Beyond Seltun: A Geothermal Day Trek Through Mountains and Lakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Fifteen kilometres of volcanic terrain, hidden lakes, and orienteering instruction led by an expert mountain guide.
This Reykjanes Peninsula day trek takes small groups of up to 12 participants through 15 kilometres of raw Icelandic wilderness, starting at the active geothermal field of Seltun and ascending 560 metres into a landscape of moss-draped ridges, crater lakes, and jagged summits. The route is deliberately chosen to move beyond the well-visited viewpoints, rewarding hikers with solitude and scenery that few visitors ever reach.
The Reykjanes Peninsula sits at the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and that geological tension shapes every kilometre of this trek. Steaming vents, sulphur-stained earth, and jet-black lava fields give way to tranquil lake shores before the trail climbs toward mountain ridges with panoramic views across the peninsula toward Reykjavik.
An expert mountain leader accompanies the group throughout, integrating practical orienteering instruction into the day. Participants learn to read a compass and use an altimeter on terrain where those skills are genuinely relevant, turning a scenic hike into a measurable outdoor learning experience.
The moderate-to-challenging rating reflects both the distance and the elevation gain rather than any technical scrambling. Fit beginners who arrive with appropriate footwear and layered clothing routinely complete the route; seasoned hikers consistently rate it among the most satisfying day walks they have done in Iceland.
Highlights
Traverse 15 km of geothermal and mountain terrain entirely off the main tourist circuit, with 560 m of cumulative elevation gain.
Discover hidden lakes nestled between volcanic ridges, offering calm resting spots far from any road or marked trail.
Receive hands-on orienteering instruction from a qualified mountain leader, covering compass reading and altimeter use in real conditions.
Start the day at Seltun, one of the Reykjanes Peninsula's most active geothermal fields, with bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles.
Walk through thick moss-covered hillsides that characterise Iceland's interior, a landscape that changes colour with every shift in light.
Small-group format with a maximum of 12 participants ensures a personal experience and direct access to guide expertise throughout the day.
The trailhead is only 40 minutes from Reykjavik city centre, making this a full wilderness day without an early-morning departure.
How the Day Unfolds
The group meets in Reykjavik for a shared transfer to the Seltun geothermal area on the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 40 minutes from the city centre. On arrival, the guide briefs participants on the day's route, safety procedures, and orienteering objectives.
The trek begins at the edge of Seltun's active geothermal zone, where mud pools and fumaroles create a visually striking starting point. The guide introduces the geological context of the Reykjanes Peninsula before the group moves onto the open terrain beyond the main visitor area.
The route climbs steadily through moss-carpeted hillsides and across older lava fields, with the guide integrating compass and altimeter instruction as the group gains elevation. Rest stops are chosen for their views and to allow participants to practise their new navigation skills independently.
At higher elevation, the trail opens onto a sequence of undiscovered crater lakes and ridge-top viewpoints that offer unobstructed sightlines across the peninsula. The group pauses here for a packed lunch, taking in surroundings that are rarely visited even by experienced Iceland travellers.
The descent follows a different line from the ascent, allowing participants to consolidate their orienteering skills on varied terrain before reaching the vehicle. The group returns to Reykjavik by drop-off, arriving no later than 17:00 plus transfer time.
What Is Included
Included
- Expert mountain leader with full-day guiding
- Orienteering instruction with compass and altimeter
- Return transfer from Reykjavik
- Small-group experience, maximum 12 participants
Not Included
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Hiking boots and waterproof clothing
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Trek
This tour operates once per day with a maximum of 12 participants. Spaces fill quickly, particularly during the summer season.
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