Location and surroundings
Kerling belongs to the chain North Atlantic Ocean > Iceland > Northern Iceland Ranges > Tröllaskagi. It lies in Eyjafjarðarsveit in northern Iceland, on the Tröllaskagi peninsula south of the high ground of Öxnadalsheiði. By elevation it ranks 32nd in Iceland and first in Tröllaskagi, where many summits rise above 1,000 m. The mountain area is rugged, with steep slopes, high ridges and broad views over the northern Icelandic highlands and valleys.
Neighbouring peaks
Kerling is surrounded by several high neighbours, mostly to the northeast and west. The closest named peaks and passes are:
- Hverfandi — 1,320 m, 1.3 km NE
- Þríklakkar — 1,370 m, 1.9 km NE
- Bóndi — 1,350 m, 2.6 km NE
- Litli-Krummi — 1,069 m, 3.3 km NE
- Krummi — 1,069 m, 3.4 km NE
- Glerárdalshnúkur — 1,328 m, 3.5 km W
- Stóri-Krummi — 952 m, 4.0 km NE
- Storistallur — 1,425 m, 5.0 km W
Kerling is higher than all of these nearby summits except the more distant western and northern giants, so it forms one of the main high points in this part of Tröllaskagi.
The view from the summit
From the summit, the highest peaks within 25 km are spread across the Tröllaskagi range. To the northwest are Tröllafjall (1,483 m, 5.8 km), Hrosshnjukur (1,430 m, 7.9 km), Jokulborg (1,421 m, 6.4 km), Hrutafjall (1,407 m, 6.2 km) and Hafrárhnúkur (1,402 m, 22.4 km). To the north lies Kista (1,474 m, 9.3 km). These are the main high summits likely to shape the horizon on a clear day.
The range
Kerling is the highest peak in Tröllaskagi Tröllaskagi contains 346 named peaks, and Kerling ranks first among them by elevation. The range lies in Iceland, and Kerling’s position at the top of it makes the mountain a key reference point for the peninsula’s high terrain.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for most of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 1 °C, and the coldest is December, at about -10 °C. Only July averages above freezing at the top. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,250 mm; the wettest month is October at about 130 mm, and the driest is June at about 70 mm. Expect wind, rapid cloud changes, wet snow and icy patches.
Best time to visit
The best window for a climb is usually the short summer season, when snow cover is reduced and the summit is most likely to be accessible. Since only July averages above freezing at the summit, that is the most reliable month for warmer conditions, though snow and wind can still be present. Earlier and later in the season, the mountain can hold snow on the upper slopes, and wet weather is common in the surrounding area.
Nature and wildlife
Kerling rises in a high basalt landscape with rhyolite near the top, so the ground is mostly rocky, broken and sparsely vegetated. Lower slopes in northern Iceland often carry moss, grass and hardy alpine plants, while exposed ridges are thin-soiled and wind-scoured. Birds of open country may be seen, and the area can support the usual Icelandic mountain wildlife, but the upper mountain itself is mainly a place of stone, snow patches and weathered volcanic rock.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain of this height and terrain, a certified guide can be useful if you are unfamiliar with Icelandic conditions, especially when snow, wind or poor visibility are possible. In Iceland, the national mountain guide association is the Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides (Félag fjallaleiðsögumanna á Íslandi, AIMG), and it is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Icelandic Alpine Club (Íslenski Alpaklúbburinn, ÍSALP). Established guiding companies in the country include Icelandic Mountain Guides and Arctic Adventures, both based in Reykjavík.
Safety and preparation
Kerling is a high mountain in a cold, windy part of Iceland, so even in summer you should carry warm layers, waterproof clothing, map and compass or GPS, and enough food and water for a full day. Snowfields, slippery rock and sudden weather changes are the main hazards. The emergency number for mountain rescue in Iceland is 112, the single number for police, ambulance and search and rescue.
History and name
Kerling was an active central volcano about 6–7 million years ago. Its summit area contains a notable rhyolite layer and acidic volcanic ash, evidence of that volcanic past. The mountain is also linked to the nearby Súlur volcanic system, which extends through the Glerárdalur area. The first recorded ascent is said to have been made in 1810 by the Norwegian Hans Frisak. The name Kerling is commonly rendered as “Old Hag”.
Interesting facts
Kerling is the highest of 346 named peaks in Tröllaskagi, and it ranks 32nd in Iceland by elevation. It is the highest mountain in Eyjafjarðarsveit and the highest mountain in the inhabited parts of northern Iceland. The nearest higher-looking major summits in the wider area include Tröllafjall to the northwest and Kista to the north, both within 10 km of the mountain.
FAQ
How high is Kerling? Kerling rises to 1,536 m.
Where is Kerling located? It is in Eyjafjarðarsveit in northern Iceland, on the Tröllaskagi peninsula.
What range does Kerling belong to? It is part of Tröllaskagi, within the wider chain North Atlantic Ocean > Iceland > Northern Iceland Ranges > Tröllaskagi.
What are the nearest peaks to Kerling? The closest named neighbours are Hverfandi, Þríklakkar, Bóndi, Litli-Krummi, Krummi, Glerárdalshnúkur, Stóri-Krummi and Storistallur.
Is there water on the way to Kerling? The upper mountain is dry and exposed, so carry your own water; for a day outing, plan on about 1.5–3 litres depending on heat and route length. In snow season, meltwater may be present, but it should be treated.
Are there huts on Kerling? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to climb Kerling? In practice, a mountain of this size in Iceland is usually treated as a full-day outing.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable on Kerling? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; on an open summit it is often better than in valleys, but it can still fail behind ridges. Always have maps downloaded before setting out, and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.