About
Highlands
Iceland’s Wild and Untamed Interior
The Icelandic Highlands are the most remote, dramatic, and otherworldly part of the country. This vast interior wilderness is defined by raw volcanic landscapes, colorful mountains, black sand deserts, powerful rivers, and some of the most unique scenery you will find anywhere in the world.
This is where places like Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, Askja, and Sprengisandur reveal a side of Iceland that feels truly untouched. The Highlands are shaped by constant geological forces, and the landscape often looks more like another planet than anywhere else in Europe.
Unlike most other regions in Iceland, the Highlands are not about quick stops along the road. This is a region for real exploration. Distances are long, conditions can be challenging, and the rewards are enormous. Here you’ll find endless open spaces, total silence, and a deep sense of adventure that you simply cannot experience in more accessible parts of the country.
Highlands
Our Local Advice
The Highlands are best suited for travelers who want something truly special and are prepared for rough roads and changing conditions. A 4×4 vehicle is absolutely required, and you should always check road conditions, river crossings, and weather forecasts before heading in.
Plan fewer destinations per day and give yourself extra time. This is not a place to rush. The Highlands are about the journey, the landscapes, and the feeling of being far away from everything.
If you want to experience the wild heart of Iceland, the Highlands are as epic and unforgettable as it gets.
Popular Tours
- 6-8Hours
- Easy
- South Coast
Discover Iceland’s Wilderness on the Ultimate Super Jeep Adventure
39.000 ISK
adventure
- 8-9Hours
- Easy
- South Coast
Discover Rhyolite Peaks and Mesmerizing Geothermal Landscapes
45.000 ISK
Adventure
Small Group
- 8-9 Hours
- Easy
- South Coast
Get well off the beaten track and experience remote volcanic wilderness
45.000 ISK
small group
- 9-13 Hours
- Easy
- Reykjavík
Southcoast Adventure Rhyolite Slopes, Hidden Springs, and untamed Landscapes Of the Highlands
25.990 ISK
Hiking Tour
Attractions
Your questions answered
Common questions
When is the Highlands open?
The Highlands are usually only accessible in summer, typically from late June to early or mid-September, depending on snow and weather conditions. Outside of this period, most Highland roads (F-roads) are closed and cannot be driven.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive in the Highlands?
Yes, a 4×4 is absolutely required to travel in the Highlands. Roads are rough, unpaved, and often involve river crossings. Normal two-wheel-drive cars are not allowed on F-roads and are not suitable for these conditions.
Is it safe to drive in the Highlands?
It can be safe if you are well prepared, but the Highlands are remote and conditions can change quickly. You should always check road and weather conditions, inform someone of your plans, carry proper gear, and avoid routes with river crossings if you are not experienced.
Can I visit the Highlands without driving myself?
Yes, you can visit the Highlands with guided super jeep tours or bus transfers to places like Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, and Þórsmörk. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with rough roads, river crossings, or navigation on your own.