A fascinating journey that pushes us right into the heart of Iceland’s captivating landscapes is hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll. The excitement is tangible as I lace on my hiking boots and go on this long trek. More than just an adrenaline rush, hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll is a chance to experience the magnificence of nature.
I locate myself in the untamed splendor of the Icelandic wilderness under the direction of maps of Iceland’s tourist attractions. Icelandic hiking has a unique attraction where every step leads to a new discovery. It’s a symphony of sights and sounds that only Iceland can create, with the immensity of the nature reserves, the whispering of the lush forests, and the majesty of the mind-blowing mountains.
Iceland is renowned for being one of the most remarkable and stunning places in the entire world. The island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean is made of ice and fire (Iceland is covered with glaciers and was created by volcanoes). There are countless places of interest to see in Iceland, such as the Arctic Henge in the north of the country, tours of the Vatnajökull glacier and its caves, the unbelievably perched Thridrangar lighthouse off the coast, and even steep descents into the volcano Thrihnukagigur, which is close to the country’s capital Reykjavik.
The Icelandic Highlands’ Kerlingarfjöll mountain range is yet another amazing location to visit. This area is a geothermal and volcanic wonder. In this blog, I’m excited to share my own experience hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll, so buckle up and hold on tight because we are about to have a great time.
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Kerlingarfjöll An Alien Volcanic & Hydrothermal Landscape
The Kerlingarfjöll Mountains are a massive tuya volcanic system that reaches 1,477 meters (4,846 feet) in height. The Kerlingarfjöll Mountains region has an abundance of hot springs and waters and provides hikers with an unforgettable experience.
The red volcanic rhyolite stone and the yellow, red, and green minerals around the hot springs provide an amazing array of colors. It appears to be from another planet due to the mud pools, steamy vents, and rainbow-colored hot springs.
Why hike solo in the Kerlingarfjöll Mountains?
The region once had a ski resort, but it was demolished in 2000. Since then, the Kerlingarfjöll Mountains have changed into a highland resort, giving tourists like me the opportunity to enjoy delicious meals and cozy lodging, extending our stay, and enabling us to fully immerse ourselves in the region.
Since the mountains have been declared a nature reserve, they are popular with hikers and visitors who want to get the perfect photo. I therefore decided to start hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll. Beautifully desolate terrain surrounds you, with distant spectacular mountains that are capped in glaciers. I couldn’t help but feel a strong connection to the untamed beauty of nature and the tranquility of the surroundings as I traveled through the paths.
Hiking Trails in Kerlingarfjöll
There are many trails for hiking nearby, ranging from day walks to multi-day expeditions. On these treks, bring a camera to capture some of nature’s most beautiful images.
Here are a few of the hikes in Kerlingarfjöll:
Summits of Austurfjoll: A strenuous 7-kilometer climb that takes 5 to 6 hours to complete many summits
Circle Route around Kerlingarfjöll: A three-day walk around the 47-kilometer-long peaks often takes two days.
Hveradalir Geothermal Area: A moderate climb of 11.5 kilometers round trip and 4 to 5 hours will take you to the Hveradalir Geothermal Area.
The Circle Route
Hey there, if you’re considering hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll, I have a fantastic recommendation for you. I advise scheduling some extra time aside to thoroughly take advantage of everything this beautiful place has to offer. Starting the three-day Circle Route walk is a great option. We hikers have the chance to spend nights in comfortable mountain cottages while on the trip. Just keep in mind that reservations for these huts must be made in advance, either online or by visiting the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort’s reservation desk.
The only drawback is that each hut only has a certain number of beds, so it’s best to make arrangements in advance. But don’t worry; if the huts are all taken, you can always fall back on Plan B and set up camp along the way. In this way, you’ll still get to take in the stunning surroundings and experience an unforgettable adventure.
The best time to visit the Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
There is no bad time of year to visit Kerlingarfjöll. Both hiking and snowmobiling are popular activities there in both the summer and the winter. Iceland’s winters are generally moderate, but because of the country’s lengthy evenings, there aren’t many opportunities to get outside and explore during the day. Reykjavik is 185 kilometers away from Kerlingarfjöll, and the trip there takes 3 to 4 hours.
Highland Base of Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
Let me give you some information on the best place to stay if you plan to go hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll. The Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base is a wonderful hidden gem that is beautifully tucked away in the middle of nowhere, as I recently discovered. Here, those of us who enjoy hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll can choose from a wide range of lodgings to meet their needs and budgets.
You have a wide range of accommodations to choose from, including bunk beds, cozy hostel huts, ordinary rooms, opulent suites, and private lodges. And don’t worry, there’s even a well-equipped campsite available for explorers like you and me who enjoy an outdoor experience.
Now, let’s paint a picture: Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base is an oasis for intrepid travelers, a haven placed carefully in the middle of nowhere. It offers us lone hikers the much-needed wilderness immersion in nature, making it the perfect year-round paradise. The exclusive information is that you can go to this amazing place whenever you choose. The catch is that you can only reach this paradise during the winter by traveling in a 4×4 under the supervision of a competent professional driver.
Wrapping Up Hiking Solo in Kerlingarfjöll
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary voyage if you’re one of the explorers thinking of going hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll. I’m eager to discuss my insights with you while we explore this location’s splendor. So if you’re another traveler who loves to go hiking solo in Kerlingarfjöll, look no further for your ideal home. I can assure you that this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
FAQs
What is the Circle Route hike in Kerlingarfjöll, and how long does it take?
The Circle Route is a three-day hiking route that passes through Kerlingarfjöll’s breathtaking scenery. This trail offers a special solitary hiking experience that lets you get close to nature and take in the peace of the backcountry. The length of the hike will vary depending on your speed and rest pauses.
Is prior hiking experience necessary for solo hiking in Kerlingarfjöll?
While previous hiking expertise is advantageous, Kerlingarfjöll has pathways for hikers of all abilities. Before attempting more difficult trails if you are a beginner hiker, think about starting with shorter and gentler paths. Regardless of your degree of experience, always be prepared with the right equipment, maps, and a thorough understanding of the terrain.
Can I hike in Kerlingarfjöll year-round as a solo hiker?
Yes, solo hikers can access Kerlingarfjöll throughout the year. However, access can be constrained in the winter, and getting there might require a 4×4 driven by a skilled driver. Before considering a solo hike in Kerlingarfjöll, always verify the weather and accessibility information.
