Unlike the popular routes near Reykjavík or the coastal attractions of the South Coast, the Highlands remain remote and difficult to reach. This remoteness contributes to their mystery and beauty, preserving a pristine wilderness and ensuring an experience far different from typical sightseeing. The Highlands stretch across a large portion of Iceland’s interior, covering enormous areas of volcanic deserts, glaciers, and mountains. They include famous destinations such as Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, Hekla, Askja, Kerlingarfjöll, Sprengisandur, and central glacier regions like Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull. Many of the roads here are called “F-roads,” meaning they require four-wheel-drive vehicles and often involve river crossings, bumpy gravel, and rugged tracks. These conditions add to the sense of adventure, making every journey through the Highlands feel like an expedition. The isolation is profound—there are no towns, few signs of human presence, and landscapes that stretch into the horizon without interruption. For those longing for true wilderness and the majesty of Iceland’s geology, the Highlands deliver powerful emotions and unforgettable views.

One of the most iconic Highlands destinations is Landmannalaugar, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs, and hiking trails. The mountains here display an astonishing array of colors—reds, greens, yellows, blacks—created by volcanic minerals and geothermal activity. Travelers often bathe in the natural hot springs surrounded by these rainbow-colored mountains, a unique experience that blends serenity with surreal beauty. Landmannalaugar is also the starting point of the famous Laugavegur Trail, one of the world’s most scenic multi-day hikes, connecting Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. The trail crosses mountains, volcanic deserts, glaciers, geothermal valleys, and lava fields, offering dramatic changes in scenery with every step. For hikers and photographers, this region is a paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture unique landscapes and immerse in nature. The huts and campsites along the trail allow adventurers to spend days exploring these wild terrains, far from civilization and surrounded by deep silence and powerful geological formations.

Another highlight of the Highlands is Þórsmörk, a valley surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and mossy landscapes. Named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder, Þórsmörk is known for its dramatic scenery, lush vegetation, and natural shelters that protect it from harsh winds. This oasis in the Highlands provides excellent hiking routes, including trails leading to viewpoints overlooking the valley, glacier tongues, and volcanic landscapes. Þórsmörk’s forests of birch trees, flowing rivers, and mountains create a striking contrast with the barren volcanic deserts nearby. Travelers visiting this valley often speak of its mystical atmosphere, where legends and nature blend seamlessly. It is a destination that feels both remote and intimate, providing comfort and wonder in equal measure.

Volcanic activity lies at the heart of the Iceland Highlands. Mountains like Hekla and Askja are living reminders of Iceland’s geological energy. Hekla, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, has erupted numerous times in the past millennium and remains closely monitored. Travelers can explore the surrounding lava fields, craters, and ash-covered landscapes that illustrate the power of recent eruptions. Askja, located in the central Highlands, features a massive volcanic caldera filled with Víti, a geothermal crater lake with striking turquoise water. Visiting Askja requires crossing rugged terrains and remote highland roads, adding to the thrill of exploring one of Iceland’s most dramatic volcanic sites. The area is steeped in scientific history, too—astronauts trained here in preparation for moon landings due to the terrain’s similarity to lunar landscapes.

The glaciers of the Highlands are equally breathtaking. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, extends its enormous ice cap deep into the Highlands, feeding rivers, forming ice caves, and shaping valleys. Hofsjökull and Langjökull also cover large areas of the central Highlands, creating a frozen world that contrasts with volcanic deserts and geothermal valleys. Glacial rivers carve canyons, form waterfalls, and create striking contrasts between dark volcanic soils and bright ice. These rivers make travel across the Highlands challenging but also create beautiful oases—green valleys filled with vegetation and wildlife amid barren surroundings.

Geothermal activity is another defining feature of the Highlands. Kerlingarfjöll, a geothermal mountain range, offers steaming vents, boiling mud, and mineral-rich streams within a surreal landscape. The combination of geothermal heat and volcanic minerals creates colorful slopes and valleys unlike anything else in Iceland. Hiking trails lead visitors across ridges and valleys filled with steam, sulfur, and mineral deposits. Bathing in geothermal rivers and hot springs is a highlight of many Highland tours, providing relaxation after long hikes through rugged terrain. These geothermal oases embody the unique connection between fire and ice—a theme that defines the Highlands and shapes Iceland’s natural identity.

Wildlife in the Highlands is sparse due to harsh conditions, but unique species thrive here. Icelandic sheep roam through mossy valleys, while Arctic foxes inhabit remote areas. Birdlife flourishes near rivers and geothermal zones, especially during summer. The vegetation includes hardy mosses, wildflowers, and grasses adapted to volcanic soils and extreme weather. The stark environment highlights the resilience of nature and emphasizes how life persists even in the harshest conditions. Travelers often witness the interaction between volcanic power, geothermal forces, and glacial movement, gaining insight into the natural processes that shaped Iceland and continue to mold its landscapes today.

The Highlands are also deeply connected to Icelandic culture and folklore. Tales of giants, trolls, and spirits are woven into the landscapes, with legends tied to mountains, valleys, and volcanic eruptions. Travelers exploring these regions not only witness geology but also experience centuries-old stories passed down through generations. The isolation of the Highlands has long inspired Icelandic poets, artists, and explorers. Ancient travel routes—once treacherous paths used during summer—offer historical context for how Icelanders journeyed between regions in earlier times.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the Iceland Highlands is the sense of solitude they provide. In a world full of bustling tourist sites, the Highlands offer quiet, reflection, and vastness. There are no large towns, and human presence is limited. Nights can be filled with silence, broken only by the wind or flowing rivers. During clear nights near autumn, the Northern Lights illuminate the sky, their colors reflecting against glaciers and volcanic deserts, creating an unforgettable display. The Highlands are a place where travelers can disconnect from modern life and fully connect with nature’s grandeur.

Best visited during summer months—June to September—the Highlands open their rugged roads and valleys to adventurers seeking exploration. Super jeep tours, hiking expeditions, photography trips, horseback riding, and camping excursions are popular activities that allow travelers to experience the Highlands safely and sustainably. Due to unpredictable weather, guided tours are recommended for those unfamiliar with Iceland’s conditions. However, experienced adventurers with the right vehicles and preparation can engage in self-drive trips along F-roads, crossing rivers and navigating remote trails. Planning ahead is crucial—fuel stations are scarce, accommodation is limited, and weather can shift rapidly.

Traveling responsibly is essential in the Highlands. Staying on marked paths preserves fragile mosses and prevents damage to volcanic soils. Respecting river crossings, following signage, and avoiding off-road driving protect the landscape and ensure sustainability. The Highlands are protected not only for their beauty but also for their environmental significance. Their ecosystems and geological formations provide valuable scientific insight into volcanic activity, geothermal power, and glacial processes.

For travelers seeking unforgettable experiences, the Iceland Highlands offer endless possibilities: bathing in natural hot springs surrounded by rainbow-colored mountains, hiking past steaming vents and glacial rivers, standing atop craters overlooking black deserts, crossing rivers beneath glacier tongues, and feeling the presence of nature in its rawest form. Every journey into the Highlands is different—weather, light, and conditions shift, creating dynamic experiences that captivate adventurers, photographers, scientists, and dreamers alike. It is a region where memories form not only through sightseeing but through emotional connection to nature’s power and beauty.

In the end, the Iceland Highlands are more than a destination—they are a symbol of Iceland’s identity, shaped by fire and ice, and a reminder of Earth’s powerful geological life. For those seeking remote wilderness, ancient volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and a sense of awe, the Highlands stand as the ultimate travel destination. Whether you explore Landmannalaugar’s colorful mountains, Þórsmörk’s lush valleys, Askja’s volcanic crater, Kerlingarfjöll’s steaming slopes, or the vast deserts stretching beneath glaciers, the Highlands promise extraordinary adventure and breathtaking views. They remain one of the world’s most unique and inspiring landscapes—a place where nature reigns supreme and where travelers can witness the legacy of Earth’s creation firsthand.

Travel Tips

• Visit between June and September for best access.
• Use 4x4 vehicles for F-roads and river crossings.
• Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear.
• Bring food, fuel, and navigation tools.
• Respect geology and stay on marked paths.