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Travel from Reykjavík into Kerlingarfjöll’s otherworldly rhyolite peaks and steaming geothermal valleys on a full-day guided hike. Expect dramatic geology, short highland hikes (2–3 hours of walking) and wild, changeable weather—proper layers and good boots are essential.
Travel from Reykjavík into Kerlingarfjöll’s otherworldly rhyolite peaks and steaming geothermal valleys on a full-day guided hike. Expect dramatic geology, short highland hikes (2–3 hours of walking) and wild, changeable weather—proper layers and good boots are essential.
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Operated by Arctic Adventures · Kerlingarfjöll, Central Highlands
A cold wind pushes across a black-lava plain as the bus climbs away from Reykjavík and the skyline thins to open highland desert. By midmorning the mountains of Kerlingarfjöll rise in strange, warm colors—banded rhyolite interrupted by steam vents and braided glacial rivers. The air smells faintly of sulfur and the ground hisses where underground heat meets surface snow.
moderate.
11 hours total; ~2–3 hours hiking on-site.
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness—comfortable on uneven terrain, short steep sections and several hours on your feet
The roundtrip is about 11 hours total including transfers—expect roughly 3–4 hours each way depending on road conditions and stops.
No—most geothermal features in Hveradalir are too hot or unstable for bathing; follow guides and signage and use designated safe areas only.
Yes if you have basic fitness and good footwear; the guided tour handles navigation and most terrain, but there are uneven and exposed sections.
Summer (June–August) offers the most reliable access and daylight, but guided trips run in shoulder seasons when conditions permit—always check with the operator for closures.
Kerlingarfjöll’s landscape was shaped by Holocene volcanism; the highlands were historically used for seasonal sheep grazing and later scientific geothermal exploration.
Geothermal features are fragile—stay on marked routes, pack out waste and avoid disturbing native mosses and soils which recover slowly from trampling.
Arctic Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Arctic Adventures
Book directly with Arctic Adventures for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now