Kerlingarfjöll Tjaldsvæði
Kjölur Route (F35)
About This Campsite
A remote Highland campsite surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal valleys along the Kjölur Route.
Details
Kerlingarfjöll Campsite is located in one of Iceland’s most spectacular geothermal mountain regions in the central Highlands along the Kjölur Route (F35). Surrounded by colorful rhyolite peaks, steaming valleys, and marked hiking trails, the campsite offers an excellent base for exploring one of the most unique landscapes in the Icelandic interior. The nearby Hveradalir geothermal valley is one of the highlights of the area, featuring hot springs, fumaroles, and mineral-colored slopes shaped by active geothermal forces. Visitors can explore hiking routes directly from the campsite into the surrounding mountains and valleys. Kerlingarfjöll lies between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers and has long been an important stop along the historic Kjölur highland route connecting North and South Iceland. Because of its remote location far from artificial light, the campsite also offers excellent conditions for midnight sun experiences in summer and northern lights viewing later in the season.
🌿 Environment & Surroundings
Kerlingarfjöll is located within a geothermal rhyolite mountain range known for its distinctive red, orange, and yellow slopes created by mineral-rich volcanic rock. Steam rises from valleys such as Hveradalir, while nearby glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull dominate the wider Highland horizon. The area offers panoramic views across Iceland’s central interior plateau and some of the country’s best Highland hiking terrain.
📍 Nearby Attractions
Hveradalir Geothermal Valley
One of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal hiking areas.
Langjökull Glacier
Iceland’s second-largest glacier located west of Kerlingarfjöll.
Hveravellir Geothermal Area
Historic Highland stop with natural geothermal bathing pool.
Hvítárvatn Lake
Large glacial lake along the Kjölur route south of the mountains.
👻 Folklore & Local Stories
The name Kerlingarfjöll means “the old woman’s mountains” and comes from a local legend describing a troll woman who turned to stone when sunrise caught her in the Highlands. Many unusual rock formations across Iceland are explained through similar folklore stories connected with trolls and hidden beings. Because of its remote geothermal valleys and shifting weather conditions, Kerlingarfjöll has long been considered a mysterious place by travelers crossing the interior route between north and south Iceland.