Day Trek to Seltun Smoky Mountains and Lakes

Fumaroles and lakes, all in one hike. On Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, this day trek puts you in the Seltún geothermal area and pairs it with an actual orienteering lesson using compass and altimeter. I like that the route is built for people who want more than the usual viewpoint photos, with walking time that focuses on real terrain.

The main thing to plan for is gear and weather. Conditions can change fast, and you will want your own hiking shoes and rain protection since the tour does not include waterproof layers or lunch. Also, parking at the meeting point is extra, about €5 per car.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small group size (up to 12) for a hike that feels personal and not rushed
• Seltún geothermal walking where you can expect bubbling mud, fumaroles, and that sulfur smell
• Off-course navigation practice with compass and altimeter skills taught by a mountain leader
• Mountain-and-lake scenery on a route that can run roughly 15 km through moss grasslands and solitary lakes
• Value built in with certified local guides and inclusion of all fees and taxes

Reykjanes Peninsula Hiking, Not Just Another Geothermal Stop

This is a full day outdoors, timed for maximum daylight and real walking. You start at Krýsuvík/Seltún and spend the day moving through geothermal ground, mossy areas, and open views toward mountains and lakes.

What I like most is the way the hike is structured around walking time with guidance. The geothermal fields can be confusing without context, and the route is designed so the guide can help you stay oriented while also taking you to spots that are harder to find on your own.

You should also know this is not a casual stroll. The experience is for people with moderate physical fitness, and the day runs about 8 hours 40 minutes.

Krýsuvík/Seltún Parking Ticket: A Small Cost to Budget For

Your day starts at Krýsuvík/Seltún Parking. The parking requires a ticket, and the cost is about €5 per car, which is not included in the tour price.

This matters because it’s one of those tiny “gotchas” that can throw off your day if you only bring cash for the tour. If you’re driving in, plan on the car fee and arrive early enough to handle parking without panic.

If you’re using pickup in town, the pickup and drop-off are described as lasting up to 30 minutes each. In practice, that means you should stay flexible with timing, especially when the weather is changing.

Stop 1: The Parking Meeting Point and Quick Start Setup

Stop 1 is at the meeting point itself, Krýsuvík/Seltún Parking. The scheduled time here is short, about 10 minutes, and it’s mostly about getting together, checking in, and getting ready to move.

This is a good moment to double-check your layers and supplies before you commit to the hike. Iceland’s Reykjanes weather can swing from calm to windy fast, and geothermal areas add moisture from the ground, so having your rain shell within reach helps.

Also, the tour requires you to meet 15 minutes before departure. Showing up on time keeps the group moving and avoids delays later when conditions tighten.

Stop 2: Seltún Geothermal Area, Fumaroles and Color From Sulfur Ground

The heart of the day is Stop 2, the Seltún Geothermal Area. You spend about 6 hours here, and the geothermal admission at this point is listed as free.

This area is known for active geothermal features, and you should expect the full sensory package. You’re walking close to fumaroles and geothermal fields, with bubbling mud and that very real sulfur smell that can hang around depending on wind direction. One of the best parts is the color play, with steam, earth tones, and mineral staining that looks different at different angles.

I’d also plan for changes in footing. Geothermal terrain often looks solid until you get closer, and the guide’s role is helpful here. If you’ve ever tried to explore geothermal areas without context, you’ll see why navigation and route choice matter.

The Lakes, Mountains, and Moss Grasslands on the Off-Track Route

The hike isn’t only about geothermal vents. The route also takes you through areas with lakes and mountain views, including moss grasslands and quieter, more solitary stretches.

From what’s been shared by hikers who loved the experience, the walking route can feel like an off-track Iceland day where you see nature far from the usual paths. One strong theme is that without a guide, reaching some of these areas would be difficult, either for navigation or simply because you need to know how to link trails safely.

You can also expect a decent hiking distance. A previous guest described around 15 km through mountains, moss grasslands, and solitary lakes. That gives you a useful mental model for what to expect in terms of time on your feet, even if exact distance can vary with weather and group.

Orienteering Lesson: Compass and Altimeter in Real Terrain

One of the most practical reasons to book this trek is the included orienteering lesson. It’s not just a lecture. You learn essential techniques for using a compass and an altimeter while you’re walking real Iceland ground.

That’s value for two types of people:

• If you already hike, you’ll get a chance to practice in a place where route choices matter.
• If you’re new to navigation, you’ll start with fundamentals and apply them immediately instead of trying to guess later.

The tour is led by an expert mountain leader, with licensed and certified local guides. In the experience info, it also notes an international mountain leader. And in a past review, one guide named Roberto is specifically praised for help on the tougher stretches. That detail gives you confidence you’re not left alone with the hardest parts.

Even if you never plan to use an altimeter again, this is a fun skill day. It turns the hike into something you carry beyond Iceland.

Pace, Group Size, and Why This Feels More Personal

This isn’t a big coach-tour situation. Group sizes are kept small, up to 12 travelers, and the setup is described as personalized.

Small groups tend to matter in places like Seltún because conditions can be uneven and route decisions might change with wind, visibility, and where the ground is safe to step. A smaller group also makes it easier for the guide to slow down, explain, and help you get your bearings fast.

The fitness requirement is “moderate.” That’s a helpful signal: you do not need to be a technical climber, but you should be ready for a full day on mixed terrain.

You also need to be over 16 years old. Service animals are allowed, which can matter if you hike with a companion animal.

What to Pack for Iceland Weather That Changes Mid-Hike

The tour info is blunt: weather can change rapidly. The experience doesn’t include waterproof jacket and pants, and it also does not include hiking shoes, bottled water, snacks, lunch, or warm accessories like caps and gloves.

So if you want comfort and less stress, pack like you’re hiking in wind-driven rain. A waterproof shell, warm layers, and gloves can make a huge difference once the geothermal walking and moss grassland moisture start soaking into your day.

Here’s the sensible approach:

• Wear hiking shoes with grip you trust on uneven ground
• Bring rain protection, plus an extra layer for when the wind picks up
• Carry water even though bottled water is not provided
• Bring snacks or plan food around the fact that lunch is not included

If you forget the basics, you’ll spend the hike thinking about your discomfort instead of the views.

Price and Value: What $204.37 Really Covers

The price is listed as $204.37 per person for a day trek running about 8 hours 40 minutes. At this level, you’re paying for guided access, certified leadership, and time.

What helps this feel like good value:

• All fees and taxes are included
• You get an orienteering lesson
• Guides are licensed and certified, including an international mountain leader
• Geothermal admission at Seltún is listed as free

What you may still pay separately:

• Parking at Krýsuvík/Seltún parking, about €5 per car
• Your own food and drinks during the day
• Your own hiking and wet-weather gear

When you add it up, this is best viewed as a guided skill hike plus off-track terrain time, not just a sightseeing loop. If you enjoy the idea of learning compass and altimeter basics and you want to see more than the most obvious stops, the price starts to look fair.

Who This Trek Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This trek fits best if you want:

• Off-the-beaten-path walking with a guide helping you choose routes
• A hands-on navigation lesson rather than a lecture
• A full day outdoors with geothermal sights and lake scenery

It may be less suitable if:

• You’re looking for a short, low-effort walk
• You don’t want to handle weather readiness
• You don’t like bringing your own food and hiking gear

It’s also a strong fit for solo travelers who enjoy smaller groups. The guided format can take away some uncertainty, especially in a geothermal setting where footing and route choice matter.

Should You Book the Day Trek to Seltún and the Lakes?

My take: book it if you want a guided day that mixes geothermal sights with real navigation practice and lake scenery, in a small group. The best reason is the orienteering lesson, because it turns the hike into something you can use later.

I would not book it if you hate carrying your own layers and snacks, or if the idea of a changeable Iceland day makes you anxious. This is outdoors in motion, and the guide can help, but they cannot replace your waterproof gear.

If you’re deciding between staying on the easiest paths versus getting off them with support, this trek is the “get the real feel of Reykjanes” option.

FAQ

How long is the day trek, and what time does it start?

The trek runs about 8 hours 40 minutes and starts at 10:00 am. Pickup and drop-off in town are described as taking up to 30 minutes each.

Where does the trek start, and what is the meeting point?

It starts at Krýsuvík/Seltún Parking in Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the geothermal area admission included?

Admission at Seltún Geothermal Area is listed as free. There is also a parking ticket at the meeting point area, about €5 per car, which is not included.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are all fees and taxes, the orienteering lesson, and licensed certified local guides, plus an international mountain leader.

What should I bring since lunch and gear are not included?

Lunch, snacks, bottled water, hiking shoes, waterproof jacket and pants, cap and gloves, and a spare t-shirt are not included. Plan to bring your own rain protection and food.

Is the hike suitable for everyone, or is there a fitness requirement?

The tour says travelers should have moderate physical fitness level. It is also limited to participants over 16 years old.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.