IcelandTravel guide

The Icelandic Highlands

The Icelandic Highlands are a vast, sparsely inhabited region of volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, geothermal areas and dramatic mountain roads.

01 / Overview

About the Highlands

Beyond Iceland's settled lowlands lies a remote landscape of open wilderness, rough terrain and long distances between services. Its isolation is part of the appeal, but makes careful planning essential.

02 / Seasons

When can I travel in the Highlands?

Highland access depends on snow, thaw and road conditions. F-road opening dates vary from year to year, and conditions can change quickly even after a road opens.

Check immediately before departure. Use the Icelandic Road Administration for roads and the Met Office for weather. umferdin.is

03 / F-roads

F-roads in the Highlands

These records come from the same database as the F-road pages and link directly to each route.

F206Laki RoadDifficulty: Moderate · 4x4F208Fjallabak North RouteDifficulty: Challenging · 4x4 · river crossingsF210Fjallabak South RouteDifficulty: Challenging · 4x4 · river crossingsF223Eldgja Road4x4
View all F-roads

Places in the Highlands

Places are selected through their recorded F-road relationships—not a fixed list.

Álftavatn Álftavatn is located along the Laugavegur trail, the famous hiking route between Landmannalaugar an…Borhola KerlingarfjöllBorholan is a popular and unique natural hot spring located in Kerlingarfjöll , within the scenic Á…DrekagilEmstruskáliThe Iceland Touring Association huts at Botnar in Emstrur are located on the Laugavegur Trail betwe…FrostastaðavatnFrostastaðavatn is a beautiful highland lake located in the Landmannalaugar region of Iceland’s int…HerðubreiðHerðubreið is a 1,682-metre-high table mountain located north of Vatnajökull glacier. It rises from…

Highland hiking

No related records are currently available.

Explore more places and trails

Mountain huts in the Highlands

EmstruskáliCapacity: 60

Highland hot springs and geothermal areas

Borhola KerlingarfjöllBorholan is a popular and unique natural hot spring located in Kerlingarfjöll , within the scenic Á…Laugafell Hot PoolLaugafellslaug is a geothermal pool located beneath the northern slopes of Laugafell, northeast of…Víti at AskjaVíti is the largest explosive in Askja. The crater is at the northern end of the water, and there i…
04 / Safety

Highland safety

Monitor weather and roads, expect limited mobile coverage and carry food, water and warm equipment. Refuel early, leave a travel plan and turn back when rivers or conditions are uncertain.

Changing weather
Limited coverage
Rivers
F-roads
Fuel and distances
Food and water
Leave a travel plan
Recheck roads and weather

Choose the right vehicle

F-roads require a vehicle that meets current rules, but four-wheel drive alone does not make every vehicle suitable for every route or river. Check the route, conditions and rental terms before leaving.

Read the driving guide
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When do F-roads open?

There is no fixed date. Opening depends on snow, thaw and each road's condition; always check the latest official road information.

Do I need a 4x4 in the Highlands?

On F-roads you need a vehicle that meets current requirements. Other highland roads and conditions vary, so assess the specific route.

May I drive off-road?

No. Stay on marked roads and tracks to protect fragile nature.

Are fuel and mobile coverage always available?

No. Services and coverage can be far away; plan fuel stops and carry a backup plan.

Where are mountain huts?

Registered huts are shown below. Always verify access, opening and booking with the operator.