From Reykjavik: Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Day Tour

Raw Iceland is waiting inland. This 13-hour trip from Reykjavík reaches Kerlingarfjöll, a remote volcanic range of steaming valleys, snowy slopes, glacial rivers, and colorful rhyolite peaks that most visitors cannot reach in an ordinary rental car. I especially like the chance to hike in Hveradalir with an experienced guide and the convenience of round-trip transport. The main drawback is the long day, with many hours spent riding rough highland roads.

The itinerary also includes Gullfoss, useful food stops, and free Wi-Fi on the vehicle. Guides such as Isabella, Sven, Ronan, André, and Zack have been praised for safe driving, humor, patience, and clear explanations. Still, you should pack a real lunch, not just snacks, and expect wind, mud, rain, fog, or snow even in summer.

Key points before you book

• Hveradalir is the main event: Spend about two hours walking among steaming vents, hot springs, and brightly colored mountain slopes.
• The highland road is part of the adventure: The route leaves the pavement and follows rugged F-roads into central Iceland.
• Gullfoss adds a familiar landmark: You get a 20-minute break at the waterfall on the way in and again on the return.
• Weather can change the hike: Snow, horizontal rain, fog, mud, and strong wind have all affected past departures.
• The tour suits fit hikers aged 10 and older: It is not suitable for people with mobility limitations or a low level of fitness.
• Food is not included: You can buy something at Gullfoss and Highland Base, but the short stops make your own snacks and water important.

Why Kerlingarfjöll feels so different

Iceland’s famous sightseeing route is easy to reach. Kerlingarfjöll is not. This mountain range sits in the central highlands, far from the main towns and paved roads, in a rough volcanic region shaped by ice, heat, and weather.

The reward is a setting that feels almost unreal. The mountains are made of colorful rhyolite, with shades that can appear red, orange, yellow, brown, and pale gray. Steam rises from the ground in Hveradalir, while snow may cling to higher slopes and glacial rivers cut through the wider highland desert.

You are not simply stopping at a viewpoint. You walk into a geothermal valley and see the hot ground up close, though some springs and vents are powerful enough that you must admire them from a safe distance. That mix of beauty and danger is part of the appeal.

I like this trip because it gives you access to a place that requires serious planning to visit independently. You need a suitable vehicle for highland roads, confidence on rough terrain, and a careful eye on weather and road conditions. The tour takes care of the driving while giving you time to walk.

The 8 a.m. pickup from Reykjavík

Pickup begins at 8 a.m. from selected locations around Reykjavík. These include central bus stops, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, several hotels, the Maritime Museum, Skarfabakki Harbour, and other listed accommodations.

You should be at your assigned point by 8 a.m. The vehicle may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, depending on traffic and your location. That means you should not wander off if the vehicle is not there exactly on the dot.

Pickup can be the least polished part of the day. One person found the meeting point confusing, although the issue was resolved. You are responsible for updating your pickup location at least 48 hours before departure, so check this carefully when booking.

Once everyone is aboard, you have about 105 minutes of driving before the first stop. Free Wi-Fi is included, but you will want to spend some of that time watching Iceland pass by rather than staring at your phone.

Gullfoss gives you a short first break

The first stop is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. You get about 20 minutes here before continuing toward the highlands.

This is a practical stop rather than the main purpose of the tour. You can stretch your legs, use facilities, take a quick look at the falls, and possibly buy food. The stop helps break up the first long ride, but 20 minutes is not enough for a leisurely visit.

You return to Gullfoss for another 20-minute break on the way back to Reykjavík. That second stop may be useful for food or another quick look, but do not depend on it as your main meal break. A short stop can disappear quickly when you need the restroom and have to walk to the viewpoint.

The road into Iceland’s central highlands

After Gullfoss, the character of the day changes. The paved road gives way to rough mountain roads, with about 80 minutes of driving before Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll.

This stretch is a major part of the outing. You cross a broad, black highland desert and may see glacial lagoons and distant snowy fields along the way. The scenery becomes more open and spare, with fewer signs of roads, buildings, or ordinary Icelandic life.

The ride can be jolting. One past rider described the trip as worth every bump on the F-roads, but that is also a fair warning. If you get carsick, sit where you can see ahead, keep water nearby, and bring whatever remedy normally helps you.

The driver matters here. Reaching Kerlingarfjöll involves more than simply following a smooth highway, and several guides have earned praise for careful driving. Isabella was singled out for handling the route while keeping the group informed and comfortable. André was also praised for getting everyone safely to base camp and sharing useful information along the way.

Highland Base is your practical pause

Highland Base sits in the Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll. The vehicle stops here for about 20 minutes before the hike, giving you time to stretch, buy food, and prepare your clothing.

This is your best chance to purchase lunch before walking. Food and drinks are not included in the tour, so I would still bring snacks and a filled water bottle. The later stop at Highland Base lasts about 15 minutes, which is enough for a short pause but not a relaxed meal.

Use this stop to check your boots, fasten your waterproof layers, and make sure your gloves and hat are easy to reach. In Iceland, the weather you felt in Reykjavík may have little connection to what waits in the mountains.

A sunny morning does not guarantee a dry hike. Past departures have dealt with strong wind, heavy rain, fog, snow, and muddy trails. Good footwear is not a minor detail here. One person specifically noted that the area can be quite muddy, while another found that early-season snow made the hike more demanding.

Two hours in Hveradalir’s geothermal valley

From Highland Base, it is about 15 minutes by vehicle to Hveradalir. This is the heart of the tour.

Hveradalir means Valley of the Hot Springs, and the name fits. You walk through one of Iceland’s large geothermal areas, surrounded by the colorful peaks of the Kerlingarfjöll range. Steam escapes from the ground, hot springs bubble and flow, and the air may carry the faint sulfur smell associated with geothermal areas.

The route normally allows about two hours of hiking. That is long enough to get beyond the first viewpoint and see the valley from different angles, but it is not a full-day mountain trek. The precise route and walking time depend on trail and weather conditions.

The word moderate should not make you careless. One departure involved an extra walk because snow and road conditions prevented the vehicle from reaching the intended starting point. Another early-season outing had substantial snow cover. You may find the walk manageable, but uneven ground, mud, slopes, wind, and wet conditions can make it tiring.

The guide sets the pace for the group. This is useful if your party has mixed abilities. A past group included people with different fitness levels, and nobody was rushed. That is an important advantage over trying to force your own pace on unfamiliar geothermal ground.

The best part of the walk is the changing view. One moment you are focused on a steaming vent. Then the path opens toward layered mountains, snowy ridges, and a wide highland valley. The colors can be softer when snow remains, but the snow itself adds contrast and gives the area a more stark, wintry look.

Stay close to the guide around hot springs. Some vents are safe to view only from a distance. The ground around geothermal features can be unstable or dangerously hot, so this is not a place for casual wandering off the trail.

Weather is not a side issue

The weather can decide what you see. A warm, clear day may reveal the full color of the mountains and distant peaks. Wind, rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and make the walk harder.

That does not mean poor weather ruins the trip. One group faced heavy wind, horizontal rain, and fog and still found the valley beautiful. But you should book this outing because you accept change, not because you expect postcard conditions.

The safest approach is to dress for several seasons at once:

• Warm layers
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Hiking trousers
• Gloves and a hat
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Water and snacks

A camera is worth bringing, but keep it protected from rain. Your hands may also get cold while taking photographs, so do not pack gloves you cannot work in.

The tour has a minimum age of 10. It is not suitable for children under 10, people with mobility impairments, or people with a low level of fitness. You do not need to be an expert mountaineer, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven outdoor trails for around two hours.

The guides add real value

The guide is more than a person who points toward the next turn. On a long day with many hours on the road, a good guide helps the journey feel purposeful.

Several guides have been praised for being warm, funny, patient, and attentive. Isabella was noted for her cheerful manner and care for the group. Sven was appreciated for his humor and facts about Iceland. Ronan was described as entertaining, while Zack was praised for patience and calm support during a difficult early-season hike.

Rebeka and a guide nicknamed AL also received strong praise for being approachable and helpful. These details matter because the tour depends heavily on the person behind the wheel and leading the walk.

The level of narration may vary. One person felt the guide could have spoken more during the drives, while others found the stories and explanations a highlight. I would treat the guiding as an important benefit, but not assume that every minute on the bus will be filled with commentary.

The long ride back to Reykjavík

After the hike, you return to Highland Base for about 15 minutes. This is a useful final chance to rest, use facilities, and buy something before the long drive back.

The route then includes roughly 80 minutes to Gullfoss, a 20-minute break, and another 105 minutes to Reykjavík. Evening arrival is expected, though the total day can be affected by weather, traffic, road conditions, and the pace of the group.

The ride home is when the length of the tour catches up with you. You may be muddy, tired, and ready for a proper meal. The vehicle’s Wi-Fi is helpful, but bring a book, downloaded music, or simply enjoy the quiet if the scenery remains visible.

There has also been at least one report of a vehicle breaking down on the return to Reykjavík. That appears to be an unusual problem rather than a normal feature of the tour, but it is worth remembering that remote highland travel can bring delays.

Is $214 a fair price?

At $214 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing day. The price includes round-trip transportation from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, and Wi-Fi on board. It does not include meals or drinks.

I think the cost is reasonable if you value access and simplicity. Reaching Kerlingarfjöll independently requires the right vehicle and careful attention to highland road conditions. You also avoid spending time planning the route, arranging a driver, and deciding where it is safe to walk around geothermal features.

The value is weaker if you dislike long drives or want a long, demanding hike. The main walking section is usually about two hours, while the whole day lasts 13 hours. You are paying for the remote setting and the transport as much as for the time spent on foot.

Who should book this day?

I would choose this trip if you want to see Iceland beyond the standard Golden Circle and do not plan to rent a highland-capable vehicle. It is especially good for photographers, hikers who want a manageable introduction to the central highlands, and anyone drawn to geothermal scenery rather than museums or city attractions.

You should think twice if you need a fixed schedule, dislike rough roads, or want guaranteed sunshine. Early June can still bring snow, and even mid-summer conditions can include wind, rain, mud, and fog.

The trip also suits people who appreciate a guide’s help with pace and safety. If your group has mixed hiking ability, the guided format may be more comfortable than attempting the area alone.

FAQ

How long is the Kerlingarfjöll tour from Reykjavík?

The tour lasts about 13 hours, with morning pickup beginning at 8 a.m. and arrival back in Reykjavík expected in the evening.

Is transportation from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from selected pickup points in Reykjavík is included, along with free Wi-Fi on board.

How long is the hike?

The hike typically lasts about two hours. The exact duration and route depend on trail and weather conditions.

Where does the hike take place?

The walk takes place in Hveradalir, a geothermal valley in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range.

Can I buy food during the tour?

Yes. You have opportunities to purchase food at Gullfoss and Highland Base. Food and drinks are not included, so you should also bring snacks and water.

What should I wear?

Bring warm outdoor clothing, hiking shoes or boots, hiking trousers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, and gloves. Mud, snow, wind, and rain are possible.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people with mobility impairments, or people with a low level of fitness.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Should you book the Kerlingarfjöll hike?

Book it if you want a rare look at Iceland’s central highlands without handling the difficult driving yourself. The two-hour walk through steaming Hveradalir, backed by colorful mountains and snow, is the clear payoff. Gullfoss is a useful bonus, and the guides can make the long road journey much more enjoyable.

Skip it if a 13-hour day sounds exhausting or if you want dependable trail conditions. Pack a proper lunch, wear serious waterproof footwear, and expect the weather to have the final word. For the right person, $214 buys access to one of Iceland’s most unusual mountain settings, not just another bus ride and a quick photograph.