A day in Kerlingarfjöll: Highlands and hot springs

Kerlingarfjöll rewards the long road. This full-day outing takes you from Reykjavík into Iceland’s rough southern Highlands, where steaming ground, rusty slopes, icy rivers, and snowy peaks replace the usual city sights. I like the Hveradalir hot-spring valley for its raw volcanic scenery, and I like ending the day in the Highland Baths, surrounded by open mountain country. The catch is the long, rough bus ride, which some people may find uncomfortable.

This is a good choice if you want to see a remote part of Iceland without renting a 4×4 or planning a Highland route yourself. You get transport, a host welcome, Hveradalir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and a hot soak in one busy day. Just bring proper boots and walking poles if you have them. The paths can be slippery, and the time at the geothermal valley may feel short.

Key points to know before booking

• Hveradalir is the main event: You walk among hot springs, colorful rock, steam, and steep mountain views in one of Iceland’s most unusual valleys.
• The bus ride is part of the price: The route from Reykjavík takes you over rough gravel roads, with striking views but some shaking and bouncing.
• You get two famous stops: Gullfoss is included on the way in, while Geysir is visited on the return.
• The bath time is generous: You have about two hours at the Highland Baths, a welcome contrast after the hike.
• Lunch costs extra: A table is reserved at the Highland Base restaurant, but your meal is not included.
• Pack for wet, slippery ground: Waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, a hat, water, snacks, and hiking poles are sensible choices.

Why this Highland day is worth considering

At $282 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing bus. But Kerlingarfjöll is not an ordinary sightseeing stop. It is a remote Highland destination reached by rugged roads, and independent access requires the right vehicle, route planning, and confidence with Iceland’s interior roads.

I see the value in having the transport handled for you. You can watch rivers and peaks pass by rather than concentrating on driving. The package also combines several pieces that would otherwise take planning: Gullfoss, Hveradalir, the Highland Baths, and Geysir.

The tradeoff is time. You spend roughly six hours on the road during the day, depending on the exact route and conditions. That is a lot of sitting for about an hour in the geothermal valley, a lunch break, and two hours in the baths. If your priority is a long Highland hike, an overnight stay would make more sense.

This is best for you if the idea of seeing Kerlingarfjöll appeals, but you have only one day and do not want to drive there yourself. It is less suitable if you dislike rough roads, need a relaxed pace, or are looking for a serious hike.

Leaving Reykjavík for Iceland’s interior

The day begins at 8:00 a.m. at Reykjavík Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10. Look for the bus marked Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll. The early departure matters because this is a long outing, with an estimated return around 8:00 p.m.

The first stretch takes you out of the capital and toward Iceland’s famous southern sights. The driver handles the route while you watch the scenery change from settled areas to wide, empty country. The journey is not just dead time, but you should expect a long day in your seat.

The bus is scheduled to stop at Gullfoss after about 75 minutes. You get around 15 minutes for sightseeing. That is enough for a quick look at the powerful waterfall, but not enough for a leisurely walk around every viewpoint.

Gullfoss is a useful first stop because it gives you a famous Iceland sight before the more remote part of the trip begins. Still, keep your expectations realistic. This is a brief photo and viewing stop, not a full waterfall visit.

Gullfoss, then the rough road to Kerlingarfjöll

After Gullfoss, the drive continues for roughly another hour and a half toward Kerlingarfjöll. This is where the character of the outing changes. Roads become rougher, and the bus travels through a much wilder part of Iceland.

The route includes gravel and uneven sections. One person described the combined road time as very hard, with repeated jolting and side-to-side movement. That warning is worth taking seriously, especially if you are pregnant, have back problems, or simply get carsick. The road conditions are part of reaching the Highlands, but the activity description could make them sound easier than they feel.

At the same time, this is where the trip earns its character. You may see icy rivers, snow-covered peaks, and broad open mountain views from the bus. The journey gives you a taste of the isolation that makes Kerlingarfjöll special.

The driver and host also add a human touch. You receive a welcome and regional stories at Highland Base, and one account praised the driver’s friendly manner and extra stops. The experience is not built around a full, continuous lecture, though. At Hveradalir, you should expect to explore mostly at your own pace rather than follow a guide through every detail.

Hveradalir’s steaming ground and colored rock

The bus takes you from Highland Base to Hveradalir Geothermal Valley at about 11:30 a.m. This is the heart of the excursion.

Hveradalir is known for active hot springs and bands of colored rock. Steam rises from the ground, while the mountains create a dramatic backdrop. The contrast is what makes the place so memorable: snow and bare rock, warm ground and cold air, quiet open space and hissing geothermal vents.

The planned sightseeing period is short. The schedule allows about 45 minutes to an hour for the walk, depending on how the day is run. That may be enough to see the main geothermal area and take photographs, but it is not enough for an extended hike through the valley.

One person skipped the baths and continued walking toward Highland Base, taking about an hour and a half. That option shows the appeal of the area, but it also points to a choice you may need to make. If you want more walking, you may have to give up some bath time. The standard schedule is designed to provide a taste of Hveradalir, not a full-day trek.

Pay close attention to your footing. The path and steps can become slippery even when it has not been raining. Hiking poles are especially useful here, and one person was glad to borrow a pair. Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Smooth sneakers are a poor match for wet, uneven ground.

The word guided needs a little care here. The trip includes a host and a guided hike in its description, but the practical experience can feel more like a self-guided walk after you arrive. You may receive an introduction and directions, then explore independently. That suits you if you like setting your own pace, but it may disappoint you if you want detailed geology or constant commentary.

Lunch at Highland Base, with the meal separate

After Hveradalir, you return to Highland Base for a break from about 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. A table can be reserved at the Highland Base restaurant, which makes the transition easy after the walk.

Lunch is not included in the $282 price. You should budget separately for food and bring snacks and a water bottle. This matters because the day is long, and your next major activity is the bath rather than a short ride back to Reykjavík.

The restaurant stop also gives you a chance to warm up, dry off, and reset before changing for the pools. Since the schedule is fairly tight, do not expect a long, slow meal if the bus is running on time.

Two hours in the Highland Baths

The Highland Baths begin around 3:00 p.m., with about two hours set aside for relaxation. This is one of the strongest parts of the day because it gives your body a break after the road journey and slippery walk.

The setting is the real attraction. You are bathing in geothermal water with the Icelandic Highlands around you, rather than sitting in a city spa. The experience connects the warm water with the cold, open country outside it.

You do not have to use the baths. One person chose a longer hike instead and still described the trip as a highlight. That flexibility is helpful, but you should decide before the day begins what matters most to you. The standard plan favors a short Hveradalir walk followed by a long soak.

A towel is not included, so pack one or plan around that extra cost. The activity information specifically lists a towel among the items not provided. It is a small detail, but an easy one to overlook.

Geysir on the return journey

At about 5:00 p.m., the bus leaves Highland Base for Reykjavík. The return route includes a 30-minute stop at Geysir, one of Iceland’s best-known geothermal areas.

Geysir adds another form of geothermal scenery to the day. Hveradalir gives you a mountain valley with hot springs and colored rock, while Geysir provides a more established stop on the main sightseeing route. Half an hour is enough to see the area, but again, this is a compact visit rather than a slow exploration.

The final drive takes roughly an hour and a half, with an estimated arrival at Reykjavík Terminal around 8:00 p.m. By then, you will have had a very full day. The schedule works well for fitting major sights into limited vacation time, but it leaves little room for delays or lingering.

What to pack for this particular day

The clothing advice here is not a formality. Conditions in the Highlands can change quickly, and geothermal paths can be wet and slick.

Bring:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
• A waterproof jacket and waterproof pants
• A warm hat and gloves
• A water bottle
• Snacks
• A towel
• Hiking poles, if you own them

Dress for walking first, then bathing. You need outdoor layers for Hveradalir, but you also need a simple way to manage wet swimwear afterward. The exact facilities and changing arrangements are not detailed, so keeping your belongings organized will help.

The activity is offered in English. The host provides stories at Highland Base, but the walking portion may not feel like a detailed, step-by-step tour. If you enjoy looking closely, stopping for photographs, and choosing your own route, that can be a benefit.

Who gets the best value from the $282 price

I think the price is easiest to justify for a first-time visitor with limited time in Iceland. You get roundtrip transport from Reykjavík, two famous sightseeing stops, access to a remote Highland area, the Hveradalir walk, and admission to the Highland Baths.

The value is weaker if you are already renting a suitable vehicle and planning to spend several days in the Highlands. An overnight stay would give you more time to walk and reduce the pressure created by the same-day return.

It is also weaker for anyone who mainly wants a long hike. The hot-spring valley portion is short, and the bus ride takes up much of the day. You are paying for access and convenience as much as for activity time.

The activity has a rating of 4.8 from nine reviews, with especially strong praise for the scenery, the baths, friendly driving, and the overall sense of reaching the Icelandic interior. The lower experience came from the rough road, short walking time, slippery steps, and lack of clear guiding. Those are not minor points, so I would use them to match the tour to your own priorities.

Should you book this Kerlingarfjöll day?

Book it if you want a rare look at Iceland’s Highlands without taking on the driving yourself. You will see remarkable geothermal scenery, enjoy a memorable soak, and add Gullfoss and Geysir to the same day. The friendly host and driver can make the long route feel more personal.

Skip it if you want a gentle coach excursion, a long guided hike, or a slow spa day. The road is rough, the walking window is limited, lunch and a towel cost extra, and the day runs from early morning until evening.

My practical choice would be simple: book this for the scenery and access, not just for the bath. Bring poles, waterproof clothing, and snacks, then treat the soak as the reward at the end of a demanding but unusual day.

FAQ

Where does the Kerlingarfjöll day trip depart from?

It 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 outing takes about 12 hours. Departure is scheduled for 8:00 a.m., with an estimated return to Reykjavík around 8:00 p.m.

Is lunch included?

No. A table can be reserved at the Highland Base restaurant, but lunch is not included in the price.

Is a towel provided for the Highland Baths?

No. You should bring your own towel.

What clothing should I bring?

Pack sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and pants, a hat, gloves, a water bottle, and snacks. Hiking poles are also useful because the paths can be slippery.

Are Gullfoss and Geysir included?

Yes. The route includes a short sightseeing stop at Gullfoss and a 30-minute sightseeing stop at Geysir.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.