Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈcʰɛ(r)tliŋkarˌfjœtl̥] ⓘ) is a 1,477 m (4,846 ft) tall mountain range in Iceland situated in the Highlands of Iceland near the Kjölur highland road. They are part of a large tuya volcano system of 100 km2 (39 sq mi). The volcanic origin of these mountains is evidenced by the numerous hot springs and rivulets in the area, as well as red volcanic rhyolite stone of which the mountains are composed. Minerals that have emerged from the hot springs also color the ground yellow, red and green.
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The area was known formerly for its summer ski resort, but this was dismantled in 2000. Since 2000, Kerlingarfjöll has been operated as a highland resort, offering accommodation and food services to guests in the area.[1]
On March 17 in 2017 the Iceland Monitor stated that the Kerlingarfjöll Mountains and geothermal area were being turned into a nature reserve. Although parts of the place already had protection, the whole 367 square kilometres are to be under the protection of the state of Iceland. There have been thoughts of using the 140 degree Celsius hot springs as a geothermal power plant. The area is popular with hiking and the tourists.[2]
There are various half-day and one-day hiking trails in the area.[3]
Kerlingarfjöll as seen from the Kjölur road.
Valley in the Kerlingarfjöll area with geothermal activity.
