Central Highlands (Iceland) – Highlights + Video + Driving

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!

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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.

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:

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!

Highlands of the Iceland highlands HIGHLANDS

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

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?