7 Tage
Highlands Adventure & Photo Spots
What you'll do
This itinerary is made for you who want to explore the Highlands of Iceland.
The Icelandic highlands are only open in summer. Exact opening dates depends on current conditions so it's always good to check before you go on www.road.is. Usually they open early June and close end of September when the first snow comes.
To drive in the highlands you must have a 4x4 vehicle. Some roads are passable with a smaller 4x4 (ex. a Dacia Duster), and some roads require a big 4x4 with Snorkel to cross deep rivers (ex. Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover Defender). The bigger car, the more places you can go.
The most important thing to know is that river crossings are never covered by the insurance. If you get water in the engine you will be liable to pay the full value of the car. In the summer most river crossings are possible to do with a smaller 4x4. But this of course depends on current conditions. If it has been raining a lot the rivers can be very deep and dangerous to cross.
This itinerary is designed to be possible to drive with a small 4x4 if conditions are good. Remember to always drive slow through rivers and never against the current. Always judge the conditions on the day and if you are unsure, wade out to see how deep it is.
Day 1
The Highlands do not have any supermarkets or fuel staions. Before you drive in, make sure you have a full tank and enough of supplies for your trip. Water is available at campsites and you can also fill from rivers along the way
car_rental
Hertz Car Rental
Best Car Rental
My favourite car rental company is without a doubt Hertz Car Rental!
For 10% discount applied at checkout, click the link below:
https://www.hertz.is/asasteinars-hertz/
Hertz is one of few rental companies that have a counter inside the airport, so you'll be much faster at picking up your vehicle on arrival.
They also have an extensive coverage around Iceland and a very good customer service. Most (If not all) of the cars come with unlimited mileage and zero hidden cost.
The unlimited mileage is a huge plus in Iceland as it can always be so tempting to drive down just one more road!
shop
Krónan
Supermarket
Kronan is the best supermarket in Iceland. This one is perfectly located along the highway. I recommend stopping here to pick up food for at least a 2-3 days if you are traveling by campervan.
Wasserfall
Hjalparfoss
Enchanting double waterfall
A double waterfall with a calm lagoon in front of it. I have often gone for a dip here as it's safe and no current in the river.
Wasserfall
Háifoss Car Park
The Highland's biggest waterfall
The biggest waterfall of the highlands. You will need a 4x4 to get here as the road is very bumpy. You park at the top and then there's a steep trail leading down to the bottom of it.
Wasserfall
Sigoldufoss
Pretty waterfall
When driving into the highlands you pass this waterfall. It's a parking lot stop and very accessible.
Wasserfall
Sigöldugljufur
The canyon of waterfalls
The canyon of waterfalls. To get here you need to park along the road that leads into Landmannalaugar and go for a short walk. It's about 20 min flat hike to get to the viewpoint of the valley.
Photospot
Highland craters
Gloomy black and red craters
On the other side of the road from Bláhylur you find these black and red craters. They can be hard to spot from the ground so a drone will really help.
Besichtigung
Bláhylur
A waterfilled volcanic crater
Bláhylur is a waterfilled volcanic crater. You can drive up to the lower part of the crater and park there. If you want the best view, hike up the steep hill. It is further than it looks, expect 20-30 minutes to get to the top. From here you'll have a great view over the crater and this is also the best photo spot. Bláhylur is great for droning.
Photospot
Frostastaðavatn
Beautiful lake viewpoint
This is a very spectacular view. There's a parking lot with viewpoint when you drive the road into Landmannalaugar. For best pictures I recommend to send the drone up and go high.
Be careful crossing the last river into Landmannalaguar. You will see many small 4x4 cars driving through it. That's not a guarantee it will work and every week many cars are drowned here. If you are unsure, it's better to stop at the parking lot before the river an walk in.
Campingplatz
Landmannalaugar Campsite
Landmannalaugar Campsite
Landmannalaguar is the main place of the highlands. This is also where you start/end the famous Laugarvegur trail. From Landmannalaugar there's plenty of shorter hikes to do and here's also a campsite and a hot spring. The most famous hike is to the "rainbow" mountains.