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.
沿途
停靠点与亮点
8个必看景点
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.
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.
日计划
建议行程
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.
导览体验
冰岛一日游与多日游
黄金圈、极光追踪、观鲸、冰川徒步、熔岩洞穴游览等精彩活动，按您的方式探索冰岛。
住宿
沿途酒店
Find Hotels in Iceland
From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
内部知识
旅行贴士
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.
常见问题
常见问题
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.
