From Reykjavik: Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Day Tour

Come for the colors, stay for the wild roads. This 13-hour trip takes you far beyond Reykjavík and the usual Golden Circle stops, into Iceland’s remote central highlands, where steaming earth, snowfields, glacial rivers, and rust-colored mountains meet. I especially like the Hveradalir geothermal valley, one of Iceland’s most striking hiking areas, and the fact that round-trip transport lets you reach Kerlingarfjöll without renting a high-clearance vehicle.

The guides are another strong point. Isabella, Sven, Ronan, André, Zack, Rebeka, and a guide called AL have all earned praise for safe driving, good humor, useful explanations, and careful support on the trail. The main drawback is the long day: you spend many hours on rough highland roads, and the hike can become harder in snow, mud, wind, fog, or rain. Bring serious outdoor clothing and sturdy boots, not city sneakers.

What makes this highland day special

• Hveradalir’s steaming valleys: Walk among hot springs, colorful rhyolite mountains, mud, snow, and volcanic ridges.
• A rare look at central Iceland: The route reaches an area that ordinary rental cars cannot easily access.
• Gullfoss before and after the hike: The famous waterfall provides a familiar Iceland stop at both ends of the day.
• About two hours on foot: The hike gives you time to explore without turning the outing into a full-day trek.
• Guided access to rough roads: An experienced driver handles the highland route, including changing road and weather conditions.
• Flexible booking terms: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

Why Kerlingarfjöll is worth the long ride

Kerlingarfjöll is a volcanic mountain range in central Iceland. It feels far removed from Reykjavík, even though you can reach it on a single organized day trip. The reward is a raw, open setting shaped by heat, ice, water, and wind.

The area is known for its rhyolite mountains, whose mineral colors can shift from ochre and orange to red, gray, and pale yellow. Snow may cover some of those shades early in the season, while later summer conditions can reveal more of the mountain colors. The highlands also bring broad black deserts, glacial rivers, snowy fields, and mountain views that feel much less polished than Iceland’s roadside attractions.

I like this trip because it reaches a part of Iceland that is difficult to visit independently. Highland roads can be rough, weather can change quickly, and access may depend on conditions. By taking a guided vehicle, you avoid the cost and worry of arranging a suitable car, checking every road condition yourself, and handling the drive after a demanding hike.

There is a tradeoff. This is not an efficient sightseeing day. You will spend roughly three hours and 30 minutes on the road each way, broken up by stops. The journey is part of the experience, but anyone who dislikes bumpy rides or long transfers should think carefully before booking.

The 8 a.m. Reykjavík pickup

Pickup begins at 8 a.m. from selected hotels, hostels, bus stops, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, and other central locations. You need to be ready at your chosen stop by that time. Depending on your pickup point and traffic, the vehicle can take up to 30 minutes to arrive.

This system is practical, but it can feel a little confusing if you are not used to Reykjavík’s designated pickup points. Check your location carefully and update it at least 48 hours before departure if your plans change. The available stops include City Hall, Bus Stop 6 near the Culture House, Miðbakki, the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, Grand Hotel Reykjavík, Hotel Cabin, and several hostels and hotels.

The vehicle includes free Wi-Fi, which is useful during the long journey. Do not count on the ride as downtime for sleeping in comfort, though. The route eventually leaves paved roads for rough mountain roads, and some sections can be jarring. That is exactly why having an experienced driver matters.

Gullfoss gives the day an easy opening

The first scheduled stop is Gullfoss, about 105 minutes from Reykjavík. You get around 20 minutes here, enough for a restroom break and a quick look at the waterfall.

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s major natural sights, so this stop gives you a familiar landmark before the day turns toward the highlands. The pause also breaks up the first stretch of driving. Food may be available here, but the stop is short. If you need a proper breakfast or lunch, do not assume you will have plenty of time to shop.

The route continues for about 80 minutes after Gullfoss. The scenery changes as the paved road gives way to highland tracks. You may see a broad black desert, glacial water, and open spaces with very few signs of settlement. The drive can be as memorable as the destination, but it is not smooth sightseeing from a coach window.

Highland Base at Ásgarður Valley

Highland Base sits in the Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll. The group stops here for about 20 minutes on the way in, giving you time to stretch your legs and buy food or snacks.

This is your most reliable chance to purchase something before the hike. Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead. A water bottle and snacks are specifically recommended, and it is wise to carry anything you will want during the two-hour walk.

The short stop also helps you shift from road travel to hiking mode. Use it to adjust layers, check your footwear, and make sure rain gear is easy to reach. In Iceland, blue sky at the base does not guarantee calm conditions higher up.

After another 15-minute drive, you reach Hveradalir.

Two hours in the Hveradalir geothermal valley

Hveradalir means Valley of the Hot Springs, and the name tells you what makes this place special. It is one of Iceland’s largest geothermal valleys, surrounded by the colorful rhyolite peaks of Kerlingarfjöll.

You will see steaming ground, hot springs, and powerful geothermal features. Some springs are dangerous and must be viewed from a safe distance. Follow the guide closely, stay on the route being used by the group, and do not treat the warm-looking ground as harmless.

The planned hike lasts about two hours, though the exact length depends on the trail and weather. That flexibility is important. Snow, fog, heavy rain, wind, or muddy ground can change the pace and the route. One early-season outing required an extra walk because snow made the intended road inaccessible. The added distance pleased some hikers, but it made the day tougher.

The hiking level is described as moderate, but that word needs context. This is not a gentle city stroll. You should be comfortable walking over uneven, muddy, snowy, or wet ground for an extended period. The hike may feel challenging in poor weather, especially with strong wind or horizontal rain.

The payoff is substantial. Hveradalir gives you the kind of scenery that makes a short hike feel worthwhile: steaming gullies, bright mineral colors, snow patches, sharp mountain shapes, and open views across the highlands. Even in bad weather, the setting can feel powerful. In fog and rain, the valley becomes moody and stark. In clear weather, the colors and distant peaks are easier to appreciate.

The guide’s role is important here. Previous departures have praised guides such as Sven for friendly explanations, Isabella for looking after the group, and Zack for patience during difficult early-season conditions. Some guides also leave you a little time to walk independently, while keeping the main route organized.

The return stop and the long ride home

After Hveradalir, the vehicle returns to Highland Base for about 15 minutes. This is another chance to buy food, use facilities if available, and dry out or rearrange your clothing before the ride back.

The return journey includes another 80-minute drive to Gullfoss, followed by a 20-minute break. Seeing the waterfall again may feel repetitive, but the stop breaks up a very long ride and gives you one more chance for refreshments and a restroom.

The final drive to Reykjavík takes about 105 minutes. Evening arrival is expected, though exact timing can depend on road conditions, traffic, weather, and any unexpected delays. One reported return journey was disrupted by a vehicle breakdown, a reminder that remote highland travel carries more practical risk than a short city excursion.

The vehicle includes Wi-Fi, but bring patience. This is a full day from early morning into the evening, and the last stretch can feel long after hiking.

Weather, boots, and what to pack

The most important preparation is clothing. Kerlingarfjöll can be cold, windy, wet, snowy, muddy, or foggy even in summer. You should bring:

• Warm layers
• A waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
• Hiking shoes or boots with good grip
• Hiking trousers
• A hat and gloves
• A water bottle
• Snacks
• A camera

Do not rely on ordinary trainers. Mud was a specific issue on one summer departure, while another early-season trip had substantial snow. Good boots protect your feet and make uneven ground less tiring.

Layering matters more than bringing one very heavy coat. You may warm up while walking, then cool down quickly when the wind rises or the group pauses. Keep waterproof gear accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your bag.

Weather can also affect how much you see. If you want the best chance of seeing the mountain colors clearly, later in the summer may offer better conditions than early June, when snow can still cover parts of the valley. That is not a guarantee. Iceland’s weather remains unpredictable, and even August can bring heavy wind, rain, and fog.

Price and overall value at $214

At $214 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing outing. Still, the price covers a difficult-to-reach part of Iceland, round-trip transport from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, and the driving required to reach the highlands.

The value is strongest if you do not want to rent a suitable vehicle or manage highland roads yourself. It also makes sense if you have only one day available and want a guided introduction to Kerlingarfjöll rather than arranging an overnight stay.

The value is weaker if you want a long hike or plenty of free time. The day includes around seven hours of transport, two short Highland Base stops, two Gullfoss breaks, and roughly two hours of hiking. You are paying for access and transport as much as for time on the trail.

Food is not included, so add that cost to your budget. You can buy food at Gullfoss and Highland Base, but the Gullfoss breaks are short. Bringing snacks from Reykjavík gives you more control.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to fit hikers aged 10 and older who want a taste of Iceland’s central highlands without driving there themselves. It suits people who value unusual scenery, guided access, and a well-organized route more than a relaxed schedule.

It is also a good match for photographers and geology fans. The geothermal activity, mineral colors, snow, glacial water, and changing weather create plenty to look at. You should be ready for the possibility that the weather will hide some views, though.

I would not choose it for young children, anyone with limited mobility, or anyone with a low level of fitness. The activity is not suitable for people who cannot manage uneven ground and changing conditions. It is also a poor fit if you dislike long vehicle rides or need guaranteed weather.

The guides receive some of the strongest praise connected with the trip. Isabella was singled out for cheerful commentary and careful driving, while André, Ronan, Sven, Rebeka, AL, and Zack were also praised for friendliness, humor, patience, safety, and support. That matters on a route where the driver is handling rough roads and the guide is adjusting the walk to the group.

My verdict on Kerlingarfjöll

Book this tour if you want to reach one of Iceland’s most unusual mountain areas and accept the long ride needed to get there. The geothermal valley is the clear prize, and the combination of hot springs, colorful mountains, snow, and glacial water is hard to match near Reykjavík.

Skip it if you want a short, easy day or if your Iceland trip already includes several long bus excursions. The conditions can be rough, the hike can exceed expectations in difficulty, and food breaks are limited.

For the right person, $214 buys something more valuable than a standard sightseeing loop: access to a remote highland setting without the burden of driving there yourself. Pack properly, bring snacks, expect weather, and judge the day by the quality of the scenery rather than the number of hours spent walking.

FAQ

How long is the Kerlingarfjöll hiking tour?

The tour lasts about 13 hours, including transport from Reykjavík, stops at Gullfoss and Highland Base, and about two hours of hiking in Hveradalir.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup begins at 8 a.m. from your selected location in Reykjavík. You should be ready at the designated stop by that time.

Is transportation included?

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

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have opportunities to buy food at Gullfoss and Highland Base, but you should also bring snacks and a water bottle.

How long is the hike?

The usual hiking time is approximately two hours. The exact duration and trail can change because of weather and trail conditions.

What should I wear?

Bring warm layers, hiking shoes or boots, hiking trousers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, and gloves. Mud, wind, rain, fog, and snow are possible, so ordinary trainers are not suitable.

Is the tour suitable for children?

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 before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.