Iceland Highlands, Iceland: Incredible Raw Landscapes, Solitude & Geological Wonders (2026)
While over 2 million visitors descend on Iceland annually, fewer than 10% venture into the vast, roadless interior known as the Highlands. This isn’t a town or a single attraction, but a sprawling, uninhabited wilderness covering 40% of the country, accessible only by rugged 4×4 tracks for a fleeting 8-10 weeks each summer. Here, you’ll find a silence so profound you can hear the earth itself breathe, landscapes painted in volcanic blacks, glacial blues, and geothermal oranges, and a sense of exploration that feels genuinely frontier.
Why Iceland Highlands, Iceland Stands Out
A view of a mountain range with a cloudy sky, Iceland Highlands, Iceland
- Historic Architecture: The turf-roofed mountain hut at Þórsmörk, dating from the 1930s, represents the classic Icelandic hiking shelter and a vital refuge in this volatile landscape.
- Cultural Scene: The annual “Into the Glacier” concert series inside the man-made ice tunnels of Langjökull, where music echoes off 500-year-old blue ice, is an experience found nowhere else on Earth.
- Local Specialties: Skyr, the thick, protein-rich Icelandic yogurt, is the perfect high-energy trail snack, often enjoyed with wild blueberries foraged from the hills.
Pro Tip: The Highlands are only accessible from late June to early September. For the best balance of passable roads and manageable tourist numbers, target the last two weeks of August. Always check Road.is for F-road (mountain road) status before and during your journey.
Map of Iceland Highlands, Iceland
Use these interactive maps to explore Iceland Highlands, Iceland and plan your route:
📍 View Iceland Highlands, Iceland on OpenStreetMap
🗺️ Open Iceland Highlands, Iceland in Google Maps
Planning Your Trip: Practical Essentials
Getting There and Around
- By Air: All journeys start at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle. Book flights at Skyscanner for best deals.
- By Train: Iceland has no public railway system. Reserve any bus tours or transfers at Trainline or the national railway website for other destinations.
- By Car: A 4×4 with high clearance is NOT a suggestion—it’s a legal requirement for F-roads. You’ll need to master river crossings. Compare specialized car rentals at RentalCars.com and ensure your rental agreement explicitly permits Highland travel.
- Local Transport: Within the Highlands, your vehicle or your feet are your only transport. Scheduled bus services are extremely limited and route-specific (e.g., the Highland bus to Landmannalaugar).
Best Time to Visit
The Highlands are a profoundly seasonal destination. Your entire experience is dictated by the brief window when the snow melts and the treacherous rivers subside enough for crossing.
| Season | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F); unpredictable with sun, rain, and wind all possible in one hour. | All F-roads are (usually) open, 24-hour daylight for hiking, access to iconic sites like Askja. Peak accessibility but also peak for limited hut bookings. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F); severe storms, total snow cover, and near-constant darkness. | The Highlands are CLOSED to independent travel. Access is only via guided Super Jeep or snowmobile tours on specific glaciers. |
| Shoulder (Apr–May/Sep–Oct) | -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F); snowmelt or early snowfall, roads impassable. | The interior is generally inaccessible. This time is for planning and enjoying Iceland’s coastal ring road instead. |
Budgeting for Iceland Highlands, Iceland
Black asphalt road under gray sky, Iceland Highlands, Iceland
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Camping: 2,000 ISK/night per person | Mountain Hut Dorm: 9,000-12,000 ISK/night | Guided Tour with Lodging: 120,000+ ISK/day |
| Meals | Self-catered groceries: 3,500 ISK/day | Hut/guesthouse meals: 8,000 ISK/day | Full-board on premium tours |
| Transport | 4×4 Rental Split: 8,000 ISK/day/person | Solo 4×4 Rental: 25,000 ISK/day | Private Super Jeep & Driver |
| Activities | Hiking (free), Natural Hot Springs (free) | Guided Day Hike: 15,000 ISK, Ice Cave Tour | Multi-day Private Geology Tour, Helicopter Flight |
| Daily Total | 13,500 ISK (~$95) | 50,000 ISK (~$350) | 150,000+ ISK (~$1,050+) |
Top Attractions and Must-See Sights
| Attraction | Description | Hours | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landmannalaugar | A hiker’s paradise with rhyolite mountains in a psychedelic swirl of pink, green, and yellow, and natural hot springs to soak in. | Accessible 24/7 in season; hut service June-Sept. | Free; Camping: 2,000 ISK; Hut: 12,000 ISK |
| Askja Caldera & Víti Crater | A stark, moon-like volcanic caldera where you can take a (chilly) swim in a geothermal explosion crater filled with milky blue water. | Accessible when F88 road is open (July-Sept). | Free |
| Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) | A lush, green valley nestled between glaciers, named after Thor, offering some of Iceland’s most spectacular day hikes. | Accessible when F249 road is open; river crossings are severe. | Free; Bridge toll on F249: 1,000 ISK |
| Hveravellir Geothermal Field | A remote oasis with steaming fumaroles, colorful hot springs, and a historic natural pool where outlaws once bathed. | Accessible 24/7 in season; hut service summer only. | Geothermal Pool: 1,000 ISK |
3-Day Itinerary: Iceland Highlands, Iceland’s Highlights & Hidden Gems
Day 1: The Rainbow Mountains & Hot River Soak
- Morning (7-9 AM): Depart from Reykjavik in your 4×4. Take Route 1 to Route 26, then the F208 towards Landmannalaugar. The 4-hour drive is an attraction itself, transitioning from lava fields to the multicolored peaks.
- Afternoon (12-3 PM): Hike the short but steep Brennisteinsalda loop (2-3 hours), known as “Sulfur Wave,” for panoramic views. For lunch, eat your packed supplies at the Landmannalaugar hut area.
- Evening (6-8 PM): Soak your muscles in the free, naturally heated stream right by the campsite. Cook dinner at the camp kitchen and stay overnight at the Landmannalaugar Hut (book months in advance) or camp.
Day 2: Glaciers, Canyons & The Valley of Thor
- Morning (8 AM): Drive the challenging F225 and F210 to Þórsmörk (3-4 hours). This involves multiple significant river crossings—assess each one carefully.
- Afternoon (1-4 PM): Hike the iconic “Valahnúkur” trail (1.5 hours round-trip) for a breathtaking view over the entire valley, sandwiched between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. Lunch at the Volcano Huts café (try their hearty lamb soup for 2,900 ISK).
- Evening: Enjoy the cozy atmosphere at the Volcano Huts common area. Stay at their accommodation or at the Þórsmörk Hut (booking essential).
Day 3: The Glacial River Canyon & Return
- Morning (9 AM): Before leaving Þórsmörk, hike into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon (2-hour round-trip) to a hidden waterfall. Then, take the F249 out (remember the bridge toll) and connect to Route 1.
- Afternoon (1 PM): Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall (free, 1 hour) on Route 1 to walk behind the cascade. For lunch, grab a famous lamb hot dog (650 ISK) at the Seljalandsfoss food truck.
- Evening (6 PM): Return to Reykjavik, drop off your 4×4, and celebrate your Highland adventure with a well-earned dinner at Messinn for incredible pan-fried Arctic char.
Cultural Insights & Etiquette
- Language: Icelandic is the language, but English is universally spoken. Learning “Takk” (Thank you) and “Góðan daginn” (Good day) is appreciated.
- Customs: Respect the extreme fragility of the landscape. Staying on marked paths in sensitive areas like moss-covered lava fields is an absolute must—damage can take decades to heal.
- Tipping: Tipping is not expected or customary in Iceland, even for guides or in restaurants.
- Dress Code: Functional, weather-proof layers are your uniform. Waterproof hiking boots, a wind/rain shell, thermal base layers, and a warm mid-layer are non-negotiable.
- Business Hours: In the Highlands, there are no businesses in the conventional sense. Mountain huts have wardens during summer with limited hours for check-in (typically 2 PM to 8 PM).
Where to Eat: Iceland Highlands, Iceland’s Best Bites
Dining in the Highlands is about practicality and fuel. There are no restaurants, only mountain hut kitchens, camp stoves, and well-planned supplies. Reykjavik or coastal towns are where you’ll find culinary variety.
Must-Try Local Specialties
- Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa): The ultimate comfort food on the trail, a hearty broth with tender Icelandic lamb and root vegetables. Best tried at any mountain hut that offers evening meals.
- Skyr: Pack several tubs of this high-protein, low-fat yogurt for breakfasts and snacks. Try the plain version and add your own muesli or berries.
- Hardfiskur (Dried Fish): A traditional, protein-packed snack eaten with butter. It’s an acquired taste but pure Viking energy.
Restaurant Recommendations by Budget
| Type | Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Bonus Supermarket (Reykjavik) | Stocking up on all your self-catering supplies, sandwiches, and snacks. | Low |
| Mid-range | Mountain Hut Kitchen (e.g., Hveravellir) | Evening buffet dinner, often a simple but hearty meat/potato/veg dish. | 3,000-4,500 ISK |
| Fine dining | Dill Restaurant (Reykjavik – Pre/Post-trip) | New Nordic tasting menus celebrating Icelandic ingredients. | 15,000+ ISK |
Where to Stay
Accommodation is basic, communal, and must be booked far in advance through the Icelandic Touring Association (FÍ) or private operators. Compare other options and book at Booking.com or Airbnb for apartments in gateway towns.
Best “Neighborhoods” for Accommodation
- Landmannalaugar Area: The most popular hub, offering a large hut and campsite. Perfect for first-time Highland visitors and hikers. Books out 6+ months in advance.
- Þórsmörk Valley: Several hut options (FÍ, Volcano Huts, Langidalur). Offers more greenery and dramatic scenery. Access is the main challenge.
- Hveravellir Geothermal Area: A remote, historic hut between the North and South. Fantastic for solitude and geothermal bathing, ideal for those crossing the interior.
A view of a valley with a mountain in the background, Iceland Highlands, Iceland
FAQs: Your Iceland Highlands, Iceland Questions Answered
1. Is Iceland Highlands, Iceland safe at night?
The primary safety concerns are environmental, not human. The landscape is uninhabited. At “night” during summer (which is just dimmer daylight), the risks are weather exposure, getting lost, or river crossings. Always inform someone of your travel plan and expected return. Inside huts and campsites, personal belongings are very safe.
2. What currency is used and are credit cards accepted?
The currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). In the Highlands, you will need cash (krónur) for camping fees, hut fees (if not pre-booked online), and small tolls. While some huts may take cards, connectivity is unreliable. Assume cash is king once you leave the ring road.
3. How do I get from the airport to the Highlands?
You don’t go directly. From Keflavík Airport (KEF), take a Flybus or taxi to Reykjavik (45 mins, ~4,000 ISK). Your Highland adventure starts from there with your rented 4×4. You cannot drive a standard rental car into the Highlands. Book airport transfers at GetYourGuide for convenience.
4. Do I need to speak the local language?
No. English proficiency in Iceland is among the highest in the world. All wardens, guides, and information signs you’ll encounter will be in English. Learning a few basic Icelandic phrases is a polite gesture but not necessary for communication.
5. What’s the appropriate dress code?
Forget fashion; think function. Your entire wardrobe should be geared towards variable, harsh
