Reykjavik , Iceland

Kerlingarfjöll Day Hike from Reykjavik

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(5 reviews)

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an extraordinary day tour into the secluded mountain range nestled deep within Iceland’s highlands. Trek through geothermal valleys, snowy fields, glacial rivers, and take in incredible panoramic vistas. Kerlingarfjöll, a pristine wilderness located in central Iceland, boasts steaming hot springs, majestic rhyolite mountains capped with ice, and gushing glacial rivers. Discover all this and more on a thrilling hiking day tour through the breathtaking Icelandic highlands!

Available options

Kerlingarfjöll Day Hike from Reykjavik

Pickup included

What's included

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Guided Hiking Experience

Sightseeing

Detailed itinerary

Our adventure begins with an 8 a.m. pick-up from Reykjavik at your chosen location from our pick-up list. Once everyone is on board, we'll depart the city and head towards the remote Icelandic highlands.

Our destination is Kerlingarfjöll, a volcanic mountain range in central Iceland, known for its steaming geothermal valleys, rushing glacial rivers, and breathtaking panoramic views.

We’ll make a quick rest stop at Gullfoss before transitioning from paved roads to highland mountain roads. Along the way, you'll be treated to views of the vast black highland desert and glacial lagoons, eventually arriving at the mountainous oasis of Kerlingarfjöll.

Our first stop in this region will be The Highland Base, located in the Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll, where we can stretch our legs.

The highlight of Kerlingarfjöll is the Hveradalir valley, a stunning and iconic landscape. Hveradalir, meaning ‘the Valley of the Hot Springs,’ is one of the largest geothermal valleys in Iceland. The site is surrounded by the colorful rhyolite mountains of the Kerlingarfjöll range, offering spectacular surroundings and excellent hiking opportunities. Some hot springs here are so powerful that they should only be admired from a safe distance.

Please note that the duration of the hike depends on the trail and weather conditions but we aim to hike for around 2 hours.

After we've spent some time exploring the area and enjoying the geothermal wonders of Kerlingarfjöll, we'll head back to Reykjavík for an evening arrival.

What's not included

Bottled water

Lunch

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Duration of the tour is 11 hours including travel time

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and unique Icelandic charm. It offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient geothermal wonders, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic church is a landmark of Reykjavik, known for its distinctive architecture and towering spire. It offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1000 for the tower)

Harpa Concert Hall

A stunning modern concert hall with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of performances and events.

Architecture/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to enter, performance tickets vary

Blue Lagoon

A geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nature/Relaxation Half a day Expensive (ISK 49,900 and up)

Reykjavik Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international art. It's housed in a striking building with a glass facade.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1400)

Perlan Museum

A unique museum located in a glass dome that offers a variety of exhibits, including a glacier exhibit and a planetarium.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (ISK 3,990 and up)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed potatoes, white fish, onions, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional Icelandic delicacy known for its strong smell and taste.

Snack Contains fish

Skyr

A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Rúgbrauð

A dense, dark rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

Bread Vegan

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking and ice climbing Whale watching Snowmobiling on a glacier Caving and lava tunnel exploration Visiting geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Enjoying a traditional Icelandic massage or spa treatment Taking a leisurely walk around Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F) 46°F to 55°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Iceland is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and only use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas
• Research tour operators and rental companies before booking to ensure they are reputable and legitimate

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavik

By bus

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bustravel, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Reykjavik Hlemmur Vesturbær

Day trips

Golden Circle

230 km (143 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day

A popular day trip route that includes three of Iceland's most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast

150-200 km (93-124 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic drive along Iceland's south coast, offering a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

240 km (149 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic peninsula known as 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and beaches.

Festivals

Reykjavik Arts Festival • Late May to early June Iceland Airwaves • Early November Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience
Explore Reykjavik's street art and murals, which can be found throughout the city
Take a day trip to the Golden Circle or another nearby attraction for a taste of Iceland's natural wonders
Try traditional Icelandic food, such as lamb soup, fish stew, and fermented shark
Visit a local brewery or distillery and sample Icelandic craft beer or spirits