Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll
	The peaks of the Kerlingarfjöll area.
Highest point
Elevation	1,477 m (4,846 ft)
Coordinates	64°39′N 19°15′W / 64.650°N 19.250°W
Geography
	Kerlingarfjöll Location of Kerlingafjöll within Iceland
Location	Iceland
Geology
Mountain type	Central volcano
	Selected geological features near Kerlingarfjöll (red outline). The Hofsjökull volcanic system is also outlined in red. Other shading shows: calderas, central volcanoes and fissure swarms, subglacial terrain above 1,100 m (3,600 ft), and seismically active areas. Clicking on the image enlarges to full window and enables mouse-over with more detail.

Kerlingarfjöll (Icelandic pronunciation:

tholeiite basalt deposits, the numerous hot springs and rivulets in the area, as well as red volcanic rhyolite stone most marked near the two caldera.^[2]

Minerals that have emerged from the hot springs also color the ground yellow, red and green.

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.^[3]

On March 17 in 2017 it was reported that the Kerlingarfjöll Mountains and geothermal area were being turned into a nature reserve. Although parts of the place already had protection, a whole 367 km² (142 sq mi) are to be under the protection of the state of Iceland. There have been thoughts of using the 140 °C (284 °F) hot springs as a geothermal power plant. The area is popular with hiking and the tourists.^[4]

There are various half-day and one-day hiking trails in the area.^[5]