Snow covered Mænir towers over the Hveradalir Geothermal Area
Highlights
Beautiful multicolored hills, geothermal features and hot springs.
Time of Visit: June 2024
Duration of Visit: Two nights
Description
Kerlingarfjöll is a geological wonder known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal activity, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is located in Iceland’s central highlands about four hours drive from Reykjavik. You will need a 4×4 vehicle to reach Kerlingarfjöll.
The name Kerlingarfjöll translates to “Old Woman’s Mountains,” derived from a rock formation that resembles an old woman.
Kerlingarfjöll is similar to Landmannalaugar in terms of attractions. It is primarily composed of rhyolite and tuff, which gives the mountains their distinctive reddish and orange hues. The area has rugged peaks, steam vents, hot springs, and colorful soil. The geothermal area Hveradalir (“Hot Springs Valley”) is particularly notable for its vibrant, multicolored hills, fumaroles, and boiling mud pots.
What sets this destination apart from Landmannalaugar is the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort. The resort has campsites, cabins, a hostel, hotel and restaurant.
It is recommended to stay in Kerlingarfjöll for at least two nights, especially if you are coming in late on the first night. This will give you enough time to do the beautiful hikes and soak in the hot springs on the second day..
Activities and Attractions
Hiking
Kerlingarfjöll offers a variety of hiking trails catering to different levels of difficulty and experience. The popular route is the short 2 km circular Hveradalir Geothermal Area. This hike takes you through one of Iceland’s most active geothermal areas, with steam vents, hot springs, and colorful rhyolite mountains. Wooden boardwalks and marked paths guide hikers through this otherworldly landscape.
The highest peak in Kerlingarfjöll, Snækollur (1,477 meters), provides a challenging hike with panoramic views of the surrounding highlands, glaciers, and geothermal areas
There are other circular hiking routes that offer varied scenery, including valleys, ridges, and geothermal fields, suitable for day hikes. The hiking area can be reached by a 5 kilometer hike from the resort or for those short on time, can drive to the geothermal area’s parking lot.
Hot Springs
Kerlingarfjöll boasts natural hot springs where visitors can relax and soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by stunning landscapes. The geothermal pool near the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort is a popular spot for visitors to unwind after a day of hiking.
Getting to Kerlingarfjöll
If you are coming from Reykjavik, head on over to Gullfoss. From Gullfoss, take F35 then F347. F35 is paved up to Gullfoss. It takes about an hour and half to get to Kerlingarfjöll from Gullfoss, the last major attraction on F35.
There are no river crossings to get to Kerlingarfjöll from Reykjavik.
F35 and F347 typically opens up in June when the snow has completely melted away. Be sure to check if the roads are open before heading out.
Accommodation and Facilities
The only accommodation in the area is the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort. Unlike Landmanalaunger, the facilities here are top notch.
Camping
The camping facilities here are nice. It has an enclosed and heated dining hall with a well stocked kitchen. The kitchen has several kinds of pots and pans, silverwares, plates, bowls and other utensils. There is a small microwave, a couple of hot plates and a hot water kettle. The only thing lacking to cook are cooking oil, salt and pepper.
There are three restroom stalls and a handicap stall and two shower stalls. It may not look sufficient, but there are not as many campsites here so it did not feel crowded or we had to wait very long for one to be available. The campsites are reservable on-line which is highly recommended. You do not want to go there only to find out you have to turn around because all the campsites are taken.
Cabins
The mountain resort has several A frame cabins. The cabins are heated, have two single beds and a toilet. Guests need to bring their beddings. There are no showers in the cabin but guests can use the campground showers.
There are two cabins within an A frame. The cabins are arranged back to back.
Initially, we were going to camp one night at Kerlingarfjöll. However, we had blowing wind, fog, some snow and freezing cold temperature the following day that we were forced to stay an extra night in one of the cabins. Luckily, there was one available.
Hostel and Hotel
The mountain resort has hostels and hotel rooms. We were unable to see these accommodations but supposedly the hostel is nicer than the cabins.
Hotel Common Area
Guests of the mountain resort, including campers, are allowed to use the hotel’s common area. The hotel has a restaurant that serves pricey buffet dinners. There is also an upstairs lounge area where Wifi is available, no password required.
Summary
Kerlingarfjöll is a captivating destination that showcases the raw, unspoiled beauty of Iceland’s Highlands. Its dramatic landscapes, geothermal activity, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Whether exploring the vibrant geothermal areas, hiking rugged peaks, or relaxing in natural hot springs, visitors to Kerlingarfjöll are treated to an unforgettable experience that highlights the dynamic and diverse nature of Iceland’s wilderness.