10 Best Places in the Highlands of Iceland + MAP

The Highlands of Iceland features some of the most impressive landscapes in the country.

The Highlands encompass most of central Iceland, and this remote area contains glaciers, lava plains, deserts, and volcanic ash. If exploring or hiking through otherworldly environments appeals to you, touring the Icelandic Highlands is a must!

While most tourists visiting Iceland only drive along the Ring Road, you’ll need to traverse the backroads of Iceland’s Highlands if you want to see this area. These roads usually close in winter due to snow and ice, and even during summer, you’ll require a 4×4 since most roads aren’t paved. You’ll also find yourself wading through streams, so a vehicle with four-wheel drive is essential.

Prior to taking an excursion to Iceland’s Highlands, I advise reviewing our guide on operating a motor vehicle in Iceland to best get ready. You can also check our article containing tips for hiring an automobile in Iceland to learn more regarding the kind of conveyance and insurance coverage you require. Certain policies solely cover specific circumstances, so it’s best to do your research before venturing into the Highlands.

1. Landmannalaugar, the most popular place in the Highlands of Iceland

Landmannalaugar is a must-see in the Highlands of Iceland. It’s part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, and thanks to its frequent volcanic activity, you can find some of the most spectacular scenery in the country here.

One of the primary sights is the Brennisteinsalda volcano, which has become one of the most iconic images of this place. While not overly tall, it presents an impressive variety of colors: sulfurous yellows, mossy greens, ashy blues, and hints of black from lava.

In this scenario, I consistently suggest applying Sharpen AI. It aided me in improving numerous blurred or tricky pictures, and it truly performs like magic! You can view our complete assessment of Sharpen AI here!

However, what makes Landmannalaugar one of the optimal places to explore in Iceland`s mountainous interior is the remarkable hiking routes that weave between colorful mountains. The most popular multi-day trail is the 20-mile Laugavegur route that guides you to Thórsmörk. If you’re seeking a shorter hike, the 2.3-mile Bláhnúkur route to Iceland’s blue mountain is a good choice. Both trails are considered some of the premier Iceland hikes.

• Means of arrival: One of the easiest ways to reach Landmannalaugar is via the F208 road. You’ll require a 4×4 vehicle, though the condition of the road is not as poor as others we have driven on in Iceland. You may also book this day trip from Reykjavik if self-driving is not preferable.
• Difficulty: Medium
• River crossing: Optional (there is a river at the entrance, but most travelers park further away and cross the footbridge to avoid driving through the water).

Having enjoyed both sites, Colonial Creek is our top choice considering location directly on Diablo Lake, as well as the camp sites. More details here.

2. Þórsmörk, the best place for hiking in Iceland’s Highlands

Þórsmörk, or Thórsmörk, refers to the valley amongst the Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers, and it represents one of the prime hiking regions in the Icelandic Highlands. It is also one of the Highlands’ most remote areas, as several glacial rivers furrow the valley, limiting access to only vehicles with 4×4 capability.

The Gígjökull glacial outwash plain is a prominent attraction in the region, as is the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010 dispersing significant amounts of ash and halting plane travel across Europe. Another cool place to visit in Thórsmörk is the Stakkholtsgjá ravine, a canyon spanning over a mile in length and half a mile in depth.

To uncover all the wonders hidden at Þórsmörk, I suggest taking some of the most popular walking routes. These include the multi-day Laugavegur trail, stretching 32 miles from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, and Fimmvörðuháls, a 15.5-mile path leading to Skógafoss, one of the most beautifully scenic waterfalls in Iceland.

You can also unite these routes into a 48-mile trek. Whichever route you take, I recommend obtaining the Iceland On Your Own Hiking Pass, which includes transportation to/from Reykjavik and the starting/end point on your route.

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, take the Valahnukur and Tindfjöll Circle routes, which are perfect for an excursion through the Icelandic Highlands in a single day.

CHOICE TWO

$17.70

2-4 working hours

Yes

No

No

Water transportation service

None

Fuerteventura

• Difficulty: High
• River crossing: Yes
• Accommodations: Volcano Huts Þórsmörk

3. Kerlingarfjöll, one of the best Iceland Highlands day tours

Kerlingarfjöll, with its different hiking trails allowing visitors to experience the charming Icelandic highlands in their natural wonder, makes for an excellent full-day excursion destination.

Here, you’ll discover beautiful rhyolite hills, valleys, glaciers, and a lot of geothermal activity, so the landscapes are lovely. The best method to explore this area is to take the route to the Hveradalir geothermal valley. The mountain peaks that comprise this range are usually covered in snow year-round, and together with the vapors from the hot springs, it generates a unique scene you won’t find anywhere else.

From the mountain resort, hiking the route takes around 10.5 miles, but if time is limited, you can park in the lot at the geothermal area and walk the 3-mile circuit through it.

• How to reach: To arrive at Kerlingarfjöll, take the F35 road traversing Iceland from north to south. This road, also known as Kjölur Route or Kjalvegur, is pretty simple and well-maintained, but unpaved. The entire journey is about 1.5 hours from the Golden Circle.
• Difficulty: Medium
• River crossing: No
• Lodging: Either spend the night at this mountain resort or camp independently

4. Hveravellir, the best hot springs in the Highlands of Iceland

Continuing north on F35, you’ll reach another area in Iceland’s Highlands that draws in many visitors, Hveravellir. Here, travelers will find some of the best hot springs in Iceland with spectacular colors.

We invested one night in the mountain hut here, and while it wasn’t affordable, we cherished remaining in such an idyllic setting. The old wooden cabin we slept in had a 30-person capacity as well as a small thermal bath directly outside the hut, which was perfect for unwinding in after a lengthy day of hiking the Icelandic Highlands.

• How to arrive: Take the F35 road to Hveravellir. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive north from the Kerlingarfjöll resort.
• Difficulty: Low
• River crossing: No
• Accommodation: Camp overnight or stay at the mountain hut in Hveravellir

5. Maelifell, the most breathtaking Iceland Highlands self-drive trip

In the southern Highlands of Iceland, you’ll find Maelifell, an almost 2,625-foot extinct volcano that stands opposite the Mýrdasjökull glacier. This is the country’s 4th-largest glacier and is famous for the Katla volcano, one of the most dangerous in Iceland.

Access to Maelifell is only feasible during the summer season after the melting of snowfall, where everything is blanketed in moss. The conical shape of the Maelifell volcano makes it readily identifiable. Moreover, the volcano rises above the jet black expanse of ash known as Mælifellssandur, creating a stark contrast with the dense carpet of greenery. It is unmistakable!

Arriving at Maelifell proved an adventure itself, and we enjoyed the route to the volcanic region almost as much as the volcano. The stunning landscapes encountered along the way, such as the Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, seemed reminiscent of fairy tales.

• How to arrive: Not all off-road vehicles are suitable for the trip to Maelifell. Many rivers need to be crossed along the way, and they can be quite difficult if it has rained recently. We took route F261 to F210, but you can also get there by taking F210 Grafarkirkja and passing the scenic Axlafoss waterfall. Before taking either route, I strongly advise checking road conditions on Road.is or by phone (+354-522-1100).
• Difficulty: High
• River crossing: Yes
• Accommodation: The mountain hut located at Hólaskjól is roughly 50 minutes north of Maelifell along the F233 road, and in close proximity to the Ófærufoss waterfall. An alternative is to drive approximately 3 hours from Maelifell to Landmannalaugar.

6. Aldeyjafoss, one of the most beautiful Iceland Highlands waterfalls

Aldeyjarfoss is among the waterfalls that should not be missed for anyone visiting the northern Iceland Highlands. Aldeyjarfoss flows from the Skjálfandafljót river course, and cascades over basalt columns, creating a lovely sight. The contrast of the black basalt with the intense blue hue of the water renders it one of my favorite Icelandic waterfalls.

If you’re going to see Aldeyjarfoss, I suggest taking the opportunity to visit the nearby Hrafnabjargafoss waterfall as well. It sits upstream from the same glacial river, Skjalfandafljot, only about a 10-minute drive away.

• How to arrive: You’ll must drive on unpaved roads to reach this Icelandic Highlands waterfall, so a 4×4 is essential. Fortunately, the route is straightforward, and the roads aren’t negative. Take the 842 in northern Iceland to the F26 and tail it to Aldeyjarfoss. If you continue on this road, you’ll attain Hrafnabjargafoss.
• Difficulty: Low
• River crossing: No
• Accommodation: The Kidagil Guesthouse provides the closest lodging

7. Askja Caldera & Viti Crater, two hidden gems of the Icelandic Highlands

The Askja volcano constitutes one of those remote places where visitors can enjoy an wonderful touring of the Icelandic Highlands.

This volcano covers over 30 square miles and sits in northwestern Iceland in an area with some of the highest volcanic activity in the country. Currently, the area is safe for tourists, and since no eruptions are expected soon, you can visit it.

A primary attraction of this location is thermal Lake Víti, which sits inside a volcanic caldera. It represents one of the best places to bathe in the Highlands of Iceland since its milky blue waters maintain a temperature of around 77 oF year-round.

• Access details: To reach Lake Víti requires a capable 4×4 vehicle as the road is in poor condition and crosses several rivers. Alternatively, you can book this tour departing from Mývatn that handles transportation. Upon arriving at the parking area, the lake entrance involves a short walk.
• Difficulty: High
• River crossing: Yes
• Accommodation: The ideal option is spending the night in Mývatn after exploring the Askja volcano. In our article regarding where to remain in Iceland, we provide several choices around this lake, but I strongly recommend the Fosshótel Mývatn.

8. Sigöldugljufur, the most beautiful canyon in the Highlands of Iceland

Sigöldugljufur is one of the more impressive canyons worthy of a visit in the Highlands of Iceland. Even though it is a lovely place, tourists do not crowd it, so peace and your own pace can be enjoyed there.

Many mini falls cascade down the walls of this amazing canyon, producing one of the most majestic waterfalls in the Icelandic uplands. Thanks to these delicate waterfalls, the area is known as the Valley of Tears.

My preferred period to go to Sigöldugljufur is in autumn when the surrounding moss changes shades to red and yellow. It makes a striking contrast against the blue water of the Tungnaá River that flows through the canyon.

Downstream from this river, you’ll discover the lovely Sigoldufoss waterfall, another place I advise exploring.

• How to get there: Sigöldugljufur is at the beginning of the F208 road, the same one that leads to Landmannalaugar
• Difficulty: Low
• River crossing: No
• Accommodation: You can stay at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar or go to Landmannalaugar and stay at the mountain resort or campsite there.

9. Ljótipollur, the best place to see the Northern Lights in the Icelandic Highlands

Numerous travelers journey to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas, and taking a day outing to the park is one of the top activities to do outside Las Vegas. If you’re pondering how far away the Valley of Fire is from Las Vegas, it’s merely 50 miles, and the directions are straightforward.

Ljótipollur is halfway between Sigöldugljufur and Landmannalaugar, so you cannot overlook it if hiking in the lofty terrains of Iceland. The crater has a gorgeous lake with aquamarine waters and its walls turned red by iron oxidation, so it’s a must-see.

Other intriguing places to see on the route to Landmannalaugar are Lake Bláhylur and the volcanic crater, the immense Lake Frostastaðavatn, and the Stutur Volcanic Crater. The latter is also known as the apple volcano, owing to its tiny scale, perfect shape, and layer of moss that turns green or red relying on the time of year.

• {{How one arrives}}: Take the F208 road, the same one that leads to Landmannalaugar.
• Difficulty: Low
• River crossing: No
• Accommodation: Camp overnight or stay at the Mountain Hut of Landmannalaugar. All the information can be found here.

10. Fagrifoss, a beautiful waterfall in the Southern Highlands of Iceland

Finally, another location you must see in the Icelandic Highlands is Fagrifoss, one of the remotest waterfalls you can visit in the country. It`s near the Fjadrargljufur canyon, considered one of the most stunning canyons globally, and within the course of the Geirlandsá River in southern Iceland. Fagrifoss translates tobeautiful waterfall, and I can assure you it will leave you speechless.

Fagrifoss is exceptional not just for its attractively wild setting but in addition for the way the water cascades and disperses in the lower half of the falls.

Following the road guiding to this waterfall will arrive you at Lakagígar, a series of craters formed by one of the largest recorded eruptions. The Skaftá River Fires raged between 1783 and 1784 and eliminated 20% of Iceland`s residents.

• Access: From the road leading to the Fjadrargljufur canyon, take the F206.
• Difficulty: Medium
• River crossing: No
• Accommodation: The closest place to reside is the Hunkubakkar Guesthouse.

Iceland Highlands map

To assist with planning your journey, I suggest examining our map of Iceland. This map of Iceland’s Central Highlands will be beneficial in crafting the perfect Iceland Highlands itinerary that optimizes your time on the island.

Tips for driving the Iceland Highlands F-roads

While our guide covers tips for driving in Iceland extensively, I want to briefly mention some helpful hints here that will facilitate driving on Iceland’s rugged backcountry roads.

• Most importantly, you will require a 4×4 since the paths in the Icelandic Highlands are unpaved. You may even need to cross a river to reach some attractions in this area, creating a 4-wheel drive vehicle absolutely necessary.

• Examine your Iceland Highlands itinerary before your trip to determine if you’ll need to pass through any rivers (signified with a V on this map). If river crossings are required, I recommend calling +354-522-1100 to discover the size of the rivers and if water levels are higher than usual. Also, ask them to validate if your vehicle is suitable for crossing or if you’ll need a larger 4×4. Not all 4×4 vehicles are identical, and in our article on how to drive in Iceland, we offer tips on safely crossing rivers.”

• When leaving the Ring Road, remember that you’ll be traveling in remote areas, so make certain to have a full tank and adequate food and water. You should also carry warm apparel in case temperatures drop.

• The climate in Iceland can vary considerably, and major storms can arise unexpectedly. Always check the Vedur.is weather forecast and Road.is for road conditions. Note that unpaved roads close in winter, but you can view approximate opening dates here. To see present road situations across the Icelandic Highlands, examine this map.

• Keep in mind that the expected arrival times provided by the GPS are approximate estimations. Due to road and traffic conditions, it is likely to take you more time than estimated to reach your planned destination. Moreover, the speed limit on Iceland`s gravel backroads is 30 mph.

• Be sure to request a travel plan on Safetravel.is. That way, if you become stranded somewhere, they can locate you quickly and efficiently.

• There is no cellular signal coverage in the Highlands. This implies you won’t be able to utilize your conventional GPS, so I advise downloading an app such as Maps.me as well as our road map of Iceland.

• If you don’t possess a satellite communication device, I suggest leasing a individual location beacon (PLB), which costs 1200 ISK (approximately $10.) We have the Garmin inReach to keep track of our whereabouts at all times. In the event of an emergency, owning this technology can preserve your life.

Highlands of Iceland tours

As you plan your Icelandic Highlands independent drive excursion, you may notice that some areas are problematic or perilous to reach on your own due to poor road conditions and substantial rivers. If you want to see these places, or if you favor not to drive, there are guided tours departing from Reykjavik and other towns that will take you to the Highlands’ main attractions.