Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Day Tour in a 4X4 from Akureyri

Discover the Mystical Highlands of Iceland with the Kerlingarfjöll 4X4 Day Tour from Akureyri

Traveling through Iceland often means visiting its iconic sights like the Golden Circle or the South Coast. But if you’re craving something off the beaten path, this Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Day Tour offers an extraordinary look into the country’s rugged, less-visited northern wilderness. It’s a full-day adventure that whisks you into remote highlands, taking you beyond the usual tourist trails, where you’ll encounter volcanic landscapes, geothermal marvels, and mountain panoramas that look like they belong to another planet.

What makes this trip particularly appealing is the personalized touch: limited to just four travelers, the small-group setup ensures you get plenty of attention from your guide, Reynir, who impresses with his knowledge and friendly demeanor. The tour’s highlight? The chance to explore the Hveravellir geothermal area, soak in natural hot springs, and marvel at multi-colored rhyolite mountains set against icy glaciers.

However, it’s worth noting that this is a long day—about 12 hours in total—so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness and a love of adventure. If you’re looking for a comfortable, relaxed sightseeing trip, this might be a bit intense, but for lovers of wildlife, geology, and stunning landscapes, it’s a truly authentic experience.

Key Points

• Off-road exploration of the remote Kerlingarfjöll Highlands on a rugged 4X4 vehicle
• Visit to Hveravellir geothermal area with bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, and natural hot springs
• Opportunity to relax in the naturally warm Hveravellir hot springs
• Breathtaking views of rhyolite mountains, glaciers, and highland passes
• All-inclusive transport and hotel pickup for convenience
• Small-group size ensures personalized attention and smoother experience

An In-Depth Look at the Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Tour

Setting Out from Akureyri: The Adventure Begins

Your day kicks off early at 8 am, with pickup from your Akureyri hotel. From here, you’ll hop into a sturdy 4X4 vehicle, perfectly suited for Iceland’s often challenging highland roads. The journey itself is a big part of the fun, as your guide—Reynir, described by many as friendly and knowledgeable—navigates through the Kjölur route, a rugged corridor between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers.

Traveling by 4X4 is crucial because many of the highland roads are unpaved, bumpy, or seasonally difficult, making a regular vehicle unsuitable. The ride offers vistas of snow-dusted mountains, icy glaciers, and volcanic terrain, which is part of what makes this tour so special.

Exploring Hveravellir: Geothermal Wonders and Hot Springs

The first major stop is the Hveravellir geothermal area, a highlight noted by travelers for its fascinating landscape. Here, you’re free to walk across ancient lava fields, passing bubbling mud pools, smoking fumaroles, and steaming vents. The geothermal activity is visible and palpable, giving you a real sense of Iceland’s volcanic energy.

Many reviewers, like Christian, mention their enjoyment of bathing in the natural hot springs here, describing it as a relaxing way to unwind amid stunning scenery. Hveravellir’s natural pool offers a warm retreat, perfect for a quick soak before continuing your adventure. Reynir’s commentary on the geothermal activity and his friendly explanations add depth to the experience, making it both educational and fun.

Marveling at Kerlingarfjöll: A Landscape Like No Other

The main attraction, Kerlingarfjöll, is a mountain range famous for its vibrant rhyolite peaks, snow-covered passes, and craggy ravines. The landscape looks almost otherworldly, a mosaic of bright colors against the stark backdrop of glaciers and glaciers’ icy edges. You’ll spend around three hours here, which is enough time to appreciate the scale of the mountains, walk along scenic trails, and snap some stunning photos.

Guests like Frank describe Kerlingarfjöll as “like another planet,” emphasizing how surreal the scenery is. The high-altitude vistas and geological formations are truly awe-inspiring and make for a memorable photo collection. The guides are often quick to point out interesting features, such as the contrast between volcanic rhyolite and the surrounding snowfields.

Lunch and Rest Time at Kerlingarfjöll

While the tour includes a significant amount of sightseeing, it doesn’t cover food. You will have the option to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kerlingarfjöll—though this is at your own expense. Many mention the value of taking a break here to refuel and take in the sweeping views of glaciers, volcanic formations, and highland ravines.

Return Journey and Reflection

After a full day of exploration, the return trip begins around 5 pm, with a relaxed drive back to Akureyri. The entire experience wraps up around 8 pm, giving you an ample amount of time to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Overall Value and Practicalities

This tour is priced at $512.82 per person, which may seem steep at first glance. However, considering the all-inclusive transport, small-group size, expert guiding, and access to remote highland spots that are hard to reach independently, the value becomes clearer. The reviews consistently mention the expertise of Reynir and the excellent handling of the vehicle as big pluses.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who:

• Crave an authentic Icelandic adventure off the beaten tourist trail
• Are comfortable with moderate physical activity—walking on uneven terrain and stepping into geothermal pools
• Want a personalized, small-group setting for a more intimate experience
• Are fascinated by geology, volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal features
• Don’t mind a long day of travel, as the scenic drive is part of the charm

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking shoes for hiking in the highlands
• Swimsuits and towels if you want to bathe in the hot springs
• Layers for variable weather—highland conditions can change quickly
• Cash or cards for lunch and souvenirs

Final Thoughts

This Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Day Tour from Akureyri offers a rare chance to step into Iceland’s wild, volcanic heart. The combination of off-road adventure, geothermal exploration, and jaw-dropping mountain views makes it a standout experience for those eager to see the country’s rugged side. The guide Reynir’s friendly and informative style ensures you’ll learn as you marvel at landscapes that seem almost alien.

For travelers seeking a personalized, immersive, and genuinely adventurous day, this tour strikes a great balance between comfort and exploration. Keep in mind the long hours and physical activity involved, but if that’s what excites you, you’re in for a special treat.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Akureyri are part of the package, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
The entire day lasts approximately 12 hours, from 8 am to around 8 pm.

What should I bring?
Bring sturdy walking shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, and layers suitable for changing weather conditions.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking across lava fields and highland terrain, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. It might not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there are restaurants in Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll where you can purchase lunch.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small group size, personalized guiding, and access to remote highlands that are difficult to reach on your own make it stand out.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour can be canceled for poor weather, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a chance to see Iceland’s less-visited but equally stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply someone with a passion for wild, untouched scenery, the Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Day Tour is a memorable way to explore the country’s northern wilderness.