Sterna Travel
Sterna Travel
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Person looking small in the vastness of nature
All Highland Adventures
easyJun 15 – Sep 15

Kerlingarfjöll Hot Springs

Discover steaming geothermal areas and hidden hot springs in the central highlands.

Gallery

  • Playing with illusion on the glacier, "little man - big man".
  • People taking a selfie on the glacier as it is snowing.
  • A person enjoying the view from the glacier.
  • Woman screaming like a Viking on the glacier.
  • Playing with illusion on the glacier, "little man - big man".
  • Selfie by the face of the glacier.
  • Four girls pose for a photo shoot on the glacier
  • People in a crevasse for a cool photo on the glacier
  • People standing in a moulin
  • People making a silly photo on the glacier.
  • A man standing on a glacier with the perfect backdrop on the glacier
12 hr
Max 14
Jun 15 – Sep 15

About this tour

Kerlingarfjöll is a rhyolite mountain range in Iceland's central highlands, famous for its red and green colored slopes streaked with steam vents. The Hverir-style Hveradalir geothermal valley is the highlight — a hot-spring-warmed river you can wade into, surrounded by acid-yellow earth and steam plumes.

This is a 12-hour day from Reykjavík in a highland-rated 4×4 bus. Summer-only access (mid-June to mid-September). The hike from the parking area into the geothermal valley is 1 hour each way over moderate terrain — bring sturdy footwear.

Bring layers, swimwear (for the geothermal river), waterproof shell, and a packed lunch (we provide one). The colors and steam are best in afternoon light. Group capped at 14.

What's planned

  1. Reykjavík departure

    08:00

    Highland-rated 4×4 bus pickup at BSÍ Bus Terminal.

  2. Drive into the highlands

    180 min

    South lowlands, then up the F35 Kjölur route across the central highlands.

  3. Kerlingarfjöll mountain hut (lunch)

    45 min

    Mountain lodge at the base of the range. Lunch included.

  4. Hveradalir geothermal valley hike

    180 min total

    1 hour walk in, 1 hour at the river (swim if conditions allow), 1 hour walk out. Steam vents, colored slopes, hot stream wading.

  5. Return to Reykjavík

    180 min

    Direct return to BSÍ.

Highlights

  • Kerlingarfjöll geothermal valley
  • Hot spring pools
  • Mountain hiking trails
  • Central highland scenery

What's included

  • Super jeep transport
  • Local highland guide (English-speaking)
  • Hotel pickup from Reykjavík

Not included

  • Meals
  • Swimwear
  • Personal expenses

Pickup & meeting point

Pickup & meeting point

Pickup at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík at 08:00. Highland-rated 4×4 vehicles only.

BSI Bus TerminalVatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

View on map

Full pickup & meeting point guide →

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the tour price?

All transportation, professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík capital area, and any entrance fees specific to your tour. Meals are not included unless explicitly stated.

What should I bring?

Warm waterproof outer layer, sturdy footwear, gloves, and a hat — Iceland's weather changes quickly. Charged phone and camera. We provide bottled water on board; a small snack is wise for longer routes.

What's your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If we cancel due to weather or road conditions, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule — your choice.

Will the tour run if the weather is bad?

We run year-round and adapt routes to conditions. If a specific stop becomes unsafe, we substitute a comparable alternative. If the entire tour is unsafe, we contact you the night before with a refund or reschedule option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. We pick up at designated stops in the Reykjavík capital area; your booking confirmation lists the exact stop nearest your hotel. The driver waits 5 minutes maximum, so please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

Can I bring my children?

Most tours are family-friendly for ages 6+. Northern Lights, glacier hiking, and highland tours have minimum-age restrictions detailed on each tour page. Children under 12 receive a 25% discount on most tours.

Are tours wheelchair accessible?

Our standard coaches are not wheelchair accessible, but we can operate several tours with a wheelchair-accessible coach (hydraulic lift) on request — please contact us at least 7 days before departure so we can confirm availability for your date. Many stops are step-free, but some highland and glacier sites involve uneven terrain. Tell us your needs before booking and we'll confirm what's possible for your specific tour.

How small are the groups?

Day tours are capped at 19 guests. Highland and multi-day tours are capped at 14 guests. Multi-day expeditions to remote regions cap at 8. We never combine groups — your booking is your group.

Ready to book Kerlingarfjöll Hot Springs?

From 219 per person

From219