When are the Highlands open?

Only in summer — F-roads typically open late June to early September once the snow melts, and close again with the first autumn snows. Exact dates vary yearly; check road.is.

Do I need a 4x4 for the Highlands?

Yes, by law. Every Highland route is an F-road, which requires a 4x4; driving them in a 2WD is illegal, uninsured and dangerous.

What is Landmannalaugar?

A geothermal area in the Fjallabak reserve famous for rhyolite mountains in reds, greens and yellows, a natural hot bathing river, and the start of the Laugavegur trek.

How do I get to the Highlands without a car?

Take a Highland bus or a guided Super Jeep day tour from Reykjavík or the south coast to Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk or Askja in summer.

What is the Laugavegur trail?

Iceland's most famous multi-day hike, ~55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over 2–4 days, through geothermal fields, glaciers and gorges.

Can you cross rivers on Highland F-roads?

Some routes have unbridged river fords. Assess depth and current on foot first, cross slowly in low gear, and never attempt a river in flood.

A lush volcanic valley between three glaciers, reached by a river-heavy F-road (Super Jeep or bus recommended) — a hiking paradise and the end of the Laugavegur trek.

Is Askja worth visiting?

Yes — a remote caldera in the northeast Highlands with the Víti crater lake you can bathe in. It's a long, rugged drive best done by Super Jeep tour.

Can you visit the Highlands in winter?

Only on organised Super Jeep or snowmobile tours — the F-roads are closed and self-driving is impossible. Independent winter travel is not permitted.

Where do I stay near the Highlands?

Mountain huts and campsites at Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk and Kerlingarfjöll (book huts far ahead), or base in Hella/Hvolsvöllur on the edge of the south.

Afskekkt hálendi — aðeins að sumri

Icelandic Highlands
Travel Guide

Líparítfjöll í Landmannalaugum, gróðurvinin Þórsmörk, Öskju-askjan og erfiðustu fjallvegir Íslands — sumaróbyggð fyrir ævintýragjarna.

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From Reykjavík

3–5 h (F-roads)

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Gateway towns

Hella, Hvolsvöllur

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Best time

Jul–early Sep

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Nearest airport

Keflavík (KEF)

01Introduction

Hálendið: óbyggða hjarta Íslands

Hálendið er hin víðáttumikla, auða innviða landsins sem flestir gestir sjá aðeins úr fjarlægð frá hringnum um ströndina. Hér býr enginn. Það eru engir bæir, engar verslanir og engir malbikaðir vegir — aðeins malarvegir (F-vegir), óbrúaðar ár og með óraunverulegasta landslagi á jörðinni.

Þetta er staður öfganna: litríku líparítfjöllin og heita baðáin í Landmannalaugum; græna gróðurvinin Þórsmörk milli þriggja jökla; Askja með volgu gígvatni sínu; og endalausar svartar sandauðnir Sprengisands og Kjalar.

Hálendið opnast aðeins í stuttan sumarglugga og krefst raunverulegs undirbúnings — fjórhjóladrifs, kunnáttu í að fara yfir ár og fullkomins sjálfstæðis. Þeir sem eru án hentugs bíls geta samt náð hápunktunum í jeppa- og hálendisrútuferðum frá Reykjavík og suðrinu.

02Quick Facts