Self Drive Route
Highland Circle
A remote East Iceland highland circuit of waterfalls, forest, Kárahnjúkar dam country and true 4x4 mountain roads.
A summer 4x4 self-drive through Fljótsdalur, Kárahnjúkastífla and the remote highlands of East Iceland.
The Highland Circle is one of East Iceland’s most adventurous self-drive routes. Starting from Egilsstaðir, it links Hallormsstaðaskógur, Hengifoss, Skriðuklaustur and Kárahnjúkastífla before continuing into a much more remote highland section and eventually returning toward Stuðlagil and Egilsstaðir. The lower part of the route is straightforward in normal summer conditions, but the complete loop is not an ordinary sightseeing drive: once you leave the sealed-road section around Kárahnjúkastífla, road quality, weather, visibility and surface conditions become the defining part of the trip. A suitable high-clearance 4x4 is required for the full loop, and the route should only be attempted when the mountain roads are officially open and conditions are suitable. Travellers who do not have the right vehicle should treat Kárahnjúkastífla as the turnaround point and reach Stuðlagil later by normal roads. The route can be driven in one very long summer day, but two days is the better choice if you want to hike Hengifoss, stop at Skriðuklaustur, explore Stuðlagil and still have time to enjoy the landscape rather than simply driving through it.
Winter Warning
Do not attempt the complete Highland Circle in winter or when the mountain-road section is closed. The full loop is a summer-only 4x4 route. Outside the open season, stay on lower-elevation roads confirmed open and use Kárahnjúkar only as far as current road conditions safely allow.
Must See
Main Highlights
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Iceland’s largest forest provides an unexpectedly green opening to the route, with short walks and views over Lagarfljót before the landscape becomes more remote.
Hengifoss
One of East Iceland’s signature waterfall hikes, framed by colourful geological layers. Allow enough time for the walk instead of treating it as a quick roadside stop.
Kárahnjúkastífla
A dramatic engineering and landscape stop at Kárahnjúkar that also marks the transition from the easier approach road into the serious Highland-driving section of the complete circuit.
Stuðlagil Canyon
A basalt canyon and one of the route’s strongest final highlights. Choose between the easier viewpoint and the longer walk depending on daylight, weather and how much time remains.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
8 must-see locations
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main service hub and a convenient base for Lagarfljót, waterfalls, forests, fjords and highland routes.
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.
Kárahnjúkastífla
A 198 m-high rockfill dam in Iceland’s eastern Highlands, overlooking Hálslón reservoir and the dramatic Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon.
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
Fuel or charge, buy food and water, and check the latest road and weather conditions before leaving.
09:00
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Short forest stop and easy walk before continuing around Lagarfljót.
10:30
Hengifoss
Allow roughly 2–3 hours for the hike, viewpoints and a relaxed return.
13:30
Skriðuklaustur
Optional cultural and food stop before the route climbs farther into Fljótsdalur.
15:00
Kárahnjúkastífla
Stop, reassess conditions and only continue onto the complete highland loop with a suitable 4x4 and an officially open route.
18:00
Stuðlagil area
Visit the canyon only if daylight, road conditions and your remaining driving time make it sensible.
21:00
Egilsstaðir / Vök Baths
Return to the service hub; Vök Baths works as an optional pre-booked finish on a less rushed schedule.
Self-Drive Plans
Alternative Itinerary Options
Choose the plan that fits your schedule.
1-Day Highland Circle
12–15+ hoursA demanding version for long summer daylight, experienced 4x4 drivers and stable conditions. Keep stops focused, start early and be prepared to turn back if weather or road conditions deteriorate.
Best for travellers who understand that the highland section can make timing unpredictable. Do not force the full circuit simply to complete the route.
2-Day Highland Circle
2 daysThe recommended version. Day one focuses on Lagarfljót, Hengifoss, Skriðuklaustur and Kárahnjúkar; day two leaves more time for the remote highland section, Stuðlagil and a relaxed return to Egilsstaðir.
This version gives you room for hikes, weather delays and photography without making the whole trip depend on a perfect timetable.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Trip Duration
1 very long day or preferably 2 days
Starting Point
Egilsstaðir
Best Time to Visit
Plan the complete Highland Circle for the main summer road-opening period, when the relevant mountain roads are officially open and weather is stable enough for remote driving. Even in midsummer, check road and weather information immediately before departure. Long daylight makes June through August the most practical period, but an open road does not mean conditions will remain easy all day.
Road Conditions
The lower route includes sealed roads, but after Kárahnjúkar the complete circuit enters F-road terrain. A suitable high-clearance 4x4 is required for the full summer loop; without one, turn back and reach Stuðlagil via normal roads.
Weather
Expect large changes in temperature, wind and visibility between Egilsstaðir, Fljótsdalur and the higher terrain.
Fuel
Fuel and supplies are best handled in Egilsstaðir before departure. Do not rely on fuel in the highland section.
Food
Carry food and water for the highland section. Seasonal cafés and visitor services exist on the lower route but should not be your only plan.
Parking
Use established parking at forests, waterfalls, visitor centres, Kárahnjúkar and Stuðlagil. Do not create new pull-offs on highland ground.
Toilets
Facilities exist at selected visitor centres and commercial stops but become limited in the highlands.
Safety
Use a suitable permitted 4x4 for the complete loop, stay on roads and tracks, carry warm clothing and water, and turn back if weather or road conditions deteriorate.
Accessibility
The route mixes easy roadside stops with steep waterfall walks and rough highland terrain. Accessibility varies greatly by stop.
Winter Driving
The full F-road loop is summer-only. In winter or shoulder season, use lower-elevation roads confirmed open and do not enter closed mountain roads.
Opening Hours
There is no fixed annual opening date for the F-road section. Check official road status immediately before travel.
Book Now
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Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Start with a full tank or sufficient EV range in Egilsstaðir and do not rely on services in the highland section.
Carry food, drinking water, warm layers and waterproof outerwear even when the forecast looks good.
Check official road status and weather immediately before departure; conditions in the highlands may differ sharply from Egilsstaðir.
Use only a suitable high-clearance 4x4 permitted for the roads you plan to drive.
Do not leave marked roads or create new pull-offs on fragile highland ground.
If conditions deteriorate, turn back. Completing the loop is never more important than a safe return.
Geothermal
Geothermal Experiences
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.
View detailsDining
Where to Eat
Skriðuklaustur
Café in East Iceland, Iceland.
Fellabakarí
Fellabakarí is a bakery in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bakeries are beloved community institutions, known for their freshly baked bread, kleina (twisted doughnuts), snúðar (cinnamon rolls), and strong coffee. The smell of fresh baking is one of Iceland's most comforting experiences.
Nearby
Nearby Attractions
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Iceland's largest national forest, with extensive walking trails, recreation areas and diverse tree species.
Hengifoss
Hike to Iceland's second-tallest waterfall, Hengifoss, framed by striking red clay and dark basalt strata.
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.
Kárahnjúkastífla
A 198 m-high rockfill dam in Iceland’s eastern Highlands, overlooking Hálslón reservoir and the dramatic Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Iceland's Stuðlagil Canyon captivates with towering basalt columns and a vibrant turquoise river, a hidden gem.
Rjúkandi
Experience Rjúkandi, a stunning multi-tiered waterfall cascading through vibrant green hills in Iceland's Westfjords.
Read More
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Common Questions
FAQ
Do I need a 4x4 for the Highland Circle?+
Yes for the complete loop. The lower approach through Fljótsdalur and toward Kárahnjúkar includes easier roads, but the full circuit enters genuine highland/F-road terrain. Use a suitable high-clearance 4x4 that is permitted for the roads you intend to drive.
Can I drive the Highland Circle in one day?+
It is possible in long summer daylight, but it is a very long and condition-dependent day. Two days is the better choice if you want to hike Hengifoss, visit Skriðuklaustur, stop at Kárahnjúkar and spend meaningful time at Stuðlagil.
Can I drive the Highland Circle in winter?+
No, not as the complete loop. The mountain-road section is summer-only and should only be driven when officially open. In winter and shoulder seasons, stay on lower-elevation roads confirmed open.
Where should I start the route?+
Egilsstaðir is the best base because it has fuel, charging, groceries, accommodation and other services before you enter the more remote part of the route.
What if I do not have the right 4x4?+
Do not attempt the full highland circuit. You can still visit Hallormsstaðaskógur, Hengifoss, Skriðuklaustur and Kárahnjúkar as conditions allow, then return and reach Stuðlagil using normal roads.
Is the Highland Circle suitable for inexperienced drivers?+
The lower route is straightforward in normal conditions, but the complete loop is not a beginner highland drive. Remote-road experience, a suitable vehicle, flexible planning and willingness to turn back are important.
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