Kerlingarfjöll: Hveradalir Geothermal Loop

The Hveradalir Kerlingarfjoll loop is a short walk through one of the most colourful geothermal areas in Iceland. In the central highlands, between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull ice caps, the Kerlingarfjöll mountains rise in rhyolite slopes of orange, red and yellow, with snow patches lingering well into summer. Hveradalir, the Valley of Hot Springs, is the heart of the range: a steaming valley of vents, pools and mud pots, crossed by boardwalks.

This loop is about 3.5 km and takes one to two hours with around 150 m of ascent. It starts at the Hveradalir car park above the valley, descends via steps and paths into the geothermal area, and loops around the valley with views of the steaming slopes and the surrounding peaks. Paths are marked, and boardwalks protect both the ground and your feet in the hottest zones.

Kerlingarfjoll hiking goes well beyond this loop, from short walks to longer day hikes, multi-day circuits and the summit of Snækollur, the highest peak in the range. The area is a protected nature reserve, so staying on the paths matters for both safety and conservation. Combine this loop with a night at the mountain resort to make the long drive worthwhile.

Highlights

• Steaming vents and boiling pools in Hveradalir
• Rhyolite slopes in orange, red and yellow
• Snow patches lying right beside steaming ground
• Boardwalks through the heart of the geothermal area

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Kerlingarfjöll is reached via the Kjölur highland road (F35) from Gullfoss, then the F347 road to the resort and on to the Hveradalir car park. These are F-roads, and you need a 4x4; rental agreements forbid 2WD cars on them. In some summers highland buses along Kjölur have stopped at Kerlingarfjöll, so check current schedules. Super jeep tours also visit the area.

Where to stay

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, the mountain resort in the valley below Hveradalir, offers hotel rooms, huts and a campsite. Book ahead, especially in July and August. Wild camping is not permitted in the nature reserve.

Best time to hike

The F-roads to Kerlingarfjöll usually open in late June or early July and close again in September, depending on snow. July and August are the best months, though snow patches linger all summer. Highland weather changes quickly, so be prepared for cold and wind even on bright days.

Safety

Stay on marked paths and boardwalks: geothermal ground can collapse into scalding water. The steep paths into the valley are slippery when wet or snowy. Highland weather changes fast, so bring warm, waterproof layers. Check road conditions on umferdin.is and the forecast on vedur.is, leave a travel plan at safetravel.is for longer hikes, and call 112 in an emergency.