Iceland · Icelandic Highlands
Icelandic Highlands
Landmannalaugar, obsidian lava fields and highland routes
From Reykjavík
3–5 h (F-roads)
Gateway towns
Hella, Hvolsvöllur
Best time
Jul–early Sep
Nearest airport
Keflavík (KEF)
Road conditions
F-roads, 4x4 only
Top activity
Super Jeep & hiking
Must See
Featured Attractions
Iceland's most iconic sights in Icelandic Highlands
Explore
Icelandic Highlands Map
16 attractions mapped — filter by category and tap a pin.
Book an Experience
Popular Experiences
Top-rated guided tours in Icelandic Highlands
Know Before You Go
Travel Tips
Local know-how for exploring Icelandic Highlands
4x4 & F-roads
The Highlands are reachable only by F-roads, which legally require a 4x4. 2WD cars are prohibited and uninsured on them.
River crossings
Many F-roads have unbridged rivers. Never cross blind — walk it first, go slow and steady, and turn back if unsure.
Season
F-roads only open once snow clears — typically late June to early September. Check road.is for exact opening dates.
Self-sufficient
No fuel, shops or reliable signal inside the Highlands. Carry food, water, fuel and a paper map.
No car? No problem
Highland buses and Super Jeep day tours run from Reykjavík and the south to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk in summer.
Landmannalaugar
Soak in the natural hot river after hiking the rhyolite trails — bring a swimsuit and sandals for the walk in.
Current Weather
Hella, Icelandic Highlands
Live weather is temporarily unavailable — check the full forecast for current conditions.
Go Deeper
Related Guides
In-depth guides to plan your Icelandic Highlands trip
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Icelandic Highlands
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.
Keep Exploring
Nearby Regions
Easy extensions from Icelandic Highlands
Plan Your Icelandic Highlands Trip
Everything you need in one place
Start Your Adventure
Ready to explore Icelandic Highlands?
Plan your trip with AI, book tours, find hotels — everything in one place.
