What is the Laugavegur trail?

Iceland's most famous multi-day hike, ~55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over 2–4 days, through geothermal fields, glaciers and gorges.

Can you cross rivers on Highland F-roads?

Some routes have unbridged river fords. Assess depth and current on foot first, cross slowly in low gear, and never attempt a river in flood.

A lush volcanic valley between three glaciers, reached by a river-heavy F-road (Super Jeep or bus recommended) — a hiking paradise and the end of the Laugavegur trek.

Is Askja worth visiting?

Yes — a remote caldera in the northeast Highlands with the Víti crater lake you can bathe in. It's a long, rugged drive best done by Super Jeep tour.

Can you visit the Highlands in winter?

Only on organised Super Jeep or snowmobile tours — the F-roads are closed and self-driving is impossible. Independent winter travel is not permitted.

Where do I stay near the Highlands?

Mountain huts and campsites at Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk and Kerlingarfjöll (book huts far ahead), or base in Hella/Hvolsvöllur on the edge of the south.

Iceland · Highlands

Highlands

Landmannalaugar, obsidian lava fields and highland routes

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From Reykjavík

3–5 h (F-roads)

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Gateway towns

Hella, Hvolsvöllur

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Best time

Jul–early Sep

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Nearest airport

Keflavík (KEF)

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Road conditions

F-roads, 4x4 only

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Top activity

Super Jeep & hiking

Must See

Featured Attractions

Iceland's most iconic sights in Highlands

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Highlands Map

17 attractions mapped — filter by category and tap a pin.

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Popular Experiences

Top-rated guided tours in Highlands

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11h

Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar & Icelandic Highlands Super Jeep Tour

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$274

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13h

Small Group Landmannalaugar Hike and Hot Springs: Reykjavik/Hella

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$196

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Highlands Bus Transfer: Landmannalaugar To Hella / Reykjavik

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$101

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Highlands Bus Transfer: Reykjavik / Hella to the Landmannalaugar

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$101

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11h

Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears from Rvk and Selfoss

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$199

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14h

Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar Guided Hike & Geothermal Hot Springs

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$183

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Know Before You Go

Travel Tips

Local know-how for exploring Highlands

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4x4 & F-roads

The Highlands are reachable only by F-roads, which legally require a 4x4. 2WD cars are prohibited and uninsured on them.

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River crossings

Many F-roads have unbridged rivers. Never cross blind — walk it first, go slow and steady, and turn back if unsure.

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Season

F-roads only open once snow clears — typically late June to early September. Check road.is for exact opening dates.

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Self-sufficient

No fuel, shops or reliable signal inside the Highlands. Carry food, water, fuel and a paper map.

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No car? No problem

Highland buses and Super Jeep day tours run from Reykjavík and the south to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk in summer.

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Landmannalaugar

Soak in the natural hot river after hiking the rhyolite trails — bring a swimsuit and sandals for the walk in.

Current Weather

Hella, Highlands

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Related Guides

In-depth guides to plan your Highlands trip

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Highlands

When are the Highlands open?

Only in summer — F-roads typically open late June to early September once the snow melts, and close again with the first autumn snows. Exact dates vary yearly; check road.is.

Do I need a 4x4 for the Highlands?

Yes, by law. Every Highland route is an F-road, which requires a 4x4; driving them in a 2WD is illegal, uninsured and dangerous.

What is Landmannalaugar?

A geothermal area in the Fjallabak reserve famous for rhyolite mountains in reds, greens and yellows, a natural hot bathing river, and the start of the Laugavegur trek.