9 Spectacular Places In The Icelandic Highlands (Map Included)

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If there’s one place that I highly recommend you to visit it’s the Highlands in Iceland! After visiting the land of ice and fire already two times before I thought I had a pretty good grasp of what this stunning country had to offer. I was dead wrong.

Before I had only explored the main attractions along the Ring Road and the Snæfelsness Peninsula. And while all of these places remain drop dead gorgeous, they just can’t compare to the other worldly beauty of the Icelandic Highlands.

Even more, if I ever were to return to Iceland for a 4th time (we all know I will :p) I’ll probably just stick to just visiting the Highlands all together.

The best way to explore Iceland
🗺 Top Places to see in Iceland's Highlands
How to visit the Icelandic Highlands
Map of these beautiful places in the Icelandic Highlands

The best way to explore Iceland

I highly recommend traveling around Iceland in a campervan! My absolute favorite company to do so is 100% Happy Campers. I’ve rented a camper with them 3 times in a row and so far traveled around Iceland in 3 of their models.

Happy 1 – Perfect if you’re traveling solo
Happy 2 – Perfect if you’re traveling the ring road as a couple
Happy 4×4 – Perfect if you want to explore the Icelandic Highlands and drive on the F-roads

Renting a campervan in Iceland is hands down the best way to explore the country—it gives you total freedom to chase waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and pull over for jaw-dropping views whenever you want. No strict itineraries, no expensive hotels, just you, the open road, and endless adventure. Plus, with Iceland’s unpredictable weather, having a cozy van to escape the wind and rain is a game-changer. You can wake up to epic landscapes right outside your door and save money on food by cooking your own meals. If you want the ultimate Icelandic road trip experience, a campervan is the way to go!

🚐 EXPLORE ICELAND WITH HAPPY CAMPERS!

🗺 Top Places to see in Iceland’s Highlands

Below you’ll find my top selection of the most beautiful places in the Icelandic Highlands. And for your convenience I’ve also listed which F-road we took and what you can expect if you’re doing the same drive.

Now that you’re all up to speed on what it’s like traveling in this part of Iceland it’s time to share my top places to visit in the Icelandic Highlands!

1. Haifoss – The most impressive waterfall in Iceland’s Highlands

Haifoss is with its 122 meters one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland and it’s located close to the Hekla volcano, at the very edge of the Highlands.

To get there you don’t have to drive on an official F-road but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be extremely careful if you’re not driving a 4×4. The gravel road leading up to the parking lot is very bumpy and your rental car is never insured against damage underneath the car. From the parking lot it’s only 5 minutes walking to reach one of the best viewpoints.

Haifoss is one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. And right next to it you’ll find another waterfall that only adds to the beauty of this canyon.

It’s often overlooked by tourists cause it’s a little more out of the way. When we were there, there were only a handful of other people.

💡 TIP – You can also hike down into the canyon which I highly recommend. It will only add 1 hour to your total visiting time but you can actually get very close to Haifoss.

2. Sigöldugljufur – The most beautiful canyon in the Icelandic Highlands

Talking about paradise! Sigöldugljufur is one of those incredible hidden gems in Iceland that actually looks even better in real life! Located in the heart of the Highlands this canyon is filled with some of the bluest water I have ever seen and has waterfalls as far as the eye can see.

Sigöldugljufur is located in the Highlands and only accessible with a 4×4. If you only have short period of time to visit you can combine it with a day trip to Landmannalaugar. You can park your car here and simply follow the hiking trail across the road. Now for the longest time you’ll think you’re in the wrong place. But once you step a little closer to the canyon you’ll actually see its beautiful landscape instead of a barren wasteland. You’ll first take the F26 and then the F208. Both are unpaved gravel roads but the part right before you arrive atSigöldugljufur is extremely bumpy. So be cautious when driving here.

I guess it goes without saying that this is one of the most scenic places in entire Iceland. If you’re visiting the Highlands this is definitely one of the top places to visit.

And one of the best parts about visiting the Highlands in Iceland is that there’s way less tourists. 95% of them stay within the vicinity of the ring road so you’ll have this hidden gem all to yourself.

3. Landmannalaugar – The best place to go hiking in the Icelandic Highlands

Landmannalaugar is without a doubt one of the most beautiful regions in entire Iceland. It’s known for its rhyolite and rainbow colored mountains and as the starting point for the world famous Laugavegur Trail. The latter is a 4 day hike that will take you through the Highlands of Iceland and that ends at Thorsmork.

Landmannalaugar is a stunning area in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the heart of Iceland’s southern Highlands. The colorful region can be found nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field, a sweeping expanse of dried magma which originally formed in an eruption in 1477.

Landmannalaugar is located in the heart of Icelandic Highlands which means you can only get there with a proper 4×4 vehicle. On our way up we took the F26 and then the F208. This way we were able to add a visit to Haifoss and Sigöldugljufur to our itinerary before setting up camp at Landmannalaugar.

The F26 is a regular gravel road with a couple of bumps here and there but nothing too special.

The F208 on the other hand is very bumpy. While driving we could hear all of our cutlery clinging in the back of our van like crazy. Especially the part leading up to Sigöldugljufur was really bad. Afterwards while driving towards the Landmannalaugar campsite it became more of a gravel road again.

To reach the Landmannalaugar campsite you’ll always have to do 2 small river crossings since they’re right in front of the campsite. Again, no worries here if you’re driving a proper 4×4 vehicle! And if you’re unsure and don’t want to risk it there’s always the option to stay at the parking lot right in front of the river crossing. It’s possible to reach the campsite and hiking trails on foot from there as well.

4. Kerlingarfjöll & Hveradalir Geothermal Area – My favorite place in the Icelandic Highlands

Kerlingarfjöll is one of the most precious natural attractions in Iceland and is located in the central Highlands. It’s part of an active volcanic system and is home to one of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal areas.

The hills are a brown, nearly orange color and also made out of rhyolite, the same substance as the mountains in Landmannalaugar. It’s this rhyolite that gives them this rusty look and in between, the hills are sprinkled with vivid colors of blue, green, red and yellow. Then add the massive amount of steam coming straight from the ground and the bubbling hot springs spread throughout the area and you know you’ll be in for a treat.

Kerlingarfjöll is accessible via road F35, also called the Kjölur Route or Kjalvegur, from both North and South Iceland. The F35 is one of the best maintained F-roads on the entire island and from where you should drive inland totally depends on your itinerary.

There’s not a single river crossing along the entire F35 and only the last part that leads to the Kerinlingarfjöll Mountain Resort and the Hveradalir Parking is very bumpy and rocky.

5. Ljótipollur – A crater lake in the Icelandic Highlands

Ljótipollur is an explosion crater and crater lake in the south Highlands. Its name means ‘Ugly Puddle’, despite the fact that it’s an incredible beautiful site. It is part of the Veiðavötn volcanic area.

It’s located along the F208 to Landmannalaugar and you don’t need to cross any river to get here. You can drive up to the crater itself with your 4×4 or you can go on the 4-hour hike from Landmannalaugar.

6. The Red Craters of Iceland

These stunning red craters don’t have a specific location on Google Maps unfortunately. But I spotted them when we were on top of the crater that I mentioned above. So if you’re visitingLjótipollur you will definitely see them since you can’t miss their vibrant red color!

7. Aldeyarfoss

Another hidden gem that can be found in the Highlands is Aldeyjarfoss! This impressive and powerful waterfall is also surrounded by basalt columns and only a short detour from the ring road in North East Iceland.

Aldeyjarfoss is located along F26, one of the most dangerous F-roads in entire Iceland. But not to worry, the part leading towards this particular waterfall is still okay and doesn’t contain any river crossings. It is however very rocky and bumpy and may only be reached with a 4×4. There’s a small parking lot and from there you simply hike down to the waterfall.

The waterfall surrounded by the black columns looks absolutely insane and if you’re very lucky you’ll even see a small pool at the bottom. When I was there it had been too dry the last couple of weeks but otherwise it’s definitely worth checking out.

If you’re lucky you’ll have this place all to yourself. If not you’ll arrive together with a big tour bus. However they usually just have a look and then take off again so if you wait a little they’re gone before you know it.

💡 TIP – Since 2016 small flies are becoming a plague in the Northern part. ofIceland and there were a lot of them here. Bring some DEET with you just to be sure so you don’t get bitten.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

8. Thakgil

Thakgil is a breathtaking and secluded canyon located in Iceland’s southern highlands, near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Thakgil is surrounded by towering cliffs and steep canyons, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. The area is covered in vibrant green moss and vegetation during the summer, contrasting beautifully with the dark volcanic rock.

Thakgil is accessible by a gravel road, which can be rough in places. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for the journey, especially if conditions are wet or muddy. If planning to camp, bring all necessary camping gear and supplies. The campsite offers basic amenities, but it’s best to come prepared.

9. Mulagljúfur Canyon

There are some places in Iceland that seem too good to be true and the Múlagljúfur Canyon definitely is one of these. Imagine green mossy cliffs, birds flying through the mist, a canyon so deep that it could perfectly serve as a dragons lair and a waterfall coming straight out of a mountain. It’s not hard to see why this is one of the best hikes in Iceland!

Our hike to the Múlagljúfur Canyon was one of the highlights of our latest trip to Iceland. I’m not exaggerating when I say that once we reached the top of this hike we stayed there for an hour or two simply taking it all in. And what made the entire experience even better is that we were standing there all alone for the longest time.

How to visit the Icelandic Highlands

By Car

4×4 Vehicle – A 4×4 vehicle is essential for accessing the Highlands, as the roads (known as F-roads) are rough, unpaved, and often involve river crossings. Rental companies in Iceland offer a range of 4×4 vehicles suitable for these conditions.
Driving – Plan your route carefully. Some popular Highland routes include F26 (Sprengisandur), F35 (Kjölur), and F208 (to Landmannalaugar). Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, as Highland roads are often closed during winter and early spring.

By Bus

Highland Bus Services – During the summer months, bus companies like Reykjavik Excursions and Trex operate routes to various Highland destinations, including Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and Askja. These buses are equipped to handle the rough terrain and provide a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
Day Tours: Several tour operators offer guided day trips and multi-day tours to the Highlands, which include transportation and guided activities. This is a great option for those who want to explore the area without the hassle of driving.

Map of these beautiful places in the Icelandic Highlands

🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

If you have any questions about how to visit Iceland, let me know in the comment section below!

More information on Iceland

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