Discover the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s Highlands with our top five must-see attractions. Renting a car from Firefly Car Rental Iceland is the best way to explore these stunning locations at your own pace.
Why Visit the Iceland Highlands?
Magic and mystery surround Iceland’s Highlands and there’s a reason visitors and locals alike flock here come summer. As soon as the roadways thaw, eager adventurers seek this region’s unique landscapes, rich cultural history, and remote hiking trails for a slice of Iceland without the crowds.
Compared to other parts of Iceland, the Highlands are less crowded, offering a more personal and serene connection with the environment. This region is perfect for adventure seekers, with its challenging hiking trails and stunning geological wonders like rhyolite mountains and volcanic craters.
The Highlands also boast a rich cultural history, with many sites playing key roles in Icelandic sagas and folklore. Exploring these areas gives you a glimpse into the country’s heritage and the resilience of its people. Plus, the diverse and rare wildlife makes it a haven for nature lovers.
Those who decide to venture into Iceland’s interior will find the rainbow mountains of Landmannalaugar, hidden hot springs, and ancient glaciers, all waiting to be explored.
Top 5 Attractions in the Iceland Highlands
If you’re curious about heading to a lesser-visited corner of Iceland, head to these top five attractions in the Iceland Highlands.
1/ Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar, located in South Iceland, is renowned for its vibrant rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs. This geothermal hotspot is tucked inside the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, situated almost at the very center of Iceland. Locals and visitors alike love heading to this region of the highlands for its rainbow-hued peaks, epic hiking trails, black sand deserts, lava fields, and glaciers.
The beauty of Landmannalaugar is truly something to behold. The colorful mountains, created by volcanic activity, display a stunning array of reds, yellows, and greens. The hiking routes here are among the best in Iceland, offering a variety of trails that cater to different skill levels. Whether you’re trekking through the vast lava fields, crossing the unique black sand deserts, or taking a dip in the free natural hot springs, Landmannalaugar provides an unforgettable experience for every adventurer.
Exploring this area, you’ll find that the contrast between the bright rhyolite mountains and the dark, black sand creates a striking and beautiful landscape. The surrounding glaciers add to the dramatic scenery, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
- Highlights: Hiking trails, geothermal baths, and colorful mountains.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Landmannalaugar is from June to September.
- How to Get There: You’ll drive from Reykjavik via Route 1 and connect to F26 to reach Landmannalaugar. It takes three hours to reach the main Landmannalaugar Campground.
- Directions
2/ Askja
A remote volcanic caldera in Iceland’s Highlands, is a hidden gem offering stunning lunar landscapes and a warm lake perfect for swimming. This milky, turquoise crater lake, known as Öskjuvatn, is nestled between snow-capped peaks and lies within one of the largest glaciers in Iceland. Despite being an active volcano, its serene beauty makes the journey well worth it.
Off the beaten path, Askja rewards those who venture here with its secluded and unique scenery. Imagine swimming in a warm crater lake surrounded by icy mountains – it’s an unforgettable experience. The area feels otherworldly, like walking on the moon, making it a must-visit for those looking to explore Iceland’s hidden gems. You might see Askja listed as Öskjuvatn.
- Highlights: Viti crater, lunar landscapes, and plenty of hiking opportunities.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Askja is from July to August.
- How to Get There: You’ll take the Ring Road north from Reykjavik until you reach the junction with F88. Follow this backcountry road until you come to a right hand turn onto F910. You’ll turn right at the Dreki Mountain Cabin, continuing on to road F894 which dead ends at the Viti parking lot. The drive takes anywhere from 5 to 6 hours from the capital.
3/ Kerlingarfjöll
a paradise for hikers, known for its geothermal activity and striking mountain ranges. This stunning area, located in the heart of the highlands, was created by volcanic activity, resulting in a landscape dotted with steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pits, much like Landmannalaugar.
Visiting the highlands of Iceland is incomplete without exploring Kerlingarfjöll. The vibrant geothermal features and dramatic peaks offer countless hiking opportunities, from easy trails to challenging routes. The landscape is otherworldly, with steam rising from the ground and colorful mineral deposits painting the rocks.
If you plan to stay overnight, the charming cabins at Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort are the perfect place to rest and soak in the natural beauty.
These cabins provide a cozy base from which you can explore the area more thoroughly, enjoying the serene and remote environment that the highlands offer. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to experience the unique geothermal wonders, Kerlingarfjöll is a must-visit destination in the Icelandic highlands.
The scenery at Kerlingarfjöll is nothing short of surreal. Picture a landscape where vivid reds, oranges, and yellows blend seamlessly with the earthy tones of the mountains, all under a blanket of rising steam from the hot springs.
The combination of rugged terrain and geothermal activity creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Walking through this area, you feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet, where the ground itself seems to be alive, constantly shifting and changing. This unreal scenery makes Kerlingarfjöll one of the coolest and most unforgettable spots in Iceland.
- Highlights: Hot springs, geothermal areas, and panoramic views.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kerlingarfjöll is from June to September.
- How to Get There: You’ll take a series of roads, heading out from Reykjavik. Start by journeying down Route 36 before eventually continuing on to Route 365 as the roads merge.
- Take a slight left turn, through the town of Laugarvatn on Route 37 before once again continuing on to Route 35. You’ll make a right hand turn at F347, passing the Gygjarfoss Waterfall, before coming to the parking area for Kerlingarfjöll. This road trip takes about four hours from Reykjavik.
- Directions
4/ Thórsmörk
Thórsmörk, or Thor’s Valley, is a lush, green oasis surrounded by glaciers and mountains. This valley is flanked on both sides by black mountain ridges and the river Krossa. The entire area is a designated nature reserve and is crisscrossed by beautiful hiking trails.
Nestled in a remote part of the highlands, Thórsmörk feels like a hidden paradise. The vibrant greenery contrasts beautifully with the dark, rugged mountain ridges and the glistening glaciers that frame the valley. As you explore, you’ll find that the landscape here is incredibly diverse, with dense birch forests, flowing rivers, and dramatic rock formations. The hiking trails range from leisurely walks to challenging treks, offering something for every level of adventurer.
What makes Thórsmörk truly special is the sense of tranquility and isolation it provides. Despite being relatively accessible, it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. The valley’s unique microclimate creates a surprisingly warm and sheltered environment, making it a perfect spot for camping and extended stays in nature.
The scenery in Thórsmörk is simply breathtaking. Imagine standing on a trail, surrounded by vibrant green foliage, with towering black ridges on either side and the shimmering river Krossa winding through the valley.
In the distance, the glaciers glisten under the sunlight, adding a touch of icy majesty to the scene. This surreal combination of elements makes Thórsmörk one of the most stunning and unforgettable locations in Iceland’s highlands. Situated within the boundaries of a national park, this area is protected and preserved, ensuring its natural beauty remains untouched for generations to come.
- Highlights: Hiking trails, river crossings, and lush valleys.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Thórsmörk is from May to September.
- How to Get There: Drive south out of Reykjavik following the Ring Road (Route 1) until you reach F249 near the DalsSel Farm Guesthouse. You’ll then follow F249 until you reach the parking area near the Basar Hut and Campsite.
- Directions
5/ Hveradalir
Hveradalir in Kerlingarfjöll is famous for its geothermal activity and colorful hot springs. Located just beside the Kerlingarfjöll mountains, Hveradalir is a geothermal wonderland. You’ll find everything from bubbling mud pits to the epic Valley of the Hot Springs and jaw-dropping vistas.
The scenery in Hveradalir is like something out of a fantasy novel. Imagine walking through a landscape where steam rises from the ground, and the earth is painted in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green. The geothermal features are both mesmerizing and surreal, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The bubbling mud pits add to the dynamic environment, constantly changing and shifting.
Exploring the Valley of the Hot Springs, you’ll be captivated by the natural hot pools, which offer a perfect spot to relax and soak in the warm waters while surrounded by stunning views. The vistas here are truly breathtaking, with panoramic views of the colorful terrain stretching as far as the eye can see.
Hveradalir is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the highlands of Iceland. Its unique geothermal landscape and striking beauty make it an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re an avid hiker looking to explore the trails or simply want to experience the natural hot springs, Hveradalir offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that showcases the raw and untamed beauty of Iceland.
- Highlights: Geothermal springs, hiking trails, and vibrant colors.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Hveradalir is from June to September.
- How to Get There: Directions are essentially the same as if you were visiting Kerlingarfjöll. Start by journeying down Route 36 before eventually continuing on to Route 365 as the roads merge.
- Take a slight left turn, through the town of Laugarvatn on Route 37 before once again continuing on to Route 35. You’ll make a right hand turn at F347, passing the Gygjarfoss Waterfall, before coming to the parking area for Kerlingarfjöll. This road trip takes about four hours from Reykjavik.
- Directions
Tips for Driving in the Highlands
Driving Iceland’s Highlands is a bit more tricky than a road trip along the Ring Road (Route 1).
You’ll need to make sure you have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. The roads to reach the Icelandic Highlands are called F-roads and are specially designated due to the need to have a 4×4 vehicle to drive them. Drivers will likely encounter everything from small river crossings to uneven surfaces. It is illegal to drive these roads with a standard car!
Driving the highland roads: what to expect on F road in Iceland?
The F-roads, which are gravel tracks leading through mountainous and remote areas, are only open during the summer months, typically from June to September. It’s crucial to check the exact opening times on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) website as they can vary based on weather conditions.
These roads often include challenging river crossings. Only experienced drivers should attempt these, as crossing rivers safely requires understanding the water depth and current. It’s recommended to wait for another vehicle to cross first or to seek local advice if unsure.
Using a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is essential for navigating these rough terrains and river crossings. Models like the Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Jeep Wrangler are ideal choices for such adventures.
Check weather and road conditions before setting off
When planning a trip to Iceland’s Highlands, it’s crucial to check the weather and road conditions before setting off. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly, making it essential to stay informed.
Even during summer, the weather can shift from sunny and mild to rainy and windy within hours. To stay updated, regularly check the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) for weather forecasts and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (road.is) for road conditions.
Rapid Weather Changes is common
Iceland’s weather can change dramatically and quickly due to its location and climate influences from both the Arctic and Atlantic. You might start your day under clear skies, only to encounter sudden downpours or strong winds later on.
In the Highlands, conditions can be even more extreme, with sudden drops in temperature and visibility. This unpredictability means you need to be prepared for all types of weather, even in the summer months
Highland Road Conditions
The roads in the Highlands, known as F-roads, are rough gravel tracks that require a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. These roads are typically open only during the summer months, from June to September, and are known for being challenging to navigate.
The terrain includes rocky paths, loose gravel, potholes, and unmarked tracks. Additionally, you may encounter river crossings that require careful driving techniques. It’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is equipped for these conditions and that you are comfortable driving in such terrain.
How to Prepare for a Trip to the Iceland Highlands
Preparing for a trip to the Iceland Highlands is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Choose the Right Vehicle
First, make sure you rent a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, specifically designed for F-roading. Firefly Car Rental Iceland offers great options with necessary insurance for driving on F-roads, which is essential for tackling the rugged terrain.
Pack the Essentials
Pack all the essentials, including plenty of food, water, and warm clothing. The weather in the Highlands can be unpredictable, and even in summer, conditions can be harsh. Bringing a cooler with snacks and drinks is a smart move since you’ll find few amenities along the way.
- Full travel guide to Iceland in June, Iceland in July, Iceland in August
Equip Yourself with Safety Gear
Equip yourself with safety gear such as a map, GPS device, and a satellite phone because mobile coverage can be spotty in remote areas. It’s also important to have a first-aid kit and other emergency supplies on hand.
Plan and Communicate Your Travel Itinerary
Before you head out, let someone know your travel plans and check in regularly. Logging your route on the SafeTravel website can be a lifesaver in case of emergencies. This ensures that authorities know your planned path and can assist if something goes wrong.
Prepare for Hiking
Since the Highlands offer extensive hiking opportunities, pack proper hiking gear. Sturdy boots, waterproof clothing, and a backpack with essentials like a compass, extra layers, and snacks are vital. Familiarize yourself with the trails and be prepared for varying levels of difficulty to make the most of your adventure.
Why Rent a Car from Firefly Car Rental Iceland?
Looking for an inexpensive rental car option for your trip to Iceland? Firefly Car Rental Iceland provides not only some of the most affordable rates in the country, but also a wide range of vehicles. Pair that with excellent customer service and convenient pickup and drop-off locations and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better option for renting a car in Iceland!
Conclusion
Exploring the Iceland highlands is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is best experienced with the freedom of a rental car. Choose Firefly Car Rental Iceland for a reliable and memorable journey through these stunning landscapes. Book your car today and start planning your adventure!
