Camp and hike at Kerlingarfjöll
F347, Iceland
Details
Distance
10 miles
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Wesetthesails
An adventure through the Icelandic highlands reminiscent of mars.
On the Ring Road No. 1, between Varmahlíð and Blönduós, take a left on road F35 called Kjölur. If we started our roadtrip from North Iceland, the F35 is reachable in the South from Gullfoss waterfall.
Note that the road F35 is only accessible in Summertime and with a 4x4 jeep, not a smaller car.
HveravellirAfter driving through the vast desert highlands, you encounter Hveravellir, a geothermal area located 650 meters above the sea. Smoking fumaroles, azure hot springs, boiling mud pools, mini geysirs, are treats to the eye. Not-to-be-missed is the 8000 year old lava field Kjalhraun that is home to lava caves, cracks and other wonders.
There is also an onsite cosy hot pool worth checking out after a good hike. The place has camping facilities and hut for those wishing to spend the night in the wilderness of Iceland.
KerlingarfjöllFrom Hveravellir, count another 40-minute drive to reach Kerlingarfjöll. This is where we pitched our tent for the night: the view is absolutely scenic, and the A-frame red cabins just add to the charm of the area. From there is a beautiful hike across geothermal fields.
This 8 mile (13 km) roundtrip hike begins meandearing in the mountains between the two glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull until the climb gets steeper and you have to cross snowfields. Soon you spot some fumaroles and mountains start getting reddish.
After 5 miles (8 km), you get a splendid view over the lower Hveradalur valley, with its fumaroles, boiling pools, and rich colour palette. The area is well marked (3 km) so that visitors won't damage the fragile Nature.
Then you reach the parking Keis, from where there are another 3 miles (5 km) to Kerlingarfjöll camping site, our starting point. The hike through the Árskarðsgljúfur is one you will never forget. Once back at Kerlingarfjöll, you can use your last forces to walk to the nearby hot pool (0.6 miles - 1km)
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