Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring Hike
Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring Hike: Explore Iceland’s Geothermal Highlands
Nestled deep within Iceland’s wild interior, the Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring Hike offers adventurers a journey through a surreal geothermal wonderland. As you wander the marked trails, you’ll be surrounded by towering rhyolite mountains, vivid orange and red earth, and billowing steam vents that rise from the ground. The landscape is dotted with bubbling hot springs and winding rivers, set against a dramatic backdrop of snow patches and ancient volcanic formations.
This hike is a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and geothermal activity, making every turn an opportunity to witness Iceland’s raw power. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or first-time visitor, the unforgettable scenes, shifting colors, and soothing hot pools create an experience that captures the essence of Iceland’s untamed highlands.
Route Overview
The Kerlingarfjöll Hot Spring Hike is a popular loop trail typically starting and ending at the main Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort or the Hveradalir geothermal area. The route leads hikers along well-trodden paths into the Hveradalir valley and around the most active geothermal sites. Key locations passed include the Hveradalir hot springs, sulfuric steam vents, the Kerling stone pillar, elevated ridgelines, and overlooks that afford panoramic views across the central highlands.
The entire hike generally takes 4 to 6 hours to complete at a moderate pace, extending over about 8 kilometers of trail. Expect a mixture of dirt, rocky, and occasional snow-covered surfaces, with several steep ascents and descents. While the route is marked, weather can obscure signage and path visibility, so carrying a GPS device or map is advisable. Along the way, hikers will find shelters, huts, and campsites, as well as designated restrooms and water sources near the resort and geothermal areas.
Due to the region’s geothermal and volcanic nature, parts of the trail may be closed or rerouted at times for safety. It is important to check trail updates at the Kerlingarfjöll Resort or visitor center before beginning your hike.
The Geological and Cultural History of Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll, which means “Old Woman’s Mountains” in Icelandic, has long been shrouded in folklore and geological intrigue. The range gets its name from a striking pillar of rock near the peak, which according to legend is a troll woman turned to stone by the sunlight. Historically, these mountains have captivated both locals and travelers as a mystical, remote location in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands.
The area is renowned for its geothermal activity, a result of its position along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Kerlingarfjöll was once the site of a summer ski school, thanks to extensive snow fields, though today it is known primarily for its stunning hikes and vibrant geothermal scenes. Evidence of human activity in this harsh environment dates back centuries, with shepherds, explorers, and scientists drawn by the area’s unique features.
In recent decades, Kerlingarfjöll has become a focus of environmental preservation. The Icelandic government designated it as a protected nature reserve in 2017, ensuring that its rare combination of colorful geothermal valleys, hot springs, and volcanic ridges remain accessible while safeguarding its fragile ecology for future generations.
Notable highlights
Vivid Geothermal Valleys: The trail passes through otherworldly landscapes where steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant mineral deposits paint the earth in hues of orange, yellow, and red, creating a truly unique visual spectacle.
Hveradalir Hot Springs Area: A main attraction along the route, Hveradalir is one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal areas. Walkways and observation platforms provide safe vantage points to view boiling hot springs, fumaroles, and surreal steamy vistas.
Rhyolite Mountains and Panoramic Views: Sweeping ridgelines offer impressive views over the Kerlingarfjöll range, with majestic rhyolite peaks contrasting against patches of white snow and mossy green valleys below.
The Kerling (Old Woman) Stone Pillar: This impressive rock formation stands as a centerpiece of local legend. It is said to be the petrified remains of a troll woman and is a distinctive natural monument at the heart of the range.
Sulfur-Infused Streams and Rivers: The flowing waters, often tinted turquoise from dissolved minerals, cut striking paths through the multicolored landscape, providing endless photographic opportunities.
Wild Geothermal Pools: A number of naturally heated pools dot the area, inviting weary hikers to relax and soak amid the raw beauty of the highlands (note: the temperature and safety of these pools vary, so caution is advised).
Diverse Flora and Unique Microclimates: Despite the harsh environment, the geothermal warmth nurtures patches of rare mosses and grasses, contributing to occasional bursts of green amidst an otherwise stark terrain.
Challenges to expect
Weather in Kerlingarfjöll is famously unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly even during summer and autumn. Hikers should be prepared for sudden drops in temperature, chilly winds, rain, and, on occasion, unexpected snowfall. Layered clothing and waterproof gear are essential to stay comfortable and safe along the route.
Sections of the trail can be steep, rocky, and slippery, especially near geothermal vents where wet ground and loose stones increase the risk of falls. Snow patches may linger well into summer, making footing uncertain and navigation more difficult in places. Proper hiking boots with good grip are highly recommended.
The region is remote and sparsely marked, so navigation can pose challenges, particularly in fog or low visibility. It is important to follow established paths, use GPS or detailed maps, and inform someone of your plans before starting out. Cell coverage may be limited, and there are few, if any, emergency services on-site, so hikers should be self-sufficient and plan carefully.
Iceland - Mountainous
- Arctic
- Dirt
- Rocky
- Snow
- Huts
- Campsites
- Family Friendly
- Restrooms
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Shelters
The hike starts at the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort or the nearby parking area and quickly heads out onto marked paths toward the geothermal valley of Hveradalir. The route ascends gradually, offering views over the colorful rhyolite mountains and active steam vents. As you approach Hveradalir, the trail loops through the main geothermal sites, crossing ridgelines and descending into areas thick with hot springs and fumaroles. After exploring the bubbling landscape and viewing the iconic Kerling stone pillar, the path climbs back onto higher ground for panoramic views of the surrounding highlands, before looping back toward the starting point. Expect mixed trail conditions, with stretches of dirt, rock, and occasional patches of snow along the roughly 8km journey.