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.

3°Covercast4 m/s vindur

Iceland · Highlands

Highlands

Landmannalaugar, obsidian lava fields and highland routes

Kanna kennileiti Skoða kort

From Reykjavík

3–5 h (F-roads)

Gateway towns

Hella, Hvolsvöllur

Best time

Jul–early Sep

Nearest airport

Keflavík (KEF)

Verður að sjá

Valdar náttúruperlur

Helstu kennileiti Íslands á Highlands

Kanna

Kort yfir Highlands

101 kennileiti á korti — síaðu eftir flokki og smelltu á pin.

Eigin leið um Ísland

Vegferðir í Highlands

Eigin leiðarlýsingar með lykilviðkomu, vegalengdum og ráðgjöf — Kannið Highlands á eigin forsendum.

Gott að vita áður

Ferðaráð

Staðbundin þekking til að kanna Highlands

🚙

4x4 & F-roads

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

River crossings

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

📅

Season

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

Self-sufficient

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

Núverandi veður

Hella, Highlands

3°C

overcast

4 m/s vindur

Fara dýpra

Tengdar handbækur

Ítarlegar handbækur til að skipuleggja ferð á Highlands

Gott að vita

Algengar spurningar

Allt sem þú þarft að vita um 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.