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Central Highlands (Iceland) – Highlights + Video + Driving

Last updated on September 18, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Discover the Central Highlands of Iceland - The preserved and untamed highlands are a volcanic "desert": a mix of lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers and valleys. Below is a guide where you will find driving tips, a list of the highlights not to be missed, and some extra pictures just because it is so beautiful!

Destination travel guide - Plan your time in the Central Highlands of Iceland
Content
Video - Central Highlands in Iceland
How to visit the Highlands Iceland 
Iceland Highlands Map - main 4WD Tracks
Icelandic Highlands in Photos 
Highlands of the Iceland highlands HIGHLANDS
Other places to visit in the Central Highlands Iceland

Navigate back to the complete Iceland Travel Guide

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This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Video - Central Highlands in Iceland

Here is a short video (4 minutes) with the beautiful landscapes of the Central Highlands including waterfalls, volcanoes, lava fields and stunning mountains. I am sorry I shake a lot when I film; I hope you will still enjoy it and it will give you an idea of what you can expect. (Reminder: I visited in September).

Attention! Accessible only during the Summer months


How to visit the Highlands Iceland 

ATTENTION: the highlands are accessible by foot or 4WD vehicles only during the summer months.

Driving in the Highlands

Travelling through the highlands should not be decided on the spot. It requires planning with a 4WD vehicle, 4WD driving skills (including river crossing) and all the necessary equipment. Check out my post about driving in Iceland for road safety conditions.

The area is isolated and with the unpredictable Icelandic weather, the journey can become extreme. BE PREPARED!


Hiking in the highlands

If you can't drive, but are fit, you can do the amazing Laugavegur trek - (53 km - 3 to 4 days)

Group tour to Landmannalaugar

You can see a little bit of the Highlands via group tours. They only go to Landmannalaugar, but it is already worth it as it is a stunning area!
Check out this option


Superjeep with driver

But if you want a phenomenal experience without the worry of driving, I recommend hiring a driver and his superjeep. They know the areas very well and you can tailor the tour with them.
I did a tour of Thormosk as well as a drive on F208 to Lanmannalaugar and then to Hekla with a superjeep. Incredible memories.
Here you can find a tour with a program similar to my second one.

Driving in highlands Iceland


Accommodations

There are not many lodging options in the Highlands. You can find:

  • a campsite at Landmannalaugar
  • small cabin accommodations in Thorsmork - at the Volcano Huts- check ou photos and book
  • Cabins in Holaskjol, close to the waterfall - check out photos and availability
  • You can also wild camp - but make sure to check the weather forecast before and not to say too close to river beds.

Iceland Highlands Map - main 4WD Tracks

A practical map with the main tracks and the locations of the best places to visit in the region (like the one for the Snaefellsnes Peninsula) is available in my eBook:

small Road trip Iceland cover

Plan your perfect trip to Iceland!

  • 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
  • GPS + info to make the most of your time
  • 110+ original photos to get inspired

LEARN MORE


Icelandic Highlands in Photos 

Below is a small selection of pictures from the Highlands in Iceland to show you that the adventure is worth it!

Icelandic Highlands in Photos 1
Icelandic Highlands in Photos 2
Icelandic Highlands in Photos 3
Icelandic Highlands in Photos 4
Icelandic Highlands in Photos 5

Highlands of the Iceland highlands HIGHLANDS

Click on each places to discover more photos, info and planning tips.

Hjalparfoss and Thjofafoss waterfalls, Central Highlands

Hjalparfoss & Thjofafoss

Lesser known waterfalls with beautiful surroundings at the limit of the Central Highlands

Sigöldugljúfur hidden canyon iceland

Sigöldugljúfur (4WD)

An isolate canyon with many small waterfalls flowing on its cliffs. Off road of a 4WD road… truly isolated!

Hekla volcano Iceland

Hekla (4WD)

One of the most feared volcanoes in Iceland, known as the Gateway to Hell, a view well worth the climb.

landmannalaugar Iceland

​Landmannalaugar (4WD)

A very unique geothermal area in the middle of the Highlands with colorful mountains: pink, green, dark...

Road F208 central highlands Iceland

F208 through Central Highlands (4WD)

A 4WD road guiding you through some of the stunning valleys of the Central Highlands. 

Holaskjol waterfall Iceland

Holaskjol (4WD)

A valley with basalt columns that leads you to a waterfall with water swirling in small pools and then plunging under your feet.

Thorsmork hiking Iceland

Thorsmork (4WD)

​#12

A National Park quite different from the rest of Iceland with trees. This is the most popular hiking spot in Iceland.


Other places to visit in the Central Highlands Iceland

  • ASKJA - Volcanic Area: Reached from North Iceland and Lake Myvatn
  • VEIDIVOTN "50 LAKES" - This part of the country has about 50 lakes of various sizes (most are crater lakes) famous for hiking and trout fishing. 
  • LAKAGIGAR or LAKI - It is a volcanic fissure with is series of craters created from 1783 to 1784
  • OFAERUFOSS - A 2 step waterfall in the Eldgja chasm
  •  FRAGRIFOSS - a gentle "veil" waterfall on the way to Laki
  • LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL - Iceland's most popular hiking trail, 55km connecting Thorsmork and Landmannalaugar, you can also connect with Skogafoss.

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

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Iceland destination guide travel planning addict

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeff says

    March 13, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    Absolutely breathtaking! Definitely adding Iceland to my bucket list of places to visit!

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says

      March 16, 2015 at 10:19 AM

      Yes it is breathtaking! Thanks for your comment Jeff.

      Reply
  2. Brian Maseeh says

    July 7, 2017 at 8:05 AM

    Iceland is so green, unlike its name.
    I have been big fan since the EURO Cup 2016. Would love to make a visit. Am not sure how can I actually

    Reply

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