Iceland Highlands Travel Guide

Pack your bag and head to the youngest country in the world, Iceland! You're ready to go, but deciding where to see can be tricky. From the Iceland Highlands to historic structures, there's only so much time in one day.

While this is the case, we've put together this guide for the Iceland Highlands and the places you won't want to miss. Read this guide today and expand your Iceland Highlands itinerary!

How To Get Around the Highland F-Roads

When you travel on the F-roads (unpaved mountain roads), you'll need a 4x4. They're normally open from the beginning of June until the end of September.

Keep in mind that they tend to be steeper and rockier than other roads.

Landmannalaugar

Situated in the southern highlands, you'll enjoy vibrant peaks, steam plumes, hot springs, and clear lakes. Enjoy the colors of pink, yellow, black, blue, and green in the rhyolite mountains. 

You won't want to miss Bláhnjúkur and Brennisteinsalda, the most popular landmarks. Lake Frostastaðavatn and Ljótipollur are beautiful too.

You'll want to spend the day hiking the trails in the area. 

Askja

Askja can only be accessed during the summer months. The highest point of Askja is 4,945 feet! While it's a volcano, Öskjuvatn Lake is also popular. 

Afterward, check out Herðubreið Mountain. It's also known as the Queen of Icelandic Mountains. There are hot springs and vegetation on the banks of 2 nearby rivers.

Þórsmörk

It's nestled between the glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. Enjoy this nature reserve in the southern Icelandic highlands. 

Þórsmörk is popular with those who love nature, hiking, and photography. It's a valley between mountain ranges and rivers. 

Contrasting views of black desert expanses and glacier rivers make this area unique. Enjoy ice-capped peaks, mountain ranges, and the valley filled with birchwood and moss on your Iceland Highlands self-drive.

Laki Craters

The Laki Craters were formed from one of the world's largest eruptions in 1783! The eruption is known as the Fires of the River Skaftá.

Check out the prominent moss in the area. In the summer months, there are park rangers to provide you with information.  

Sigöldugljúfur Canyon

This canyon is between Hrauneyjalón and Krókslón lake. Various waterfalls extend over the black walls into the river. 

Green vegetation is toward the top. It's a 45-minute drive from Landmannalaugar. 

Eldgjá Volcanic Canyon

You won't want to miss this volcanic canyon between Landmannalaugar and the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Don't miss the waterfall, Ófærufoss. 

Exploring the Icelandic Highlands

After exploring this guide on the Icelandic Highlands, you should be ready for your next trip to the area! You'll want to ensure that you have the proper vehicle to get from A to B. 

You can find more amazing sites and facts about Iceland in our blogs about Natural Wonders and under Practical Information. 

Book your 4WD online today! If you have any questions, we're happy to help.