Iceland's Highlands: Guide to Top Attractions, Wild Areas and Things to Do

Iceland’s Highlands — Europe’s last frontier with Mother Nature. An untouched swath of uninhabited wilderness in Iceland, the Highlands' natural beauty shines through mountains and hills that mark the borders with other regions. Behind the rugged Icelandic terrain hide Iceland’s glaciers, streams like Tungnaá, and volcanoes, waiting to be uncovered and discovered on hikes and week-long treks. 

Despite their rough exterior, the Highlands in Iceland house heartwarming sights behind every climb and decline. Wonders like lava fields, obsidian deserts, and geothermal hot spots unpeel the region's toughness like an onion to reveal a long-lasting, charming core. Though hiking in Iceland is challenging, no step goes unrewarded in the island's interior, making it one of the best places in Iceland for your trekking dreams. Discover what’s waiting in the great wilderness through these Icelandic Highlands attractions: 

An area inside Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the southern parts of the interior. Landmannalaugar geothermal area is best known for the warm waters that acted as a resting point for Highland travelers or short-term visitors—hence the name “People’s Pools.” Hiking in Landmannalaugar pairs nicely with a dip in the flowing geothermal river, the only safe place for swimming in the area. Sightseeing possibilities open up on the Laugavegur trail, where the Landmannalaugar hot springs act as a starting point. 

Ideal for: A day hike followed by a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. 

The lush heart of Iceland, tucked in between the giant Mýrdalsjökul, infamous Eyjafjallajökull, and melting Tindfjallajökull glaciers. Known for its otherworldly beauty, Þórsmörk nature reserve's landscape is characterized by glacier rivers and mountains with green slopes. Besides the views, people can enjoy summer hiking in Þórsmörk or spend the night in one of the immersive mountain huts. Most visitors come to Þórsmörk valley on the way to complete Iceland’s highlands trail, Laugavegur, or begin the Fimmvörðuháls path. 

Ideal for: A thrilling hike or multi-day trek through Þórsmörk’s glaciers, rivers, and lush valleys, perfect for those seeking a true connection with nature. 

A pair of volcanic depressions north of the Vatnajökull glacier in the Dyngjufjöll mountain range. Askja caldera came about in 1875 after a series of volcanic eruptions and is now home to Lake Öskjuvatn, one of Iceland's deepest bodies of water. Víti crater lake, north of its big brother, formed around the same time, but instead of blue water, warm, white-colored liquid fills the hole. You can visit these Icelands Highlands must-see sights, along with the Holuhraun lava field, on a single-day excursion with us. 

Ideal for: A guided 4x4 summer day tour to Askja and Víti Crater with a short hike and crater-edge soak. 

A warm water spot in the corridor between the Langjökull ice field and Hofsjökull's snowy cap. One of the most remote geothermal areas in Iceland, the Hveravellir hot springs are well developed, with a lodge and a café, both ready to welcome tired travelers. The whole Hveravellir nature reserve is characterized by steaming fissures, a sign of ongoing volcanic activity below the surface. Average Hveravellir hiking experiences are flavored with geothermal baths and Icelandic sheep in summer. 

Ideal for: A relaxing geothermal getaway with light hiking and an overnight stay at Hveravellir. 

An Icelandic mountain range in the middle of the country near the Hofsjökull glacier. Behind the rising terrain is Kerlingarfjöll geothermal area, Hveradalir, where boiling waters meet colorful slopes. Though remote and hardly accessible in winter, the Kerlingarfjöll mountain resort is a luxurious spot to stop and rest up. For those driven by adventure, hiking in Kerlingarfjöll is an unforgettable option, as each trail through this geothermal landscape in Iceland is met with steam and heat. 

Ideal for: A captivating expedition through the Kerlingarfjöll Mountains, perfect for those craving to explore vibrant geothermal landscapes and the soothing embrace of striking hot springs. 

An active volcano in Iceland near the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and the Landmannalaugar area. Since the 10th century, around 20 Hekla eruptions have rocked the area, leaving a vast lava field to mark their presence. Unlike other Icelandic highland volcanoes, the so-called “Gateway to Hell” is closer to the inhabited parts of the island. Though hiking near Hekla volcano requires an expert guide for safety and navigation reasons, no one is stopping you from inspecting the destructive creation from a distance. 

Ideal for: A quick stop on the way to Landmannalaugar geothermal area if coming via mountain road F225. 

Þjórsárdalur vale is located between Þórsmörk and Langjökull glacier in the southern parts of the Highlands. An oasis of lush nature in Iceland’s Highlands, the plateau of Thjorsardalur Valley is intercut by Þjórsá River (the longest river in Iceland) and surrounded by rising hills. The views in the region culminate at the 122 m (400 ft) tall Háifoss waterfall (one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls). While you’re here, pass through cultural sites like the Þjóðveldisbær farm ("Medieval Farm" or "Viking Age Farm"). If you’re a fan of dragons, you might recognize it as one of the set pieces for Game of Thrones. 

Ideal for: Scenic hikes through lush valleys, waterfall viewing, and exploring Viking heritage sites. 

The rocky deserts in Iceland and the slopes of the Highland mountains surrounding them ooze with adventurous possibilities. A trip through the interior is incomplete without a healthy dose of hiking. If you’re craving a more thorough experience, organized Iceland highlands tours from Reykjavik with a Super Jeep contain a mix of knowledge, comfort, and excitement. And when you’re done with the adventure, indulge in relaxation by dipping into some of the hot springs found throughout the region. Regarding things to do in the Icelandic Highlands, here are some of the more popular activities: 

Go on the best hikes in Iceland and work up a sweat by climbing mountain slopes and passing through large plateaus of the island's interior. Highlands trekking routes come in different difficulties and lengths, with the iconic Laugavegur trail remaining a gold standard for trekkers worldwide. Start with the tracks around Landmannalaugar rhyolite mountains and finish in the lushness of Thorsmork. Extend the 3–4 day long journey with a Fimmvörðuháls hike to the waterfalls of Skógar village. Experience all of this on Icelandic Highlands day tours with an expert guide. Looking for more spice? Walk the banks along the Tungnaá river on private excursions. 

Leave the logistics to us and join guided Highland tours, where a small-group vibe only deepens the excitement. Expertly planned Super Jeep tours in Iceland allow you to explore the island's interior even in just one day. Together with a guide, drive up to the boiling waters of Landmannalaugar to meet the famous rainbow slopes and hot springs. If you crave to see more greenery, navigate the valleys of Thorsmork in a specialized vehicle. Looking for something more bumpy? Book an off-road adventure to Iceland’s Askja caldera from Mývatn lake.  

Favored by Icelanders for generations, the remote Iceland's natural hot springs have long been a place to rest tired legs and reset the mind. The natural warming baths are scattered across Iceland’s interior, where people give way to vegetation and the atmosphere hums with the quiet tunes of remoteness. Dip into the Landmannalaugar hot springs, waters long associated with retreat and relaxation. Or visit a hot spring at Kerlingarfjöll’s Base or Ásgarður valley and treat yourself to a view-filled soak. Either way, geothermal bathing in the Highlands is a rewarding way to wrap up a hike or a day of exploring. 

Late May to mid-September marks the best time to visit the Icelandic Highlands and the high season for travel to the island overall. Improved weather conditions usher in flourishing nature and the opening of the F-roads, enhancing the Highlands' accessibility. However, clouds and rain may impact seasonal activities like hiking and the visibility of distant glaciers in Iceland’s uninhabited Highlands. The situation becomes more dramatic between September and April–Iceland’s highlands winter window. It’s the time of the year when the region transforms into a fortress of solitude. Snow and ice close down the roads, mountain huts become uninhabited, and travel is restricted to Super Jeep Iceland highlands tours. 

Even in summer, the gorgeous views of the Highlands in Iceland come with a degree of challenge. While the irrational climate can be dealt with by packing proper equipment and wearing layered clothing, transportation is a problem that keeps on giving. Besides following Iceland's driving rules and tips, you’ll have to deal with uneven terrain, gravel roads, and several glacial passings—a killer combo for simple 2WD. While renting out a 4x4 and venturing into the interior is possible, understanding the risks is even more important in these parts! 

Highlands 4WD requirement is enforced by law, since simple 2WD vehicles can’t handle gravel surfaces and the environmental dangers of the region. Most guided tours in Iceland's Highlands use a 4x4 or Super Jeep, as they are more appropriate for passing the Tungnaá river and shifting landscapes. Still, you can rent a car and go on a self-driving adventure or travel with a Highland bus in Iceland to spots like Thórsmörk. 

Driving in the Highlands involves navigating F-roads in Iceland—gravel pathways connecting the island's middle and coastal regions in summer. These are considered Iceland's 4x4 roads, since uneven terrain is just one part of the problem. A drive through F208 (among other numbered paths) means traveling over glacial rivers like Tungnaá, where your speed decreases as you navigate through flowing water. While websites like Umferdin track the conditions of the roadways, here’s a basic rundown of the main ones you might encounter: 

The Highland road map consists mainly of F208, F26, F35, F88, F210, and F249, among many more branches. F26 and F35 are the longest, connecting the south with the north. F208, F88, F210, and F249 are localized, focusing on attractions like Landmannalaugar, Askja, Alftavatn, or Thorsmork. F210 and F249 are the roughest, since they pass through deep river crossings. F88 and F26 are a step lower in difficulty, while F208 and F35 are the easiest, with shallow or bridged flow overpasses. Most F-roads open up in June or July at the latest, and close down in August or September. 

Myths in the Highlands play into the remote nature of the region. It’s a go-to spot for criminals like Fjalla-Eyvindur and, if elf stories in Iceland are to be believed, the Huldufólk. These hidden creatures rest under rocks, and tourists report hearing them making noises throughout the area. According to Icelandic mythology, no matter how cute they appear, they’re always ready to punish those who disrespect the environment by trashing and harming it.  

The Highlands in Iceland are vast, raw, and untamed—a place where nature hasn’t been softened or shaped, but charges across the island in full force. This is Iceland stripped to the core: black deserts, steaming valleys, rainbow-colored mountains, and rivers that carve their way through uninhabited wilderness. It’s the best adventure in Iceland for hikers, with trails that lead through lava fields, rhyolite ridges, and glacier-fed canyons. If you’re asking why visit the Highlands, the answer lies in their total otherworldliness—Landmannalaugar’s bubbling pools, Thorsmork’s deep green valleys, and the wild freedom of traveling through a landscape that feels like nowhere else on Earth.