Self Drive Route
Highland Circle
A 275 km East Iceland highland adventure
A remote 275 km scenic route through East Iceland’s highland landscapes for travellers seeking a true mountain-road driving experience with careful seasonal planning.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
8 must-see locations
Egilsstaðir
Discover Egilsstaðir, a vibrant East Iceland hub steeped in sagas, folklore, and stunning natural beauty.
Fuel, charge and stock up before leaving the main service hub.
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Iceland's largest national forest, with extensive walking trails, recreation areas and diverse tree species.
Forest walks and a gentler opening to the route before climbing toward the highlands.
Hengifoss
Hike to Iceland's second-tallest waterfall, Hengifoss, framed by striking red clay and dark basalt strata.
Allow proper hiking time rather than treating Hengifoss as a roadside photo stop.
Skriðuklaustur Monastery
A 16th century Catholic monastery dissolved during Iceland's Reformation. Archaeological excavations found human remains beneath the foundations, and workers have reported unexplained presences.
Useful cultural stop in Fljótsdalur before the route climbs higher.
Kárahnjúkar
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Major turning point: beyond the sealed-road section the complete loop becomes a true Highlands/F-road drive.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Iceland's Stuðlagil Canyon captivates with towering basalt columns and a vibrant turquoise river, a hidden gem.
Choose the viewpoint or longer canyon walk according to daylight and conditions.
Rjúkandi
Experience Rjúkandi, a stunning multi-tiered waterfall cascading through vibrant green hills in Iceland's Westfjords.
Short waterfall stop on the return toward Egilsstaðir.
Vök Baths
Experience the otherworldly sensation of soaking in warm geothermal water while floating on the serene surface of Lake Urriðavatn. Vök Baths offers a truly unique lagoon experience in East Iceland, blending natural beauty with innovative design, where the misty light blue waters invite deep relaxation amidst rugged landscapes.
Optional geothermal finish; book ahead if it is a priority rather than assuming space at the end of a long driving day.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
08:00
Egilsstaðir
Start with fuel, supplies and current road/weather checks.
09:00
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Short forest stop before continuing into Fljótsdalur.
10:30
Hengifoss
Allow 2–3 hours for the hike if it is one of your priorities.
13:30
Skriðuklaustur / Fljótsdalur
Food or cultural stop before the higher road section.
15:00
Kárahnjúkar
Reassess road, weather and vehicle conditions before continuing onto the full highland circuit.
17:30
Stuðlagil
Use the remaining daylight for the canyon and return toward Route 1.
20:00
Egilsstaðir / Vök Baths
Optional geothermal finish only if the long day and booking time make sense.
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.
Accommodation
Hotels Along the Route
Find Hotels in Iceland
From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
The full 275 km circuit requires a suitable 4x4 once the route enters the F-road highlands.
Without a 4x4, turn back after the sealed-road section and reach Stuðlagil from Route 1.
Fuel and stock up in Egilsstaðir before the highland section.
Allow extra time for Hengifoss; it is a hike, not a roadside stop.
Check road opening and weather immediately before departure.
Do not try to squeeze every optional stop into a single day if hiking is a priority.
Common Questions
FAQ
Is the Highland Circle a 4x4 route?+
The complete summer circuit is. Some lower-elevation sections are sealed and can be visited in a normal car, but the full loop includes F-road terrain that requires a suitable 4x4.
How long is the Highland Circle?+
The scenic route is about 275 km, but hiking and highland road conditions mean the experience takes much longer than the distance suggests.
Can I do it in a 2WD car?+
You can adapt the route: drive the sealed section to Kárahnjúkar, turn back, and reach Stuðlagil from Route 1. Do not continue onto the F-road part in a normal 2WD.
When is the full route open?+
The F-road section is seasonal and has no guaranteed annual opening date. Check official road status immediately before travel.
Can I drive it in one day?+
Yes in long summer daylight if conditions are good and you keep hikes selective. Two days is better if you want Hengifoss and other longer stops without rushing.
What are the main highlights?+
Hallormsstaðaskógur, Hengifoss, Fljótsdalur, Kárahnjúkar, the highland section and Stuðlagil are the core sequence, with Rjúkandi and Vök Baths as strong extras.
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