Iceland · Highlands (Kerlingarfjöll)
Kerlingarfjöll Ultra
Distance
60 km
Date
July 25, 2026
Entry fee
33,500 ISK
€ / km
€3.85
Highlands playground: colorful rhyolite mountains, river crossings, and true interior Iceland feel.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
2100m
D+/KM
35m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
12.8%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-13.2%
Uphill gradient distribution
Route Profile
Analysed 2026-05-02Terrain breakdown
Terrain
Climbs
Top climbs
3.9 km · 349 m gain
starts km 0 · avg 8.9% · max 35.2%
3.1 km · 155 m gain
starts km 26 · avg 5.1% · max 17.6%
4.6 km · 143 m gain
starts km 48 · avg 3.1% · max 20.4%
Top descents
3.5 km · 255 m drop
starts km 6 · avg -7.2% · max -89.7%
3.6 km · 238 m drop
starts km 31 · avg -6.7% · max -27.2%
1.2 km · 158 m drop
starts km 39 · avg -13.0% · max -38.6%
Why the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra Costs More Per Kilometre Than TOR330 (And What That Price Buys You)
Q: How much does it cost to enter the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra 60km? A: ISK 33,500 — approximately €3.85/km at current exchange rates, among the highest entry fees per kilometre in the DTR database. This reflects destination logistics, a small field, and the included post-race Highland Baths experience. Confirm current ISK/EUR rate at time of registration.
The First Race Ever Held in Kerlingarfjöll: What Pioneer Highland Running in Iceland Actually Means
Q: How hard is the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra 60km? A: Uniquely challenging — but not in a gradient-extremity sense. The course covers 60km with 2,100m of gain (35 m/km) and 49.1% flat volcanic plateau terrain. The difficulty comes from Iceland's interior: geothermal canyon scrambles, two river crossings, volcanic rock underfoot, and highly unpredictable highland weather. The 12-hour time limit with a mid-course cutoff is manageable for experienced trail runners but demands respect for the environment.
Getting There: Reykjavík, the Highland Drive, and Whether You Actually Need a 4WD
Q: Which airport should I use for the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra? A: Keflavík (KEF) — approximately 2.5–4 hours by road to Kerlingarfjöll. There is no public transport to the highlands; a rental car is required. A 4WD may be recommended depending on road conditions — confirm for summer 2026. Plan for pre/post nights in Reykjavík.
Race files
Logistics
Nearest airport
Reykjavík Keflavík (KEF)
Notes
Start: ~2.5–4.0 hrs drive to Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Resort area / Public transport: none practical; 4x4 often recommended depending on road (TODO) / Accommodation: limited at highland resort; book early; Reykjavík pre/post nights
FAR
It’ll possibly take 3+ hours from the closest large airport to arrive. Plan your adventure accordingly, take an extra day for those after-race beers or Curranz.
