From Reykjavik: Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Day Tour

Kerlingarfjöll is the reason to choose this tour: you leave Reykjavík’s paved roads behind and reach a wild mountain range painted with rust-red ridges, snow, steam, and glacial rivers. I like the access to Iceland’s remote Highlands and the chance to walk through Hveradalir, one of the country’s largest geothermal valleys, without driving the rough mountain roads yourself.

I also like the sensible stops at Gullfoss and Highland Base, plus the care shown by guides such as Isabella, Sven, Ronan, and Zack. The tradeoff is a long 13-hour day, with roughly four hours spent on the road each way and only about two hours hiking. Bring lunch or snacks, since food stops are brief.

Key points to know before booking

• Hveradalir is the main event: Expect steaming ground, colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, snow, mud, and sharp mountain views.
• The road is part of the adventure: The coach leaves paved roads for rough Highland routes, with plenty of jolts and changing conditions.
• Gullfoss breaks up the journey: You get short stops at the famous waterfall on both the outward and return legs.
• The hike is usually about two hours: Weather, snow, road access, and trail conditions can change the walking distance.
• Good clothing is essential: Waterproof layers, gloves, a hat, hiking pants, sturdy boots, water, and snacks belong in your day pack.
• This suits fit hikers aged 10 and over: The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or a low level of fitness.

Why Kerlingarfjöll is worth the long ride

Kerlingarfjöll sits in Iceland’s central Highlands, far from the easy circuit of Reykjavík day trips. It is a volcanic mountain range shaped by heat, ice, water, and weather. That mix gives the area a look unlike the black beaches, green valleys, and broad waterfalls found elsewhere in southern Iceland.

The most striking part is the contrast. You might see snowy fields beside steaming ground, bright mineral colors beside dark volcanic soil, and a glacial river cutting through the mountains. The scenery changes quickly, which gives the day a real sense of moving into a wilder part of Iceland.

This is not a quick photo stop with a short path nearby. The trip takes 13 hours, and the drive into the Highlands is long. Still, the distance is what makes the place feel special. Standard rental cars cannot simply reach every part of the route, and a guided coach removes the need to handle unfamiliar Highland roads yourself.

The tour costs $214 per person. That is not cheap for a day trip, but the price includes round-trip transport from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, onboard Wi-Fi, and access to a difficult-to-reach part of the country. If you would otherwise need a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle, fuel, route planning, and confidence on rough roads, the price becomes easier to justify.

The 8 a.m. pickup and the long road south

Pickup begins at 8 a.m. from selected Reykjavík locations, including central bus stops, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, several hotels, and the harbour area. Be ready at your chosen point at that time. The vehicle may take up to 30 minutes to arrive depending on traffic and pickup order, so do not wander off if the coach is not there at exactly eight.

One practical detail matters: you are responsible for updating your pickup location at least 48 hours before departure. If your hotel or plans change, contact the operator before that deadline.

The first drive lasts about 105 minutes. Wi-Fi is included onboard, but the main entertainment is the changing view outside the windows. As the trip moves away from Reykjavík, the built-up surroundings give way to open country and then to the rougher routes leading toward the Highlands.

Your guide also drives, so the amount of commentary may vary. Guides including Isabella, Sven, André, Ronan, and Zack have been praised for being friendly, careful, patient, and informative. Isabella, in particular, received warm praise for handling the demanding drive while looking after the group. That combination matters here because reaching Kerlingarfjöll requires more than simply following a paved road.

Gullfoss gives you two short breaks

The first stop is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. You get about 20 minutes, enough for a bathroom break and a quick look at the falls if you move promptly. You return to Gullfoss for another 20-minute stop on the way back to Reykjavík.

These are useful pauses after a long ride, but do not treat them as full sightseeing visits. The time may feel tight if you want to walk far from the coach, take many photographs, or buy a proper meal. One practical complaint about the schedule is that food time can be limited, so pack something substantial rather than relying on the waterfall stop.

After Gullfoss, the bus continues for about 80 minutes before reaching Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll. This is where the road feels more remote and the day’s main setting begins to appear.

Highland Base is your last useful food stop

Highland Base sits in Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll. The stop lasts about 20 minutes on the way in, giving you time to stretch your legs and buy snacks or lunch. After the hike, you return for another break of about 15 minutes.

Treat this as your best chance to purchase food before walking. The tour does not include meals or drinks, and the schedule does not promise a long lunch. Bring a water bottle and snacks from Reykjavík, then use Highland Base as a backup rather than your only food plan.

The area also helps you switch from road mode to hiking mode. Check your boots, close your waterproof layers, and put on gloves if the wind has picked up. Weather can change quickly in the Highlands, even during the warmer part of the year.

Hveradalir is the reason to come

From Highland Base, the coach continues for about 15 minutes to Hveradalir Geothermal Area. This is the heart of the trip. Hveradalir means Valley of the Hot Springs, and the name tells you what to expect: steam, hot ground, bubbling geothermal features, and strong natural forces beneath the surface.

The valley is surrounded by the rhyolite mountains of the Kerlingarfjöll range. Rhyolite gives the mountains their unusual mix of colors, with warm mineral tones set against darker volcanic ground and patches of snow. The result is dramatic without needing a single famous viewpoint.

The guided visit and hike usually last about two hours. You may walk along rough or muddy ground, with changing surfaces and possible snow cover. The exact route depends on weather and trail conditions, so the planned hike is a target rather than a guarantee.

Stay close to the guide around the hot springs. Some geothermal features are powerful and must be viewed from a safe distance. This is not a place for wandering off to find a better photograph. Steam can obscure ground, and the terrain may be wet, unstable, or hot.

The hike is described as moderate, but that word should not make you too relaxed. A June departure may still involve snow, and one early-season group had to walk extra distance because the coach could not reach the intended starting point. Another group dealt with wind, horizontal rain, fog, and mud. Those conditions can turn a manageable walk into a tiring one.

At the same time, the route can be rewarding for people with different walking speeds. Guides have been praised for waiting, keeping the group together, and avoiding pressure. You may also get a little free time to walk around independently, though this depends on the conditions and the guide’s judgment.

Weather and season can change the whole day

Summer gives you the best chance of seeing the mountains in their full color, but Iceland does not promise summer comfort. Snow can remain into June, and the area may be wet, foggy, windy, or cold. In July and August, conditions may be kinder, yet strong wind and mud remain possible.

If bright colors are your main goal, later in the season may give you a better chance of seeing more exposed ground. Early June can offer snowy scenery and a tougher walk. Neither option is automatically better. Snow gives the mountains a stark look, while clearer trails may reveal more of the mineral colors.

Pack for bad weather, not the forecast on your phone. You need warm clothing, hiking shoes or boots, hiking pants, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves, water, and snacks. Trainers are a poor choice. Mud and wet ground are common enough that sturdy footwear is one of the most important parts of the trip.

A camera is worth bringing, but protect it from rain and spray. The weather may close in just as you reach the best view, so do not measure the trip only by how clear the sky looks at the start.

The return journey is long but useful

After the Hveradalir walk, you return to Highland Base for about 15 minutes. This is a short chance to warm up, use facilities, and buy anything still available. The coach then takes about 80 minutes back toward Gullfoss, followed by another 20-minute stop.

The final drive to Reykjavík takes about 105 minutes. With the morning pickup and evening return, this is a full day from start to finish. A vehicle problem delayed one return journey in one case, a reminder that remote-road travel can bring more uncertainty than a standard city excursion.

The long ride is easier to accept if you view it as part of the route rather than wasted time. You are crossing from the settled south into Iceland’s interior, and the rough roads explain why the destination is not a simple add-on to a Reykjavík schedule.

Who will get the most from this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see a less accessible part of Iceland and are happy to trade comfort and spare time for unusual scenery. It suits active adults, families with children aged 10 and over, and anyone who wants a guided route through geothermal terrain.

You should think twice if you dislike long bus rides, rough roads, uncertain weather, or muddy hiking. The tour is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or a low level of fitness. The walk may be only about two hours, but snow, wind, extra distance, and wet ground can make it demanding.

This is not the best pick if your priority is a relaxed day with a long lunch and several easy sightseeing stops. It is a better fit for someone who wants one major Highland experience and accepts that the journey will take most of the day.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear your hiking boots from the start or keep them easy to reach. You may want them before the main trail if the ground at Highland Base is wet.

Bring more food than you think you need. The stated food opportunities are at Gullfoss and Highland Base, but the breaks are short. A sandwich, energy bars, fruit, and a full water bottle will make the ride and hike more comfortable.

Keep your waterproof jacket and trousers near the top of your bag. Do not bury them under camera gear. In Kerlingarfjöll, conditions can shift while you are still deciding what to wear.

Give yourself extra patience at pickup. There are many possible Reykjavík locations, and the vehicle may arrive up to 30 minutes after the stated start time because of traffic and the pickup route.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 90 reviews, with especially strong praise for the guides, safe driving, organization, and the scenery. The main criticism is practical: limited meal time, demanding conditions, and the possibility of a longer walk if the road is blocked by snow or poor weather.

Should you book the Kerlingarfjöll day tour?

Book it if you want remote Iceland without driving the Highland roads yourself. The combination of Hveradalir’s geothermal activity, colorful mountains, snow, and glacial scenery is unusual, and the guides add real value when weather or road conditions become difficult.

Skip it if you need a short outing, a gentle walk, or a dependable lunch break. At $214, the tour makes sense for access and convenience, not for the number of hiking hours. Bring serious outdoor clothing, accept the long ride, and you will be prepared for one of Iceland’s most distinctive day trips.

FAQ

How long is the Kerlingarfjöll tour?

The tour lasts 13 hours, including transport from Reykjavík, stops at Gullfoss and Highland Base, and the guided hike at Hveradalir.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup begins at 8 a.m. from your selected Reykjavík location. The vehicle may take up to 30 minutes to arrive because of traffic and the pickup route.

How long is the hike?

The hike usually lasts about two hours, but the exact duration depends on the trail and weather conditions.

Where does the hike take place?

The main hike takes place in the Hveradalir Geothermal Area in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can purchase food at Gullfoss and Highland Base, and you should bring snacks and water.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing, hiking shoes or boots, hiking pants, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves, and a water bottle.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 10. Children under 10 cannot join the tour.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or a low level of fitness.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from Reykjavík and free Wi-Fi onboard are included.