Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is a dramatic geothermal mountain range in the central Highlands, with steaming valleys, boiling mud pools and hillsides stained vivid orange, ye…
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About Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is a dramatic geothermal mountain range in the central Highlands, with steaming valleys, boiling mud pools and hillsides stained vivid orange, yellow and green by hydrothermal activity.
Explore colourful rhyolite mountains, active geothermal valleys and marked highland hiking routes in one destination.
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Background
History & Background
The mountains are named after a legendary troll woman called Kerling — 'the old hag' — who according to folklore was petrified by sunlight while crossing the Highlands with her family of trolls. The area sits on one of Iceland's most intense geothermal systems. Mountains reach 1,477 meters and the range is one of the few places in Iceland where snow-capped peaks, colorful rhyolite hills and steaming vents all exist in one view.
Kerlingarfjöll is a remote highland mountain area whose best-known landscape is Hveradalir, where geothermal activity, steam and mineral-coloured slopes create distinctive scenery. The protected area has a network of marked hiking routes with varying difficulty. Access is seasonal and conditions can change quickly; travellers should check current road, weather and trail information before entering the area.
Did You Know?
Named after a petrified troll woman in local legend
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
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Hidden Gems Nearby
Off-Peak Visit
Visit Kerlingarfjöll during shoulder season (May or September) for a perfect balance of access and solitude.
You'll experience the site without summer crowds while still having good weather and daylight.
Local Flora
Look for the native Icelandic plants growing in the area — Arctic thyme, moss campion, and various lichens.
These resilient plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions and add subtle beauty to the landscape.
Changing Light
Kerlingarfjöll looks dramatically different depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Cloud shadows, rain showers, and low-angle sunlight can transform the landscape within minutes — Iceland's famous "four seasons in one day."
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