Go beyond the tourist viewpoint and into Iceland’s wild geothermal landscape, with orienteering skills to match
LENGTH
15 km – 9,3 mi
DIFFICULTY
moderate
HIKING
10am – 5pm
DRIVING
40 minutes
ELEVATION GAIN
560 m – 1840 ft
GROUP
4 – 12
SUPER PRIVATE
1 – 3
AGE LIMIT
16+
An Unforgettable Day Trek on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula
Most visitors to Seltún spend twenty minutes at the boardwalk viewpoint and move on. On this guided day trek in Iceland, Seltún is just the starting point. From there, the route heads into the Reykjanes Peninsula’s wild interior: past hidden lakes, across mossy highlands, and up into rhyolite mountains that almost nobody visits. Your local, certified mountain leader teaches you to navigate this terrain with a compass and altimeter, so you’re not just following a guide: you’re learning to find your own way through Iceland’s wilderness. The Reykjanes Peninsula sits on one of the most volcanically active zones on earth, and every step of this trek makes that impossible to ignore.
Explore the Wild and Uncharted
The landscape beyond Seltún is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. Thick moss, volcanic ridges, pristine lakes reflecting the sky, and complete silence broken only by the wind. We take you to spots that don’t appear on any map app, places found only by those who know how to read the terrain. Your guide brings the geology alive: the geothermal vents, the rhyolite formations, the story of a landscape still being shaped by forces deep underground. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why Icelanders believe the land is alive.
Master the Art of Orienteering
Led by a local, certified International Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of Iceland’s diverse terrain, you’ll not only hike but develop real outdoor skills. The orienteering element begins early: compass and altimeter in use from the first hours of the trek, with your guide teaching you to read the landscape and navigate with genuine confidence. The varied terrain makes it particularly good for this: complex enough to be a challenge, open enough to allow real decision-making. These are skills that will serve you on every future adventure.
What to Expect on the Day
Pickup from Reykjavik is available for groups of up to 8: select it at booking. Driving yourself? The trailhead starts at the Seltún geothermal area on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 40 minutes from the city center. Directions sent the day before.
Your guide meets the group at Seltún, where most visitors stop at the boardwalk and turn back. You walk past it and keep going. The trail quickly leaves the tourist infrastructure behind and enters the real Reykjanes Peninsula: thick moss, volcanic ridges, and a landscape that feels like it belongs to another era.
The orienteering begins early. Your guide introduces the compass and altimeter, explains how to read the terrain, and starts handing navigation decisions to the group. The hidden lakes appear as you gain elevation: each one a quiet surprise, reflecting the sky with no one else around. The rhyolite mountains provide a constantly changing backdrop as the light moves across them throughout the day.
Lunch is taken beside a stream, one of the quieter, more memorable moments of any trek we offer. The return route takes a different line, revealing new perspectives on the landscape and putting the orienteering skills from the morning to the test. Back in Reykjavik by late afternoon. Total time including driving: around 7–8 hours.
Is This Trek Right for You?
Seltún is rated moderate: 15 km with 560 m of elevation gain. It’s a solid full-day commitment that suits active travelers comfortable with long walks on unmarked terrain. No prior hiking experience is strictly required, but a reasonable level of fitness makes the day significantly more enjoyable.
It’s one of the most geologically fascinating guided day treks in Iceland, ideal for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who wants a genuinely off-the-beaten-path experience without the extreme challenge of Hengill. The orienteering element adds a satisfying sense of achievement that makes the day feel like more than just a walk.
Works well for couples, solo travelers, and small friend groups. If you’re looking for something shorter to start with, our day hikes are a great introduction before tackling the full-day treks.
A Day to Remember
From serene lakes to towering mountains, this trek offers a rare opportunity to truly discover the wild heart of Iceland. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a beginner, this experience is sure to leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the land.
REMEMBER TO TAKE WITH YOU:
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- 1 L of water
- Packed lunch
- Snacks – possibly energy bars and nuts
- Cup and (waterproof) gloves
- Spare t-shirt
Ready for Another Day Trek? Explore More: Hengill and the Hot Spring – Akrafjall
Learn more about Seltún and Iceland’s geothermal resources here