A day in Kerlingarfjöll: Highlands and hot springs

Kerlingarfjöll is the star here: a remote mountain area where steaming springs and colorful rock meet snowy peaks. I like the easy bus access from Reykjavík and the chance to pair a proper Highlands outing with a long soak in the Highland Baths. You also get short visits to Gullfoss and Geysir, two famous stops without planning a separate Golden Circle day.

The tradeoff is the road time. You spend roughly six hours on the bus during the round trip, and the gravel-road ride can be rough. The Hveradalir walk may also feel short, so bring hiking poles if you want to cover more ground.

Key points at a glance

• Hveradalir is the main event: Expect steaming ground, hot springs, slippery paths, and striking mountain colors.
• The Highland Baths give you two hours: The warm water is a welcome reward after the walk, but towels are not included.
• Gullfoss and Geysir add value: You see two major Iceland sights without booking another day.
• The ride is long and rough: Gravel roads are part of reaching this remote part of the Highlands.
• Lunch is optional and separate: A table is reserved at Highland Base Restaurant, but your meal is not included in the $282 price.
• Pack for real mountain weather: Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a hat, water, snacks, and hiking poles are sensible choices.

Why Kerlingarfjöll is worth the long ride

Kerlingarfjöll feels far removed from Reykjavík. The route passes icy rivers, snowy peaks, and broad open stretches before the bus reaches Highland Base. That change matters. You are not simply visiting another roadside viewpoint. You are going into Iceland’s interior, where the scenery feels wilder and the roads demand patience.

The trip costs $282 per person, which is a substantial day-tour price. You are paying for round-trip transport, a driver who handles the rough route, entry to the Highland Baths, the Hveradalir outing, and two Golden Circle stops. For you, the price makes the most sense if you want the Highlands but do not want to rent a 4×4, learn the route, or handle Icelandic gravel roads yourself.

You should be clear about the tradeoff. This is a long day, not a leisurely overnight stay in the mountains. The drive takes a large part of the schedule, and the time in Hveradalir is limited. If your top priority is a long mountain hike, an overnight plan at Highland Base would give you more breathing room.

8:00 departure from Reykjavík Terminal

The day begins at Reykjavík Terminal on Skógarhlíð 10. Look for the bus marked Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll. The departure is early, so arrive with your outdoor clothing ready and your food packed.

The bus is the practical heart of this experience. You can sit back while the driver handles the route toward the Highlands, including rough gravel sections that are not suitable for an ordinary city car. The ride is not always smooth. One account describes being thrown around on the road, and that is useful information if you are pregnant, prone to motion sickness, or simply uncomfortable on rough tracks.

Pack snacks and water because lunch is not included. A bottle, small food bag, and extra layer will serve you better than relying only on the restaurant stop later in the day.

Gullfoss gives you an early Iceland classic

The route includes a short sightseeing stop at Gullfoss, the broad, powerful waterfall that drops in two stages into a deep gorge. You have about 15 minutes here according to the route details, so think of this as a quick look and photo stop rather than a full waterfall visit.

That brief pause works well if you have not yet seen Gullfoss. You get a taste of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle before the bus heads toward less visited country. If you already spent time at Gullfoss, the stop may feel repetitive, but it does break up the ride and gives you one of Iceland’s most recognizable sights.

After Gullfoss, the road becomes more about open country and the approach to Kerlingarfjöll. The scenery is the reason to stay awake on the bus. Watch for rivers, snow patches, and changing mountain forms as the built-up area around Reykjavík disappears.

11:00 arrival at Highland Base

At Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, an activity host welcomes you and shares stories about the area. This greeting helps you understand where you are before the walk begins, but do not expect a full interpretive mountain tour throughout the day.

The schedule sends you onward to Hveradalir at about 11:30. The provided plan describes the sightseeing there as self-guided, while the experience details also refer to a guided hike. In practical terms, you should be ready to explore at your own pace rather than depend on continuous commentary at every stop.

Highland Base also gives you a useful place to regroup. The restaurant is available for lunch, and a table is reserved if you want to eat there. Since food is separate, check your appetite and budget before setting off. You can bring snacks for the road, then use the restaurant for a more substantial break.

Hveradalir, where the ground steams

Hveradalir is the reason to make the journey. The valley is known for active hot springs, steaming ground, and colorful rock formations set against the mountains. You will see the kind of raw geothermal scenery that makes Iceland feel less like a polished sightseeing circuit and more like a living earth science lesson.

The walking section is scheduled for about 45 minutes to an hour. That is enough to see the main geothermal area, but it is not enough for a relaxed, extended hike through every part of the valley. One person chose to skip the baths and walk farther, reaching Highland Base after about an hour and a half. That choice shows the flexibility available, but it also means giving up the included bathing time.

The paths can be slippery even when rain is not falling. Steps and uneven ground near the geothermal area deserve careful footing. Hiking poles are a smart addition, especially if you have weak knees or want extra balance. One person was glad to borrow poles from another passenger, but I would not count on that option.

Wear waterproof trousers and a jacket, not just a warm sweater. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and wet ground around hot springs can splash or spray your lower legs. Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Trainers are a poor match for this part of the day.

What the short walk really gives you

You get concentrated scenery rather than a long wilderness trek. In a compact outing, Hveradalir offers steam, mineral colors, mountain walls, and unusual ground textures. It is visually rewarding, especially when weather leaves the peaks partly covered in snow.

The limited time can feel rushed. If you want to stop often for photographs, examine the rock, and take a longer route, you may have to choose between exploring and reaching the bus on time. Keep an eye on the departure time, since the group leaves Hveradalir at about 12:45.

This is also an area where conditions matter. Good weather can open wide views across the Highlands. Poor weather may reduce visibility and make the path harder. The experience is still worthwhile in changeable weather, but you should book it for the remote setting and geothermal activity, not for a guaranteed sunny panorama.

Lunch at Highland Base, around 13:00

After Hveradalir, the bus returns to Highland Base for a lunch break of about an hour. The restaurant offers a chance to warm up, sit down, and refuel before the bath session.

Lunch is not part of the tour price. That keeps the basic cost clearer, but it means you should plan for an extra expense or bring food. Snacks are specifically useful because the first meal opportunity comes after the geothermal walk.

This stop is also a useful pause between active sections. If the rough ride or slippery path has tired you, the restaurant gives you a quiet hour before the afternoon soak. You should not treat it as dead time. On a 12-hour excursion, a proper break can make the return journey much easier.

Two hours in the Highland Baths

The Highland Baths are the relaxing center of the afternoon. You get about two hours in geothermal water surrounded by the open mountain setting. After the bus ride and Hveradalir walk, that long bathing period gives the day a gentler rhythm.

The baths are included, but towels are not. Bring your own towel unless you have confirmed another arrangement. Also keep your dry clothing accessible. A warm layer for the return ride is a good idea, since you will be leaving the water and heading back into Highland weather.

I like the balance here. The tour does not ask you to spend every hour hiking. You get a real soak, not a quick dip squeezed between bus departures. At the same time, the baths may be less appealing if you would rather use every available minute on the mountain trails.

The schedule has departure from Highland Base at 17:00. That leaves enough time to enjoy the water without treating the visit like a rushed change of clothes. Follow the activity host’s instructions and keep track of your personal items, since the day moves on a fixed timetable.

Geysir closes the sightseeing loop

On the return route, the bus stops at Geysir for about 30 minutes. The geothermal area is famous for the hot spring that gave the world the word geyser, along with the active Strokkur area nearby. Here, the short stop is enough to see geothermal activity and stretch your legs before the final drive.

Geysir gives the trip a useful bookend. In the morning, Gullfoss provides a dramatic waterfall. Later, Geysir returns you to the more familiar Golden Circle before the bus heads back to Reykjavík.

Do not expect a long visit. Thirty minutes is a compact stop, but it is better than passing the area without seeing it. If you have already visited Geysir, this part will be less important to you than the Highland time.

The return to Reykjavík

The estimated arrival at Reykjavík Terminal is around 20:00, making the full day about 12 hours. That is a serious commitment, especially if you have an early departure the next morning or plan evening activities.

The return ride is a chance to rest, but it can also feel long after a full day outdoors. This is where your choice of clothing, snacks, and seating comfort matters. Keep a jacket within reach and do not pack your water bottle deep in the luggage.

The driver is an important part of the experience. One account praised a friendly driver who added extra scenic stops when timing allowed. That sort of flexibility may happen, but you should treat the listed route as the firm plan and any extra stop as a bonus.

What the $282 price includes

At $282, this is not the cheapest way to see Iceland’s interior. Its value comes from combining several services and sights in one day:

• Round-trip bus transport from Reykjavík
• A driver for the route to Kerlingarfjöll
• Sightseeing at Gullfoss
• Hveradalir geothermal sightseeing
• Admission to the Highland Baths
• Sightseeing at Geysir
• An English-speaking activity host or guide

You still pay separately for lunch and need to bring a towel. That is worth remembering when comparing this outing with a self-drive plan. A rental car may look cheaper at first, but reaching Kerlingarfjöll requires suitable transport and confidence on rough roads. You also need to manage fuel, directions, weather, and parking yourself.

The price is strongest for someone staying in Reykjavík who wants a single organized Highlands day. It is weaker for someone who already has a 4×4, plans to visit Gullfoss and Geysir independently, and wants several hours of hiking rather than a bath.

Who should book this day

I would point this experience toward you if you want to see Iceland’s interior without arranging an overnight trip. It suits people who value scenery, geothermal activity, and a warm bath more than a long trail day.

It also works well for first-time Iceland visitors who want to combine the Highlands with two famous Golden Circle sights. The English-language format keeps the plan simple, and the host greeting gives you some context before you explore.

You should think twice if you are pregnant, highly sensitive to rough roads, or uncomfortable walking on slippery paths. The ride is long and can be rough, and the geothermal walk includes uneven sections. If you want a gentle day with little movement, choose a simpler hot-spring outing closer to Reykjavík.

Strong hikers may prefer an overnight stay at Highland Base. That would give you more time in Hveradalir and less pressure to return to the bus. Still, the option to skip the baths and take a longer walk shows that you can shape this day around your priorities, provided you return on time.

Practical packing advice

Bring the following:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm hat and gloves
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Hiking poles
• Towel
• Dry clothes for after the baths

You should wear layers rather than one heavy coat. Conditions can change between Reykjavík, the high mountains, the geothermal valley, and the bathing area.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so confirm the departure details when booking. The meeting point is Reykjavík Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10, and the bus is marked Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if Kerlingarfjöll is high on your Iceland wish list and you want a practical way to reach it from Reykjavík. The combination of Hveradalir, a long soak, Gullfoss, and Geysir packs a lot into one day.

Skip it if you dislike long bus rides or want a full day of hiking. The Highlands are the reward, but the road is part of the price. Bring poles, expect slippery ground, budget extra for lunch, and remember your towel. If you accept those limits, this is a strong one-day introduction to Iceland’s wild interior.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Reykjavík Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10, 105 Reykjavík. Look for the bus marked Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience takes about 12 hours. It is scheduled to depart Reykjavík at 08:00 and return at approximately 20:00.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The activity is conducted in English, with a live tour guide or activity host.

Is transportation from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Round-trip bus transport from Reykjavík to Kerlingarfjöll is included.

Are Gullfoss and Geysir part of the day?

Yes. The route includes sightseeing stops at Gullfoss and Geysir.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. A table can be reserved at the Highland Base Restaurant, and you can also bring snacks.

Is entry to the Highland Baths included?

Yes. Admission to the Highland Baths is included, with about two hours scheduled for bathing.

What should I bring?

Bring sturdy hiking boots, waterproof outdoor clothing, a hat, gloves, a water bottle, snacks, and a towel. Hiking poles are also useful because parts of the route can be slippery.