The IcelandicHighlands
Highlands
The Ultimate Guide
The Icelandic Highlands
The last true Wilderness
So you’ve heard about the waterfalls, the ring road, puffins, whales, volcanos, glaciers, mountains, rivers, endless black beaches, and the northern lights. But there is so much more to discover! There is plenty so experience along the ring road but if you travel off it and toward the center of the country a new world opens up: The Icelandic Highlands.
The Icelandic highlands is one of the most extensive uncultivated and uninhabited territories in Europe. Covering 40,000 km², it encompasses the interior of the island. Made up of volcanic desert and glaciers, it is also home to hundreds of waterfalls, active volcanos, many different geothermal regions, and countless rivers. The terrain offers up stunning mountains with abundant hiking trails and natural hot pots to soak in afterward. It truly is an adventurer’s paradise.
Where are the Icelandic Highlands?
This map shows all the main roads in Iceland. The red ones are the F-roads that criss-cross the highlands. Only the accessible ones are depicted (click to see larger map).
How accessible is the Icelandic Highlands?
All the roads that cross the highlands are F-roads which means they are often rocky and difficult to travel. A 4 wheel drive is a must. See what type of car is best suited.
The roads to the highlands open in late June, most years, and are open until late September. Occasionally you’ll have to wait until early July for the roads to clear and for the annual maintenance to be performed. Check out the precise opening times via the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
What type of car is best suited?
Only 4wd rental vehicles, most often with a raised chassis, are allowed on F-Roads. 2wd vehicles are neither suited nor allowed. CampEasy offers the Easy Clever 4×4 X, Easy Clever 4×4, Easy Viking 4×4, Easy Viking 4×4 X, and the brand new Easy Ranger 4×4, all of which have undergone substantial modification to handle the rough conditions you’ll face. The entire VW van line also has an excellent 4×4 drive. And yes, that varies a lot between car manufacturers.
What are the best places to visit in
the Icelandic highlands?
Landmannalaugar
This geothermal and colorful mountain range is located on the edge of an ancient lava field and is peppered with hiking trails and natural hot pools. It is one of the most popular hiking locations in Iceland. The Laugavegur long-distance hiking trail starts in the valley, and ends in Þórsmörk, with small huts along the way. You can reach Landmannalaugar with a 4×4 vehicle, via the F208. A recommended visit for any nature lover.
The Environmental Agency implemented a parking booking system in Landmannalaugar for the summer of 2024. Parking spaces must be booked in advance and a service fee must be paid
The system will be used from June 20th to September 15th, every day of the week. During this period, all visitors planning to come to Landmannalaugar on their own in a private or rental car between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. must book a parking space in advance.
This only applies to parking spaces at Landmannalaugar itself and, therefore, does not impact traffic in other areas within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.
The fee for 1-5 passenger cars (so all of our fleet) is 750 ISK, with a 40% discount for 2024, making it 450 ISK this year.
You can book your parking space on The Environment Agency of Iceland’s website.
Kaldidalsvegur
Road 550 from Þingvellir to Húsafell is sometimes referred to as the beginner’s F-Road, due to the good condition of the road and there being no unbridged river crossings along the route. This road will take you past glaciers Þórisjökull and Okjökull (Which has sadly become extinct- a plaque of its existence is all that remains) and a volcano called Skjaldbreiður.
Askja
An active volcano caldera that last erupted in 1961. The area is so lunar-like it was used as a training ground for astronauts in the Apollo program. It’s out of this world!
Kjölur
Kjölur is Iceland’s most famous mountain road by far. The route takes you from Geysir on the Golden Circle, right through the middle of Iceland to the north.
Þórsmörk
One of the most popular places for hiking enthusiasts, Þórsmörk, is a wide river valley surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, in the milder climate of Iceland’s south. It’s a bit tricky to reach, though. There are some big rivers you need to cross. We recommend you check out this day tour into the valley and back.
Hekla
Hekla is an active volcano located 30 kilometers west of Landmannalaugar. The volcano has erupted violently frequently since records began, most recently in February 2000. The hiking trail to the summit takes around 3-4 hours and offers incredible views from the top.
Kerlingafjöll
A highland mountain range accessible by road F35, the landscape is unlike anywhere on earth. There are few places where you’ll find such a large geothermally active area at a single destination. During a 2-3 hour walk in the mountain range, you’ll see multiple hot springs and pools. Yes, even one for bathing. There are glaciers and volcanic landscapes covered in patches of snow, with steam rising in places, and the area is not far from Hveradalir, which means Valley of Hot Springs in Icelandic.
Our Favourite Highland Plans
12Days
This 12 day 4x4 Adventure will take us to places a regular camper cannot, including the Highlands, Westfjords, Snaefellsnes and hidden gems on the South Coast. A very good plan indeed.
2620 km
6Days
This trip will take us via some F-Roads to the Highlands, accessible by 4x4 campers only. We then drive down the South Coast to see the hottest locations.
1430 km