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Kerlingarfjöll

Dormant1477 m
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VolcanoHighlands

Kerlingarfjöll

HighlandsDormant1477 m

About

Kerlingarfjöll is a 1,477 m (4,846 ft) tall volcanic massif in Iceland situated in the Highlands of Iceland near the Kjölur highland road. It is usually regarded as part of a large tuya fissure system of 100 km2 (39 sq mi) in the southern portion of the Hofsjökull volcanic system, although is about 20–30 km (12–19 mi) in diameter itself, and is between 68 and 350 thousand years old predating some of the activity in the rest of the system.

You can feel the heat in some spots. A reminder that Iceland sits on one of Earth's most active volcanic zones.

Follow marked paths in active geothermal areas. The ground can be unstable or concealing scalding water beneath a thin crust.

Map of Kerlingarfjöll

Map

64.6500°N, 19.2500°W · Highlands

Plan your visit

Elevation
1,477 m above sea level
Getting there
Road F347 (Ásgarður - Hveradalir)
Off the main road
11.8 km from Route 35
Nearest town
Bláskógabyggð — 69.1 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
141 km in a straight line
What else is close
85 mapped places within 20 km
Good to know
Reached on an F-road. Icelandic law requires a 4WD vehicle on F-roads, and they open only for the summer season — check the current status before setting out.

Kerlingarfjöll weather and conditions

Last updated

-1°Csnow · feels -10°C12 m/sgusts 189 h 48 mdaylight · 08:08 – 17:56
In season now · Winter in IcelandBlue Ice - Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavíkfrom 32.990 ISK · 13 h 30 minAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Kerlingarfjöll, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Hrauneyjar50 km · 315.8 kr/L
  2. 2Geysir63 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Húsafell77 km · 308.6 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krambúð77 km
  2. 2Krambúðin86 km
  3. 3Kjörbúðin106 km
All supermarkets →

Frequently
asked
questions

Is it safe to visit Kerlingarfjöll?
Kerlingarfjöll is not currently erupting, and the surrounding area is generally safe to visit on marked trails. Volcanic and geothermal ground can still be unstable or hide gas — stay on the path, and check safetravel.is for any local closures before you drive.
How do I get to Kerlingarfjöll?
Kerlingarfjöll is in Highlands. Check live road conditions on this page before you drive — highland access often needs a 4×4 and some routes only open in summer.
Can I hike Kerlingarfjöll?
It depends on the volcano and current activity. Some Icelandic cones have short marked trails to the rim; others sit under glaciers or in closed areas and cannot be climbed without a guide. Never approach an active eruption unless the official viewing area is open — conditions change fast.
What should I know about volcanic gas near Kerlingarfjöll?
Volcanic and geothermal areas can release sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, which are toxic in high concentrations and collect in low-lying spots. Stay on marked paths, leave immediately if you smell strong sulphur or feel unwell, and check the Met Office gas forecasts during any eruption.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

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