Discover the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range in the remote Icelandic Highlands. See its amazing landscapes, hike its trails, and relax in the hot springs. Find out how to get there and where to stay. Prepare for a unique adventure in this remote and beautiful part of Iceland.
Icelandic Resort in the Mountains
Kerlingarfjöll, commonly spelled as Kerlingarfjoll, is the closest thing to paradise we have. It’s the perfect destination for your next Icelandic adventure. Of course, in such a large place, it’s easy to get lost in both activities and locations you can visit.
However, we’re here to help. Our in-depth guide covers everything you might need to know about these mountains. You’ll learn about its history, how to get there, what you can do, and possible hiking trails.
We’ll add more spice to your mountain vacation by exploring the area’s numerous hot springs and nearby sites. We’ll also examine the mountain’s main resort and explain how you can help preserve its beauty.
About Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range
Kerlingarfjöll’s age is ambiguous, but most people agree it was formed by volcanic activity between 300,000 and 70,000 years ago. It is situated between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers and is 39 square miles (100 square kilometers) large. It’s part of the Icelandic highlands, spanning a large portion of the island.
The geographical features of Kerlingarfjöll set it apart from other parts of Iceland. The area is mainly composed of rhyolite and andesite, thanks to volcanic activity. These volcanic rocks add a range of colors. The yellow, red, and green just pop in your eyes.
Before becoming a tourist attraction, this mountain range was relatively inaccessible. It was used mainly by shepherds for their sheep. However, with better technology and developments in the area, tourists have flocked here to enjoy the sights and activities it provides.
Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range, so there are a lot of highs to climb towards. Its highest peak, Snækollur, is located 4,846 feet (1477 meters) above sea level. It’s a challenge to climb, but the views it provides are worth the trouble.
Things to Know Before Visiting Kerlingarfjöll
Getting to Kerlingarfjöll might be a challenge for beginners. Knowing which road to take and when to travel can make your vacation more enjoyable and safe. That’s why we’ve created a simple cheat sheet that you can use on your next adventure to Kerlingarfjöll.
How to get to Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is about 124 miles (199.7 kilometers) from Reykjavik, which is roughly a 4-hour drive to the base camp by car. While public buses used to run to the camp during the summer seasons, they no longer operate. However, there are private transportation options available to reach the mountain range, though they do come at a higher cost.
You can rent a 4×4 and get to Kerlingarfjöll yourself. However, instead of driving on pavement, you’ll have to make do with the F-designated roadway. It’s an unpaved gravel track. You have two routes to choose from:
Blönduós route is the easiest of the two. From Blönduós, you’ll have to go south and take the F35 road until you reach the mountain range. You’ll mostly drive on gravel roads, avoiding larger boulders that might hinder your journey. You know you’re on the right path when you drive past Hveravellir’s hot spring.
The Gullfoss route is the hardest of the two but also the shortest. On average, it takes around two to three hours to get to the mountain range. You’ll have to drive up north on F35. You’ll start from the waterfall and eventually see the rhyolite mountains in the distance.
Best Time to Visit
Timing is everything. Visit the mountain range between late May and early September. It’s warmer, and the roads are accessible. For safety reasons, they close up as the snow starts to fall.
However, you can still reach it in winter; only you’ll have to do it with a super jeep driven by a professional guide. Pack warm clothing if you’re visiting between late September and early May. Weather conditions can be unpredictable high up in the mountains.
What Can You Do at Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll mountains are rich in things you can do. It caters to every type of traveler – those who want to explore and those who want to relax. Below, we listed the activities that can satisfy the majority of adventurers that roam the range.
Take Photos
If you’re into photography and want to capture something truly unique, head to Kerlingarfjöll. In summer, the red rhyolite and tuff stone mountains stand out from the central highland area’s green vegetation. In winter, the area gets covered in white snow – perfect for a landscape photo.
The mountain range houses multiple spectacles. You’ll find bubbling hot springs, hot fumaroles, and colorful geothermal features. These elements play together to create stunning scenery, ready to be photographed.
Go Skiing
Skiing is a very demanding sport in this area, practiced only by professionals and daredevils. The lack of proper infrastructure makes this mountain range a challenge. Due to rising temperatures and lack of snow, ski lifts are no longer working, and facilities are not regularly maintained.
However, if you’re interested, there are still two summits available for skiing: Fannboug and Snækollur. However, you’ll need to hike to them as there are no ski lifts. Be prepared for a bit of a workout before you can enjoy skiing down the mountain.
See the Northern Lights
The central Iceland area is perfect for hunting the northern lights. The lack of urban and rural settlements means little to no light pollution to hinder your view. This makes Kerlingarfjöll, a mountain range away from civilization, ideal for seeing it.
Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Trails
This mountain range is a hiker’s paradise. It’s an activity that goes hand-in-hand with the ones above. If you’re looking at how to spend your vacation in Iceland’s central highlands, hiking is the way to go.
Below, we listed hiking trails that vary in difficulty, time, and sights they focus on. So, strap your hiking boots and find the trail that best suits your adventurous wishes.
Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring Hike
It’s the easiest trail of the six. It takes around two hours to complete and is 2.48 miles (4 kilometers) long. The hike starts from Ásgarður Valley, near the Kerlingarfjöll mountain resort. From there, follow the river till you arrive at the hot spring. Soak your feet and relax for a moment before heading back the way you came.
Snækollur Hike
Why not visit the highest peak of the mountain range? This hiking trail can be tricky for beginners due to the wet rocks and slopes. However, the views Snækollur provides are just immaculate. Around 7.56 miles (12 kilometers) long, it should take 4 hours to complete. You’ll start from the Hveradalir parking lot and move up towards the peak.
Hveradalir Geothermal Area Hike
Take a brisk walk around the geothermal area of Hveradalir. As far as hiking trails go, this one sits in the middle. It’s not too tricky, but not too easy. It takes around 2 hours to complete. The trail is 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometers) long and gives you a front view of some captivating sights. Park your car at the Hveradalir thermal area parking lot and move towards Hveradalir.
Highland Base to Hveradalir Hike
You’ll encounter a lot of stairs on your journey. It’s a lovely trail that will take around 4 hours to complete. Pack some water and food, as you’ll have to walk around 7.14 miles (11.49 kilometers) combined – forward and back. You’ll start from the highland base hotel and follow F347 road till you reach the Hveradalir thermal area parking.
Mænir Hike
It’s one of the more challenging hiking trails. It can take you around 9 to complete. The trail is around 10.92 miles (17.57 kilometers) long. Prepare for it by getting a good night’s sleep and charging your phone. You’ll snap a lot of photos on your adventure.
Your hiking adventure will start from the highland base. From that point on, follow the markers until you reach Mænir, one of the tallest peaks in the mountain range. The trail markers are poorly maintained, making this trail difficult to navigate.
Hot Springs At Kerlingarfjöll
Despite being a geothermal area, Kerlingarfjöll doesn’t offer many hot springs to choose from. If you plan on hiking in the area, you’re likely to encounter them all in one go. However, before rushing in for a swim, it’s advisable to read up on them beforehand.
Hvaradalir (Hot Spring Valley)
Hvaradalir is a geothermal valley with bubbling hot springs. It’s a famous destination that is visited for the views instead of swimming. Several trails focus on this hot spring alone.
If you’re visiting, stick to the main hiking trail. One wrong step can lead to boiling water. However, the boiling mud pools are beautiful enough that simply looking at them makes the hike worthwhile.
Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring
Namesake of the mountain range, this hot spring combines water and beautiful views in one location. What makes it really unique is the fact that it’s the only hot spring in the area where you can swim. This fact alone makes it a perfect hiking destination.
And luckily, you won’t need to go hiking for too long before you reach it. Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring is located 0.9 miles (1.44 kilometers) from the Kerlingarfjöll mountain resort, also known as the base camp.
Sites At and Around Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll – Iceland’s very own protected nature reserve. The remote location allows multiple sites to stay undisturbed. They are there, waiting to be seen and enjoyed by hundreds of tourists.
Ásgarður Valley
You can’t leave Kerlingarfjöll without seeing this valley. If you’re going to hike, rest, and dip in the only swimmable hot spring in the area, you’re to walk through Ásgarður Valley. Mountains surround the valley, so prepare to get some photos for your social media.
Gýgjarfoss Waterfall
How can you resist the beauty of a waterfall? Hundreds of gallons of water cascade down, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Gýgjarfoss Waterfall is fed by the meltwater of glaciers. It’s surrounded by even more breathtaking views. You can find it between the F347/35 crossing and the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range.
Hvítárvatn Lake
If you’re planning to visit Kerlingarfjöll, you might as well see the Hvítárvatn Glacier Lake. It’s located near Longjökull glacier, west of the mountain range. It is as beautiful as it is big.
North of the lake, there is a mountain hut that is operated in the summer months. You can stay and sleep there. Hvítárvatn supplies Hvítá River with a large amount of water. If you have the time, make a stop here to enjoy the atmosphere.
Langjökull Glacier
Kerlingarfjöll is located between two glistening glaciers, the most prominent one being Langjökull – the second largest in Iceland. It’s home to many natural ice caves and the world’s largest ice tunnel. You can see the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range in the distance from the slopes of the glacier.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort
Accommodations in the area are limited because not many people live here. But, there is one clear exception – Kerlingarfjöll mountain resort. It will be your guiding star for hiking, sightseeing, and resting plans.
What started as mountain huts soon transformed into a highland resort, which houses hundreds of hikers and travelers. It’s located in Ásgarður Valley, a hike away from the Hveradalir geothermal area. It’s the beginning and ending destination of many hiking adventures, where a hot meal always awaits.
It might be remote from the rest of Iceland, but the resort still accommodates all travelers’ needs. It’s a nice getaway from the troubles of civilization, where you can chill and even rest. From upscale rooms to private lodges, you can choose between different options and find the one that suits you.
Ecological Efforts and Responsible Tourism in Kerlingarfjöll
Icelandic nature is wonderful and is the main attraction of the nation. It’s irreplaceable, and it’s not coming back once it’s gone. For this reason, it’s important to partake in responsible tourism as you climb up the mountain and enjoy the peaks. You can do so in several ways:
Collect your trash. Make sure to leave only good emotions and memories behind, not trash. Collect yours and throw it away in designated places.
Respect local wildlife. If you encounter birds or other animals, make sure to leave them alone and don’t disturb their daily routines.
Follow the rules. They are there for a reason. They protect you from any harm that might come and help keep the local area clean.
Manage resources. It’s a remote location. Conserve food and water.
With these rules in mind, the mountain will be clean and beautiful.
Plan Your Vacation
Ready for your next adventure? There are guided hikes that do take you to the peaks, but prepare for a long journey. It will take 9 to 13 hours to complete, as you will drive from Reykjavik to the meet-up point. From that point, you’ll have to go up 1640 feet (500 meters) and walk 5 miles (8 kilometers) till you reach the snowy peaks of Kerlingarfjöll.