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Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Highlands Day Tour from Reykjavik

23 Reviews 4.70 out of 5 stars Based on 23 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 91% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

11 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Escape the crowds and discover one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets on this full-day adventure into the remote Highlands.
Travel deep into the rugged interior to Kerlingarfjöll, a spectacular mountain range known for its steaming geothermal valleys, colorful rhyolite peaks, and otherworldly landscapes. Often compared to Mars, this hidden region offers a side of Iceland that few visitors ever experience.
With your expert guide, enjoy a scenic small-group hike through the Hveradalir geothermal valley, where bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and vivid mineral-stained hills create an unforgettable setting. Along the way, take in sweeping views of glaciers, highland rivers, and untouched wilderness far from the typical tourist routes.
This tour is perfect for travellers looking to go beyond the Golden Circle and experience a more authentic, adventurous side of Iceland—without needing to self-drive into the Highlands.

What's Included

  • Small-group experience (max 19 travellers)
  • Transport in a specially equipped vehicle (Highlands access)
  • Reykjavík pickup and drop-off
  • Tea and coffee Waffles & coffee available for purchase after the hike
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pick-up from your selected location in Reykjavík begins at 8:00 AM. Please be ready at your designated spot by that time. Depending on traffic and your location, it may take up to 30 minutes for your guide to arrive. We appreciate your patience. For customers wishing to be picked up at Gullfoss, please note the later pickup time of 10:15-10:30 AM. Please note that we only serve the pick-up locations specified in our pick-up list.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Reykjavik

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.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.
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4 hours Admission Ticket Free

Gullfoss Waterfall

We make a brief stop at Gullfoss where you can use the restroom and purchase snacks or lunch to go.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hveradalir (pass by)

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.
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Kerlingarfjoll

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.
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4 hours Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Duration of the tour is 11.5-12 hours including travel time
  • Kerlingarfjöll is in the remote highlands where weather can be unpredictable. Please note that the trail may be muddy, and it's not unusual to encounter snow - even in the summer. Please dress in layers and wear sturdy boots with good tread that you do not mind getting dirty.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Highlands Day Tour from Reykjavik?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5590P132

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.70
23 reviews

Average 4.70 out of 5 stars based on 23 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
20
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Small-group experience (max 19 travellers)
  • Transport in a specially equipped vehicle (Highlands access)
  • Reykjavík pickup and drop-off
  • Guided hike in Kerlingarfjöll Highlands
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Tea and coffeeWaffles & coffee available for purchase after the hike
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Hiking gear not included (boots, waterproofs, hiking poles)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Duration of the tour is 11.5-12 hours including travel time
  • Kerlingarfjöll is in the remote highlands where weather can be unpredictable. Please note that the trail may be muddy, and it's not unusual to encounter snow - even in the summer. Please dress in layers and wear sturdy boots with good tread that you do not mind getting dirty.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers

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