A day in Kerlingarfjöll: Highlands and hot springs

Kerlingarfjöll is the star here: a remote mountain area where steaming ground, colored rock, snow, and icy rivers meet. I like the chance to see Hveradalir’s hot-spring valley and then warm up in the Highland Baths, all without renting a 4WD vehicle or planning the rough route yourself. Gullfoss and Geysir add two famous stops to the day.

I also like the simple rhythm: scenic bus ride, outdoor walk, lunch break, then two hours in hot water. The catch is the long ride from Reykjavík, including rough gravel roads. The walk can be slippery, and the short time at Hveradalir may feel rushed if you want a serious hike.

Key points to know before booking

• Hveradalir is the main event: Expect steaming hot springs, colorful rock, mountain views, and a short window for self-guided sightseeing.
• The road takes time: The full outing lasts about 12 hours, with several hours spent on the bus.
• Highland Baths follow the walk: You get about two hours to relax in geothermal water at Highland Base.
• Gullfoss and Geysir are included: These familiar Golden Circle sights break up the long journey.
• Bring grip and warm layers: Sturdy boots, waterproof clothing, gloves, a hat, water, snacks, and a towel will make the day easier.
• The $282 price buys access to a remote area: It is strongest value for visitors without a suitable highland vehicle who want transport, bathing, and several major sights in one day.

Why Kerlingarfjöll feels different from a standard day tour

Many day trips from Reykjavík stay close to the city or follow Iceland’s well-used Golden Circle route. This one pushes much farther into the Highlands, toward Kerlingarfjöll, where the setting feels more raw and exposed.

The reward is Hveradalir, a geothermal valley filled with hot springs and unusual rock colors. You can see steam rising among the mountains, with snow and rugged slopes adding strong contrast. This is not a polished park with a quick paved viewpoint. It feels like a place shaped by heat, ice, wind, and water.

I like that the trip gives you two very different ways to experience the area. You walk through the geothermal valley first, then sit in warm water at the Highland Baths. The walk gives you movement and close views. The bath gives you time to slow down and look back at the open mountain setting.

You should also set your expectations correctly. The Hveradalir portion is scheduled for roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how the day runs. That is enough for a taste of the valley and some photographs, but not enough for an extended mountain hike. One participant skipped the bath and took a longer route toward Highland Base, which took about an hour and a half. That option suits a strong walker, but you would give up the main bathing experience.

The 8:00 bus ride from Reykjavík

You meet at Reykjavík Terminal on Skógarhlíð 10. Look for the bus marked Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll. The advertised departure is 8:00 in the morning, so arrive with your outdoor gear ready rather than trying to organize bags at the last minute.

The first part of the journey takes you through changing Icelandic scenery. You will see broad views, icy rivers, and snowy peaks as the bus leaves the city behind. The driver handles the rugged roads, which is a major reason to consider this trip instead of driving yourself.

The route is not a quick highway transfer. The full ride includes rough gravel sections, and the road can be uncomfortable. One account described the bus movement as strong enough to be unpleasant, especially for a pregnant passenger. I would treat that as an important warning, not a minor complaint. If you are sensitive to motion, have a back problem, or are pregnant, ask a medical professional before choosing a long highland road trip.

The tradeoff is clear: you lose time to the bus, but you avoid the need to navigate remote roads yourself. The driver may also make extra scenic stops when conditions and timing allow, though you should not count on an extended unscheduled tour.

Gullfoss gives the day an early highlight

Gullfoss is included as a sightseeing stop, listed at about 15 minutes in one version of the schedule. That is enough to step out, see the powerful falls, and take photographs, but it is not a long visit.

The waterfall works well as the opening sight because it gives you something immediately recognizable before the more remote part of the day. You get the broad, dramatic Iceland many people picture, then continue toward a quieter geothermal area.

Do not book this trip mainly for Gullfoss. If you want a slow walk around the waterfall, time to study the viewpoints, or a detailed explanation of its setting, a dedicated Golden Circle tour would give you more room. Here, Gullfoss is a useful bonus on a much bigger highland outing.

Arrival at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

The planned arrival at Highland Base is around 11:00. An activity host welcomes you and shares stories about the region before the group continues toward Hveradalir.

That welcome matters because Kerlingarfjöll is not simply another roadside attraction. The host helps you understand where you are going and what sort of day lies ahead. English is the stated tour language.

The published schedule describes the Hveradalir visit as self-guided sightseeing, while the included services describe a guided hike. In practical terms, you should expect an escorted transfer to the area and instructions from the host, but do not assume a long, detailed walking tour with constant commentary. The available time is short, and you will likely need to manage your own pace.

Hveradalir: steam, color, and slippery paths

The bus takes you from Highland Base to Hveradalir at about 11:30. The valley is known for active hot springs and colored rock formations, with the Kerlingarfjöll mountains behind them.

This is the most visually unusual part of the outing. Steam can soften the view, while the rock gives the valley orange, brown, and other changing tones. You will see the ground in a more active state than at a typical waterfall stop, so stay alert and follow the walking route and any instructions provided on the day.

The scheduled visit is short, roughly 45 minutes to one hour. That can work if your goal is to see the main geothermal sights and take pictures. It will feel tight if you want to wander far into the valley or stop often to study the springs.

The walking surface deserves serious attention. Paths and steps can be slick even when it is not raining. Bring sturdy hiking boots with good grip, and hiking poles are a smart extra. A fellow passenger lent poles to one person who needed them, but you should not depend on that happening.

I would also pack waterproof trousers, not just a waterproof jacket. Highland weather can change quickly, and wet ground makes the walk harder. Add a hat, gloves, water, and snacks. Lunch comes later, and you may appreciate something small before the bus leaves Hveradalir at about 12:45.

Lunch at Highland Base

The planned lunch break runs from about 13:00 to 15:00. A table can be reserved at the Highland Base restaurant, but lunch is not included in the price.

This long break gives you a chance to warm up, eat, and recover after the walk. It also prevents the day from becoming a nonstop sequence of bus rides and short photo stops. You should budget separately for food and bring snacks in case you want something before the restaurant break.

The two-hour pause may feel generous after a short walk, especially if you planned to spend most of your time hiking. That is useful if you prefer a slower day, but less appealing if you wanted more time in Hveradalir. The schedule is built around combining several experiences rather than maximizing walking distance.

Two hours in the Highland Baths

At around 15:00, you move to the Highland Baths for a two-hour relaxation period. Admission is included, but you need to bring your own towel.

This is the most comfortable part of the day. After the rough road and slippery path, the warm geothermal water gives you a chance to rest while still looking out at the Icelandic Highlands. You are not simply sitting in an indoor pool after a bus trip. The setting is the point.

The bath also gives the schedule a sensible balance. You can choose a more active pace at Hveradalir, then spend the afternoon doing very little. If you do not want to bathe, you can use the time for a longer walk, as one participant did, though that means skipping what is included as a central feature.

Bring a towel from Reykjavík. It is easy to overlook because bathing admission is included, but the towel is not. A dry change of clothes will also make the ride home more pleasant, especially if the weather has been wet.

Geysir on the return route

The return itinerary includes a 30-minute sightseeing stop at Geysir. Like Gullfoss, this is a famous Golden Circle sight, but it plays a different role at the end of the day.

Geysir gives you a final look at Iceland’s geothermal activity before the bus heads back to Reykjavík. The stop is brief, so you will have time to see the main area rather than explore at length. If you have never visited Geysir, it adds real value. If you already know it well, think of it as a convenient refresher rather than a major reason to book.

The bus then continues toward Reykjavík, with an estimated arrival around 20:00. That makes this a full day from start to finish. The schedule can shift with road conditions, weather, and the pace of the group, so do not plan an important evening reservation too tightly after the tour.

Is $282 a fair price?

At $282 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. The price makes more sense when you separate the included pieces: roundtrip transport from Reykjavík, the long journey into Kerlingarfjöll, Gullfoss, Hveradalir, admission to the Highland Baths, and Geysir.

The strongest value is for you if you do not have access to a suitable highland vehicle. Reaching Kerlingarfjöll independently requires more planning than a normal city-to-waterfall excursion, and the bus lets you leave the driving to someone familiar with the route.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long hike. You spend several hours in transit, get less than an hour in the geothermal valley, and pay separately for lunch. A multi-day highland stay would give you more time in the area, but it would also require more money and planning.

I see this as a convenience and access purchase, not a low-cost sightseeing bargain. You are paying to connect a remote geothermal area with two famous Golden Circle stops and a geothermal bath in one day.

Who should book this day?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see an unusual part of Iceland without driving remote gravel roads. It suits visitors who value scenery, a short walk, and a long soak more than strenuous hiking.

It is also a good fit if you want a full day outside Reykjavík and like a mixed itinerary. You get waterfalls, geothermal ground, mountain views, a restaurant break, and hot water in one outing.

I would hesitate if you dislike long bus rides or need a gentle road experience. The rough sections can be jarring. I would also hesitate if you want a carefully narrated walking tour, since the Hveradalir portion is largely independent and quite short.

Pack for the Highlands, not for a city sightseeing trip:

• Sturdy hiking boots with strong grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Hat and gloves
• Water bottle and snacks
• Towel for the Highland Baths
• Hiking poles if you have them

The tour is offered in English, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if Iceland’s weather may affect your plans.

Should you book A Day in Kerlingarfjöll?

Book it if the idea of steaming springs, colored mountain rock, and an outdoor bath appeals to you more than a relaxed Golden Circle day. The geothermal valley is the memorable part, and the combination of Hveradalir and Highland Baths gives the day a clear purpose.

Skip it if you want a long hike, dislike rough roads, or would rather spend more time at each stop. For the right person, this is an efficient way to reach a remote corner of Iceland. For the wrong person, it is a very long bus ride wrapped around a short walk.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Reykjavík Terminal at Skógarhlíð 10, 105 Reykjavík. Look for the bus marked Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about 12 hours. The planned departure is 8:00, with an estimated return to Reykjavík around 20:00.

What language is the tour offered in?

The live tour guide and activity information are provided in English.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though a table can be reserved at the Highland Base restaurant during the break.

Is a towel provided for the Highland Baths?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

What should I wear?

Bring sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and trousers, headgear, gloves, and outdoor clothing suitable for changing conditions. A water bottle and snacks are also recommended.

Are Gullfoss and Geysir included?

Yes. The outing includes sightseeing at Gullfoss and Geysir, with the listed stops lasting about 15 minutes at Gullfoss and 30 minutes at Geysir.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.