Outdoor activities and hiking trails

For years, Kerlingarfjöll has been one of the most popular destinations for locals and foreign visitors in the highlands. For decades in the last century, there was a lot of skiing in Kerlingarfjöll, but that tradition has mostly ceased with the warming climate. There are, however, numerous hiking trails around the area where you can admire the magnificent landscape, experience the unspoiled wilderness and hike around one of the most diverse thermal areas in Iceland.


In peak conditions, you can see from the highest peaks to the Westman Islands in the south and the mountain peaks of Strandir in the north. When hiking in Kerlingarfjöll, it is important to keep in mind that the whole area is in the highlands, which means the weather can change suddenly and it is common for it to snow on the highest peaks in all months of the year. All equipment must take this into account. The phone connection is good in many places, but there is no connection in most depressions and cirques.


The Environment Agency has published a hiking pamphlet with eight hiking trails around Kerlingarfjöll where the trails are divided into three levels of difficulty. Everyone should, therefore, be able to find a suitable hike.