourists. The route takes you through the Hengill massif, a volcanic “hot spot” that shapes the region—rhyolite slopes, bubbling mud pots, and fields of black glassy lava that still smell faintly of iron.
On day two you’ll visit Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, one of the largest single-site geothermal facilities in the world. The contrast is instructive: raw steam vents, then human ingenuity harnessing that same heat for electricity. The mountain hut stay is simple and characterful—firelit meals (Icelandic lamb or burgers, with vegan options), thin mattresses, and a quiet that makes you appreciate the proximity to the capital in a new way.
Geology here is immediate. Hengill’s fissures are active, its geothermal gradients obvious in the colors and the steam. Culturally, the area supplied energy and inspiration: the power station nearby is a hub for Iceland’s renewable ambitions, while local farming and hot-spring bathing have shaped human use of the landscape for centuries.
Practicalities: the itinerary is designed for all fitness levels but expects basic mobility—short hikes, getting into and out of 4x4s, and one night in a rustic hut. Weather changes quickly; layers and waterproofs are non-negotiable. Respect thermal pools—test temperature before entering and avoid fragile moss and marked-off areas. The trip runs year-round; winter brings low light and the chance of auroras, summer offers long evenings and easier trails.
For travelers who want an immediate taste of Iceland’s elemental forces without a multi-day expedition, this blend of off-road adrenaline, geothermal soak, and hut comfort is a compact, memorable way to experience how geology, energy, and simple hospitality meet on the island’s edge.
moderate.
2 days (approx. 48 hours).
Light to moderate fitness; able to manage short hikes and mount/exit 4x4 vehicles.
The trail is short—about 20–30 minutes each way—and moderately easy; trail surfaces can be muddy or steamy, so basic hiking shoes are recommended.
The itinerary provides a private hut stay for your group or booking, but facilities are rustic—expect shared common areas and simple sleeping arrangements.
Only use designated bathing spots in Reykjadalur; test water temperature first and avoid fragile or fumarole-adjacent pools.
Children who can safely handle short hikes are welcome; service animals are allowed but check with the operator about hut rules beforehand.
No—drivers are provided and vehicle handling is the guide’s responsibility; passengers should be prepared for bumpy, wet rides.
The tour operator may cancel for safety; full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours prior as per policy.
Hengill’s geothermal fields have long supported local bathing and, more recently, large-scale geothermal energy production centered at Hellisheiði—part of Iceland’s push toward renewable electricity.
Trails and hut areas are managed to protect fragile volcanic moss and geothermal features; visitors should avoid off-trail walking and pack out all waste.
Backroads Iceland operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The engine coughs, then settles—low and steady—while steam coils from a patch of ground like breath in the cold. You step out and the air is scattered with the metallic tang of sulfur; beneath your boots the earth is warm, and a distant river dares you to follow it. This is Hengill country: a braided landscape of black lava, mineral-streaked hills, and geothermal fissures just a short run from Reykjavik. Over two days the trip folds from short, easy hikes to bolder off-road driving, capped by a night in a remote mountain hut where the wind and stars keep the schedule.
The engine coughs, then settles—low and steady—while steam coils from a patch of ground like breath in the cold. You step out and the air is scattered with the metallic tang of sulfur; beneath your boots the earth is warm, and a distant river dares you to follow it. This is Hengill country: a braided landscape of black lava, mineral-streaked hills, and geothermal fissures just a short run from Reykjavik. Over two days the trip folds from short, easy hikes to bolder off-road driving, capped by a night in a remote mountain hut where the wind and stars keep the schedule.
The loop begins with Reykjadalur’s famous hot springs. A 20–30 minute walk along a steam-threaded trail drops you into a valley threaded with thermal streams—simple, accessible immersion in Iceland’s geothermal life. The second act is hands-on: modified Land Rovers pick their way across gravel fans and shallow fords, tires hissing on wet lava rock as drivers thread backroads rarely seen by tourists. The route takes you through the Hengill massif, a volcanic “hot spot” that shapes the region—rhyolite slopes, bubbling mud pots, and fields of black glassy lava that still smell faintly of iron.
On day two you’ll visit Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, one of the largest single-site geothermal facilities in the world. The contrast is instructive: raw steam vents, then human ingenuity harnessing that same heat for electricity. The mountain hut stay is simple and characterful—firelit meals (Icelandic lamb or burgers, with vegan options), thin mattresses, and a quiet that makes you appreciate the proximity to the capital in a new way.
Geology here is immediate. Hengill’s fissures are active, its geothermal gradients obvious in the colors and the steam. Culturally, the area supplied energy and inspiration: the power station nearby is a hub for Iceland’s renewable ambitions, while local farming and hot-spring bathing have shaped human use of the landscape for centuries.
Practicalities: the itinerary is designed for all fitness levels but expects basic mobility—short hikes, getting into and out of 4x4s, and one night in a rustic hut. Weather changes quickly; layers and waterproofs are non-negotiable. Respect thermal pools—test temperature before entering and avoid fragile moss and marked-off areas. The trip runs year-round; winter brings low light and the chance of auroras, summer offers long evenings and easier trails.
For travelers who want an immediate taste of Iceland’s elemental forces without a multi-day expedition, this blend of off-road adrenaline, geothermal soak, and hut comfort is a compact, memorable way to experience how geology, energy, and simple hospitality meet on the island’s edge.