By Monika
How to Visit the Highlands of Iceland – 15 Essential Tips for a Safe Road Trip.
Dreaming of an adventure in the Highlands of Iceland? This remote and breathtaking region is unlike anywhere else, with rugged landscapes, glacier views, and endless volcanic scenery.
But driving in the Highlands isn’t your typical road trip – you’ll need the right car, at least a basic understanding of potential river crossings, and a good safety plan to make the most of your journey.
We’ve driven on F-roads during our trips to Iceland adventures and we absolutely loved it. It is one-of-a-kind experience and a wonderful adventure BUT you have to be prepared.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know for your first trip to the Icelandic Highlands, from choosing the right car to understanding F-road conditions and staying safe in this wild and beautiful part of the country.
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What are the Highlands of Iceland?
It’s the remote, uninhabited interior region of the country. Still wild and unspoiled, this region is known for its incredible hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Where are the Highlands?
As I mentioned above, the Icelandic Highlands are located in the interior area of the country.
If you look at the map of Iceland, you’ll find them on the inside of the Ring Road (the main road encompassing the perimeter of Iceland, marked in red in the picture).
Best time to visit the Highlands
The Icelandic Highlands are only accessible in the summer. There is no winter service in that area, and outside of the summer months it’s only accessible to specially modified vehicles, like super-jeeps.
The roads leading to the Highlands typically open sometime in June and close in September.
I say “sometime” as it is widely dependent on the weather conditions. More on how to check Highlands roads accessibility a little later in this article.
How to get to the Highlands in Iceland
To get to the Highlands, you will need to drive on F-roads.
What are F-roads?
They are unpaved, rough roads of various levels of difficulty as far as driving on them. Some are just a little bumpy, some are a little more challenging to navigate and some have rivers to cross.
Since this is a guide about the Icelandic Highlands self-drive for beginners, I’ll let you know which F-roads are best to start with as first-time visitors.
Here is a list of tips and important things to consider before you venture out to the Highlands for the first time.
Follow this checklist and plan ahead for a stress-free and safe experience.
How to visit the Highlands of Iceland
1. Choose the right time to go
As I mentioned earlier, traveling to the Highlands of Iceland is only possible in the summer months, between June (usually late June) and September.
You can check the opening dates on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s official website
There is a link to a brochure there as well, with helpful information and opening dates from the past years to give you an idea of when you may be able to go there.
The decision to open the F-roads to visitors is dependent on weather conditions and is made with safety in mind.
Always check the road status before you head out. Even in the summer, there may be random road closures due to rain, mud, unexpected snowfall and other reasons making the mountain roads temporarily impassable.
2. Check the road status and the weather forecast
You already know how to check the road status from the previous paragraph, but don’t forget to check the weather forecast as well!
Please don’t check it on your phone’s weather app, that will not give you accurate information. The only reliable weather forecast source is vedur.is.
If you have some wiggle room in your itinerary try to pick a dry, clear day, with minimal wind. The views will be incredible and driving and hiking that much better.
We were lucky to have those glorious sunny days during our visit.
Just remember that checking the weather in Iceland too far in advance is pointless, as it will change. Check it a couple of days before your trip and re-check the day of your visit.
3. Check your route for river crossings
When choosing your Highlands destinations, check your route carefully. Does it have river crossings? If it does, are they considered easy, medium or severe?
If you’re traveling to the Highlands for the first time, I personally would recommend avoiding routes with river crossings, however, if you ‘re feeling confident and adventurous, make sure to only attempt it in a river-crossing approved vehicle (read below!) and get familiar with the river crossing rules.
River crossing basics:
- Assess the water depth (wade in or use a hiking pole) – the water should never reach the top of your tires
- Cross with the flow of the river, not against it
- Stay within the yellow markers or ropes indicating the shallowest and safest path
- Drive slowly and maintain constant speed
- Make sure 4×4 mode is engaged
- Don’t change gears when driving through the river
4. Choose the right vehicle
You need a 4×4 vehicle to drive in the Highlands.
Those mountain roads, even the easiest ones, are not suitable for 2WD cars. I recommend an SUV with solid ground clearance. The bigger the car, the more comfortable your drive will be.
5. Get proper car insurance
I recommend to always get full insurance when renting a car in Iceland, but it’s especially important if you’re planning to drive in the Highlands.
Full insurance package usually includes a collision damage waiver, sand and ash protection, and F-road insurance, which covers any damage from your travels on Iceland’s mountain roads.
LEARN MORE about driving in Iceland, including in the Highlands: Driving in Iceland – Essential Tips for a Great Road Trip.
For the best car rental experience, book with the company I always book with – Blue Car Rental – or another fantastic local company – Lava Car Rental – and get a 5% discount automatically applied to your reservation!
6. Have a full tank of gas
There are no services in the Highlands, which means that there are no gas stations. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you embark on your adventure!
7. Bring food and drinks
No services also means no stores and no way to get supplies. Some popular tourist destinations like Landmannalaugar or Kerlingarfjöll have lodges, cafes, or small stores, but as a general rule, you should bring food, drink and snacks to last you for the duration of your trip.
8. Bring a trash bag
There are no trash cans along the roads in the Highlands. Please keep that area unspoiled and don’t litter – bring a trash bag and collect your trash till you can dispose of it properly.
9. Pack for 4 seasons
We know that the weather in Iceland is changeable, but the weather in the Highlands is even more finicky.
You are very likely to encounter all four seasons in one day, so always bring clothes for all possibilities and be prepared for harsh weather conditions. You’re better off carrying things you won’t need than needing something you don’t have.
You may have a beautiful day like we did when we drove Road F-35 (as in the picture above) but have spare layers in the car, and if you plan to hike, carry them in your day backpack.
If you need help packing the right things for your trip to Iceland, follow my practical AND budget-friendly Iceland packing list!
10. Stay connected
The cell phone reception in Iceland is excellent, however it can be spotty in the Highlands, especially in the more remote areas.
I recommend renting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot from your car rental company, which will keep you safely connected in case of emergency.
You can also stay connected during your trip with an eSIM like Airalo, Saily or Sim Local – they are reliable and easy to install.
11. Bring a map
If all else fails, always have a backup paper map for your route.
I LOVE this Iceland Adventure and Travel Map and always carry it with me. It is very easy to read and – VERY IMPORTANT – it has GAS STATIONS listed! (see tip #6)
As an alternative, download your route map to your phone so you can use it online if needed.
12. Download essential safety apps
Throughout this article I mentioned some websites you should be checking before and during your Highlands adventure. They all have apps, which I recommend you download on your phone for easy access on the go:
Download:
- Road.is app (for road status)
- Vedur.is app (for weather conditions)
- Safetravel.is app (road/weather alerts and safety updates)
READ MORE: Best Apps for Iceland – What I Use, Love and Recommend!
13. Know your emergency contact numbers
Iceland’s emergency services can be reached by dialing #112
You should also have the number for your car rental company handy in case you need assistance.
Safetravel.is app has a very convenient option to request help under the “hiking” section.
14. Don’t go alone
I don’t recommend driving in the Highlands alone but I know that there are people who do that. If you’re visiting that area solo, you should definitely download the safetravel.is app and submit your travel plan through the app, so that you can get help easier and faster in case of an emergency.
The app also allows you to periodically check in with your location, which is very helpful (see above)
15. Don’t go off road
There are so many reasons why! First and foremost, it’s illegal, but it can also be unsafe and will damage fragile Icelandic nature, so stay on the road!
👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!
Best places to visit for first-time visitors to the Highlands of Iceland
If you’ve never been to the Highlands before, I recommend starting with the easiest-to-reach locations, like the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar in Fjallabak Nature Reserve (Southern Highlands) and Hveradalir Geothermal Area in Kerlingarfjöll.
They also happen to have amazing landscapes, great hiking trails, and very scenic drives.
Not quite ready to venture into the remote lands? Check out Þjórsárdalur (Thjorsardalur) Valley – just at the edge of the Icelandic Highlands – and let it surprise you just like it surprised me!
What to do in the Highlands
The Highlands are known for their amazing hiking trails. Some of the epic trails include the Bláhnúkur – Brennisteinsalda Loop in Landmannalaugar or the trails in the geothermal valley of Hveradalir in Kerlingarfjöll.
There are also natural hot springs in those areas and one in Hveravellir located along the northern stretch of road F-35.
You’ll find breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers – the list is endless!
Not Ready to Drive? Here Are Great Alternatives!
Visit the Highlands with a tour
There are many guided tours from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll and Thórsmörk (Þórsmörk) – which I didn’t mention earlier as it’s a stunning but NOT easy to get to part of the Highlands due to difficult river crossings.
I also opted for a tour to visit the Laki Craters – I knew I wasn’t up for the many river crossings on that route and also loved the ride in a Super Jeep!
Read all about my experience, watch a short video of the ride and find out why taking the tour turned out to be a great idea in my guide to Laki Craters.
Take the Highland bus
If you prefer to explore on your own but aren’t up for driving in the Highlands, the Highland bus is a great alternative.
It has routes to Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk, with stops in a few towns on the way.
Is visiting the Highlands of Iceland worth it?
A visit to the Highlands of Iceland is worth every effort to get there!
We started our second trip to Iceland with a visit to Kerlingarfjöll and finished it with a visit to Landmannalaugar and those two adventures are still on the list of my fondest memories of Iceland.
The Highlands are raw, rugged and simply breathtaking!
Where to Stay in the Highlands
You can stay overnight in the Highlands, and you have quite a few accommodation options.
The most popular ones are campsites and mountain huts (the huts have to be booked well in advance), but there is also the Hveravellir Lodge and the Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll.
To see how you can fit a visit to the Highlands into your travel plan, check out our 10-day Ring Road & the Highlands Itinerary!
Let me help you plan your trip!
Get organized with this printable, fillable 45-page ICELAND TRAVEL PLANNER – keep track of flights, hotels, tours, daily itineraries and even your trip budget!
BONUS! The planner has journal pages for your memories!
You may also like:
- 6-day Iceland Itinerary (How to See the Best of Iceland in a Short Time)
- First Trip to Iceland Travel Tips – All You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip.
- Möðrudalur – a Complete Guide to the Most Charming Farm in Iceland.
- Golden Circle in One Day – Full Guide to the Main Stops and Best Detours.
- Múlagljúfur Canyon – a Step-By-Step Guide to an Amazing Hike.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula – A Complete Guide and Top Things to See.
- Best Things to Do in Vik, Iceland – Your Ultimate Guide.
- Reykjadalur Valley – a Beautiful Hike to a Hot River (+ Tips For the Best Experience)
- Brúarfoss – How to Visit Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.
For more Iceland inspiration and travel guides click HERE.
Need more help planning your trip? Join my Explore Iceland: Travel Tips & Advice FB Group community to ask questions, share your experiences, plus get expert travel tips and advice from a supportive community of Iceland enthusiasts! Join today!
🎙️ Prefer to listen to the travel guides instead? Check out my Explore Iceland Travel Podcast and easily plan your trip on the go!
About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”
