Hengill Day Trek, Iceland — Hot Springs and Orienteering Near Thingvellir

Discover Hengill and Its Hidden Treasures

This is the trek for people who want to genuinely earn their adventure. Hengill is one of Iceland’s most active geothermal systems, rising near the edge of Thingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with 17 km of wild terrain, 1,010 m of elevation gain, and a natural hot spring waiting before the end. What makes this guided day trek in Iceland truly different is the orienteering element: your local, certified International Mountain Leader doesn’t just lead you through the landscape – they teach you to navigate it yourself, using a compass and altimeter to read the terrain and find your own way through Iceland’s wilderness. By the end of the day, you’ll have found your way through uncharted territory and earned every metre of it.

As you ascend toward the summit, prepare for sweeping vistas that could make this the most unforgettable hike of your life. The unique geology of the area, shaped by the forces of nature, creates a stunning backdrop for your trek. From rugged cliffs to tranquil valleys, the landscape is constantly shifting, revealing new views that make each step feel like a new adventure. The panoramic views from the summit offer a chance to soak in the raw, unspoiled beauty of the region and provide the perfect reward for your efforts.

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Swim in Iceland’s Natural Hot Springs

Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel. During 17 km of wild trekking, slipping into one of Iceland’s natural geothermal hot springs is one of the finest feelings you’ll ever have. Warm water, steam rising around you, mountains in every direction: no infrastructure, no crowds, just the raw geothermal power of Iceland doing what it has done for millions of years. It’s a moment that makes the entire day worth every step.

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Master Orienteering in Wild Terrain

Your guide – a certified International Mountain Leader with deep knowledge of Iceland’s diverse terrain – teaches you the art of orienteering from the first steps of the trek. Compass in hand, altimeter on your wrist, you’ll learn to read the landscape rather than follow a path: identifying landmarks, checking elevation, making navigation decisions in genuinely wild terrain. These are skills you’ll carry into every future outdoor adventure, wherever in the world it takes you.

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Connect with Iceland’s History and Nature

Throughout the day your local guide shares the geological and historical story of the Hengill area: one of the most volcanically and geothermally significant landscapes in Iceland. The terrain itself tells the story: steaming vents, ancient lava flows, ridgelines shaped by forces that are still very much active beneath your feet. It’s a reminder that Iceland is not just a beautiful country, it’s a living one.

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What to Expect on the Day

Pickup from Reykjavik is available for groups of up to 8: select it during booking. Self-driving? The trailhead is around 45 minutes from the city center and directions will be sent the day before. Important: pack your swimsuit and towel, and bring more food and water than you think you’ll need. This is a full day out.

Your guide meets the group at the trailhead and gives a thorough briefing on the route, the terrain, and the orienteering elements of the day. From the first steps, it’s clear this is a different kind of guided trek: your guide hands you the tools to navigate and starts teaching you how to use them.

The ascent toward Hengill’s summit is demanding – 1,010 m of elevation gain is a genuine physical challenge – but the landscape rewards every step. Geothermal vents, sweeping ridgelines, the vast silence of Iceland’s interior, and views that stretch on a clear day all the way to Thingvellir spread out below you.

Lunch is a proper outdoor stop – your guide carries an emergency shelter so the group can eat comfortably regardless of weather. The second half of the day involves navigating toward the hot spring using the skills built during the ascent, with your guide supporting your decisions rather than simply leading the way. Finding it feels genuinely earned.

The hot spring is the payoff: natural, geothermal, completely undeveloped. You’ll want to stay longer than you have time for. Back in Reykjavik by early evening. Total time including driving: around 9–10 hours.

Is This Trek Right for You?

Hengill is rated challenging: 17 km with 1,010 m of elevation gain. This is our longest and most demanding guided day trek in Iceland, and we want to be straight with you: it requires good physical fitness, confidence on rough and uneven terrain, and the mental stamina for a full day outdoors in Icelandic conditions. If you regularly hike, run, or do other endurance activities, you’ll be well prepared. If you’re relatively new to hiking, we’d suggest starting with one of our day hikes or the Seltún trek first.

The orienteering element adds a layer of mental engagement that many find energizing and deeply satisfying, though it’s worth knowing it adds complexity on top of an already long physical day. The natural hot spring temperature varies as geothermal sources naturally do, but it’s always worth it.

Ideal for experienced hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure-seeking couples and friends, and anyone who has ever wanted to spend a full day completely immersed in Iceland’s raw wilderness.

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An Experience for All

The combination of skill-building, exploration, and breathtaking scenery ensures an enriching experience that will leave you eager to come back for more. Join us for a day trek that promises adventure and unforgettable memories.

REMEMBER TO TAKE WITH YOU:

1. Hiking shoes
2. Waterproof jacket and pants
3. Big packed lunch
4. 1 L of water
5. Snacks – possibly energy bars and nuts
6. Cap and (waterproof) gloves
7. Spare t-shirt
8. Swimsuit
9. Towel

Ready for Another Day Trek? Explore More: Akrafjall – Explore Seltun

Learn more about hot spring and geothermal pools here and Hengill on Wikipedia