Highlands Adventure & Photo Spots

Ása Steinars - (asasteinars)
Itinerary created by
Ása Steinars
What you’ll do

This itinerary is made for you who want to explore the Highlands of Iceland.

The Icelandic highlands are only open in summer. Exact opening dates depends on current conditions so it's always good to check before you go on www.road.is. Usually they open early June and close end of September when the first snow comes.

To drive in the highlands you must have a 4x4 vehicle. Some roads are passable with a smaller 4x4 (ex. a Dacia Duster), and some roads require a big 4x4 with Snorkel to cross deep rivers (ex. Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover Defender). The bigger car, the more places you can go.

The most important thing to know is that river crossings are never covered by the insurance. If you get water in the engine you will be liable to pay the full value of the car. In the summer most river crossings are possible to do with a smaller 4x4. But this of course depends on current conditions. If it has been raining a lot the rivers can be very deep and dangerous to cross.

This itinerary is designed to be possible to drive with a small 4x4 if conditions are good. Remember to always drive slow through rivers and never against the current. Always judge the conditions on the day and if you are unsure, wade out to see how deep it is.

The Highlands do not have any supermarkets or fuel staions. Before you drive in, make sure you have a full tank and enough of supplies for your trip. Water is available at campsites and you can also fill from rivers along the way

1

Choose the option that fits you the best

Blue Car Rental
Blue Car Rental
Best Car Rental
Category
Car Rental
Direction
See more
CampEasy Iceland
CampEasy Iceland
The best campervans of Iceland
Category
Car Rental
Est. Price
$$
Direction
See more

6.8 km (4.2 mi)

9 min

2

Krónan
Krónan
Supermarket
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
Any
Direction
See more

156.6 km (97.3 mi)

2 hr 1 min

3

Hjalparfoss
Unlock to see location
Enchanting double waterfall
Category
Waterfall
Direction

19.6 km (12.2 mi)

27 min

4

Háifoss Car Park
Unlock to see location
The Highland's biggest waterfall
Category
Waterfall
Direction

42.5 km (26.4 mi)

45 min

5

Sigoldufoss
Unlock to see location
Pretty waterfall
Category
Waterfall
Direction

4.5 km (2.8 mi)

12 min

6

Sigöldugljufur
Unlock to see location
The canyon of waterfalls
Category
Waterfall
Direction

14.4 km (8.9 mi)

33 min

7

Highland craters
Unlock to see location
Gloomy black and red craters
Category
Photospot
Direction

1.8 km (1.1 mi)

3 min

8

Bláhylur
Unlock to see location
A waterfilled volcanic crater
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

4.9 km (3 mi)

9 min

9

Frostastaðavatn
Unlock to see location
Beautiful lake viewpoint
Category
Photospot
Direction

4.1 km (2.5 mi)

9 min

Be careful crossing the last river into Landmannalaguar. You will see many small 4x4 cars driving through it. That's not a guarantee it will work and every week many cars are drowned here. If you are unsure, it's better to stop at the parking lot before the river an walk in.

10

Choose the option that fits you the best

Landmannalaugar Campsite
Landmannalaugar Campsite
Landmannalaugar Campsite
Category
Campsite
Est. Price
$
Direction
See more

Want to see more?

Simply sign up to access the free version of my travel guide, featuring things to do, itineraries, and travel tips.