KerlingarfjöllKerlingarfjöll at a Glance
About Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is a rhyolite mountain massif and geothermal area in the Icelandic Highlands, notable for colorful mineral-stained slopes and steaming hot springs. The massif includes peaks rising to roughly 1,400-1,500 metres and extensive geothermal valleys.
The area around the Hveradalir valley contains fumaroles, hot springs and mineral deposits set against red and ochre rhyolite ridges; short marked walks and routes across the massif are the main attractions for visitors. A seasonal mountain hut and simple visitor facilities support multi-day hikes when the highland roads are open.
Kerlingarfjöll is part of a central Iceland volcanic and geothermal system shaped by repeated eruptions and glacial interaction; the geothermal valleys reflect continuing heat flow rather than recent large eruptions. Over the 20th and 21st centuries the area has developed as a mountain-walking and geothermal sightseeing destination with limited infrastructure.
The massif sits in the interior highlands roughly north-east of Reykjavík in central Iceland, located between major ice caps and highland plateaus and reached by highland tracks rather than sealed roads. The landscape around it is sparsely populated highland terrain.
- Access: Road access follows highland tracks and is seasonal - most vehicles reach the area only in summer months when the Kjölur and other highland routes are open.
- Best time to visit: Best visiting season is mid-summer to early autumn when trails are snow-free and highland huts operate.
What to See#
- Hveradalir geothermal area: The main steaming geothermal valley in the massif, known for sulfate-stained soils, fumaroles and hot springs concentrated in a compact area used as the focal point for short walks.
- Kerlingarfjöll mountain hut / visitor facility: A small seasonal mountain hut and visitor facility that provides basic accommodation and information for hikers during the summer highland season.
Best Time to Visit Kerlingarfjöll
Summer months are the most practical time to visit Kerlingarfjöll for hiking and highland access; spring and autumn require flexibility.
Weather & Climate near Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -10°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1145 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -3° | -15° | 99 mm | overcast | 96% | 10.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -10° - -4° | -16° | 106 mm | overcast | 95% | 10.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -9° - -5° | -16° | 104 mm | overcast | 95% | 10.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -8° - -2° | -13° | 74 mm | overcast | 92% | 9.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 1° | -8° | 63 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.2h |
| June | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 86 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 20.4h |
| July | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 84 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.3h |
| August | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 111 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 102 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -5° - 0° | -10° | 122 mm | overcast | 94% | 8.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -7° - -2° | -13° | 90 mm | overcast | 95% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -9° - -3° | -15° | 104 mm | overcast | 96% | 9.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is in Iceland’s interior highlands. Access requires a 4x4 vehicle and is usually via F-roads from the Hveravellir area or from routes off the Kjölur (F35). Many visitors join guided day tours from Reykjavik or Akureyri in summer; winter access is limited and often closed.
Tips for Visiting Kerlingarfjöll
- Base at Hveravellir or one of the highland huts if attempting multi-day traverses - both are rugged and require booking in advance.
- Avoid winter unless travelling with experienced guides; roads into the region are often closed by snow and wind.