Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Valley

Kerlingarfjöll’s geothermal fields create one of Iceland’s most dramatic highland landscapes — multicolored rhyolite mountains streaked with yellow and red, punctuated by steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots. Well-marked hiking trails wind through the active geothermal area, with viewing platforms at key vantage points. The contrast between the barren highlands and this volcanic activity is striking.

Access via F347 requires 4WD and river crossings. The road deteriorates significantly in the final 10 miles. Weather changes rapidly — bring layers and rain gear even in summer. Geothermal activity is unpredictable; stay on marked paths.

Steaming peaks in the central highlands