Reykjavík: Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Geothermal Day Tour & Hike
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Duration of the tour is 11.5-12 hours including travel time
What To Expect
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.
Gullfoss Falls
We make a brief stop at Gullfoss where you can use the restroom and purchase snacks or lunch to go.
Options
Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Day Hike: Geothermal Tour from Reykjavik
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Expertly guided hike in the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range
WiFi on board
Roundtrip transportation from Reykjavik
Sightseeing
Lunch
Snacks
Waffles & coffee available for purchase after the hike
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome hiking tour
K3283ROtaylorc,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great hiking tour, such cool terrain to explore
highlight of my Iceland trip
580siennag,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The scenery was absolutely stunning and worth every minute of the hike. As someone with very little hiking experience, I really appreciated how supportive our guide was. He helped us navigate the trickier parts and always made sure everyone was doing well. A special thanks for being so patient！
Day trip to Kerlingarfjoll
marthamaep,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I just want to say, our guide Ari was the best. I was so afraid that I was about to cry, then he saw me and helped me. He let me hold onto him during the hike and was encouraging me all the way. I wouldn’t have seen the beautiful parts without his help.
Once in a lifetime experience: hiking in Icelandic Highlands.
pncha ,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is my first time joining the hiking tour and it’s the best decision! I booked this trip last minute because a person I met during another tour recommend doing this since it’s available only during summertime. My guide is Guna, who’s very knowledgable, patient and kind. She helped me and others a lot throughout the whole hike, teaching me how to place my feet on a curtain point of the path, to be careful around the snowy path. There are 8 people in the group, I, Swiss couple who’s very kind, they help others as they have experiences in hiking before, American Indian couple who shared their fresh towel for me to keep me warm as I came quite unprepared, English couple who tried their best and made it to the top though they’re hesitate at first, and an Irish solo who’s very cheerful and keep everyone’ company. They’re very wholesome people, I’m really happy I joined this tour. And the view is absolutely breathtaking, unlike anywhere else. You need to see them yourself. It’s worth every single steps it takes to get there. There are also a short stop at Gýgjarfoss before the hike and Gullfoss after. There is also a stop at camp base near the hiking area where you can indulge in the waffle buffet and nice hot chocolate. Totally recommend this activity! And I would definitely looking forward to join hiking tours with Arctic Adventures again on my next trip in Iceland :)
Hike not for the timid
lisa l,Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Artic Adventures and the guide were excellent. I gave the trip three stars because the description is deceiving. The hike is touted as going through thermal valleys and snow fields. They left out hiking up stairs without rails or ropes to cross over narrow ridges. The trail is pure muck. Not hiking shoes or hiking boots, galoshes are needed. We hiked only part way and then returned to the parking lot to follow a well marked path. The younger participants completed the loop. Overall we had a good day but wished we had been better advised on the hike.
Another planet!
Quynh N,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely incredible experience the views were nothing like we've seen before. It's like another planet. Our tour guide was efficient and helpful in walking with us through the hike and got us back quickly! The trail was doable and our tour guide had good pace.
An unforgettable journey
35ruthh,Sep 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My Kerlingarfjöll Hike was clearly an outstanding day with the best guide you can imagine. Our small group started out with stormy winds, and I needed a bit support for stability. Our guide did just the right thing, and all went well. During the hike we made several short stops and learnd a lot about geology, the different kinds of lava and much more amazing facts. (...and at the same time we could catch our breath..) I shot photos with amazing results, the cloudy sky and the fog with a few sunpatches made a unforgettable journey. Thank you!
Breathtaking small hike
trailertravel2016,Jul 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined the small group for a long day drive to the highlands and middle of Iceland. The trek is spectacular and our local guide (whose name I am not remembering) was terrific and very informative, he had loads of interesting history to share. The trail is very much single file and trekking poles a must as we had lots of snow and mud on the down hill trail. Highly recommend it is extraordinary!
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Operated by Arctic Adventures