OVERVIEW

Iceland’s highlands are a vast, untamed wilderness where glaciers, volcanic peaks, lava fields, lush canyons, and rivers come together to create some of the country’s most dramatic and otherworldly landscapes. 

Remote and largely untouched, this region draws hikers, adventurers, and photographers seeking awe-inspiring scenery and solitude. From the vibrant rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs of Landmannalaugar to the rugged, moss-covered volcanic cone of Mælifell, the highlands offer an extraordinary variety of terrain. 

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to explore Iceland’s highlands on multiple occasions. From those adventures, we’ve created a ranking of the top 25 places, highlighting what makes each one so extraordinary. Join us as we share the landscapes, trails, and hidden gems that make the highlands unforgettable.

TOP 25 HIGHLAND DESTINATIONS

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar, deep in Iceland’s highlands, is a striking landscape of multicolored mountains, lava fields, and steaming geothermal springs. Its unique rhyolite peaks glow in shades of red, green, yellow, and orange, creating a spectacular panorama. 

Trails here weave through volcanic valleys, moss-covered lava, and natural hot springs, offering both short walks and multi-day hikes like the iconic Laugavegur Trail. The area’s geothermal pools provide a warm, relaxing escape amid the raw, rugged terrain. 

Our favorite experience was the 6-mile Bláhnúkur Brennisteinsalda Loop Trail. We trekked through lava fields, across wildflower meadows, and hike to the summit of two peaks with breathtaking views of the otherworldly terrain below.

Þórsmörk

Þórsmörk, tucked between glaciers and rivers in southern Iceland, is a remote valley of striking contrasts. Lush birch forests and vibrant moss blanket the landscape, while jagged peaks and glacial rivers carve dramatic scenery. 

The area is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that range from gentle walks to challenging multi-day treks, including routes connecting to the above mentioned Laugavegur Trail or the soon to be discussed Fimmvörðuháls Trail. 

Getting there can be difficult and even dangerous as it requires crossing several rivers, including the infamous Krossá. However, specially-equipped buses frequent the area from Reykjavik and Hella, providing a much safer journey.

Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjöll, located in Iceland’s central highlands, is a dramatic volcanic mountain range known for its steaming geothermal activity and rugged terrain. Colorful slopes of red, orange, and yellow contrast with surrounding dark lava fields and snow patches. 

The main geothermal area is known as Hveradalir, offering numerous hiking trails that wind though hot springs and fumaroles that dot the area, creating a surreal, almost alien atmosphere. 

The challenging 6-mile hike to Snækollur’s summit is an unforgettable adventure, offering spectacular views of Hveradalir and the vibrant rhyolite mountains surrounding it. 

I recommend staying at the centrally located Highland Base. Although expensive, it has amazing food, comfortable rooms, and serves as the trailhead to a remote hot spring suitable for bathing just 1 mile away.

Þakgil

Þakgil is a hidden gem in southern Iceland, nestled between volcanic cliffs and rolling green hills. This secluded area is known for its striking black sand, unusual rock formations, contrasting colors, and narrow canyon-like passages. 

At the heart of Þakgil lies a campground, with several small nearby caves inviting exploration. Trails wind throughout the area, providing access to panoramic views of surrounding mountains and distant glaciers. 

Our favorite experience was the 8 mile hike to Huldujökull Glacier. We traversed glacial streams and moss covered lava fields to the enormous icefield. Several waterfalls cascaded down into the vast canyon below, a truly marvelous sight.

Laki Craters

The Laki Craters, part of Iceland’s volcanic Eldgjá fissure system, form an impressive chain of volcanic cones stretching over 25 kilometers. This region, shaped by the massive 18th century eruption, features rugged lava fields, ash-covered valleys, and jagged volcanic formations. 

Getting there is not easy as the nearly two hour drive (from the Ring Road) features several river crossings, rough roads, and requires a reliable 4×4 vehicle. However, the towering Fagrifoss waterfall and the stunning scenery along the route make the journey far more enjoyable.

After arriving visitors can hike among the craters, chat with knowledgeable park rangers, or simply explore the area’s amazing landscape by vehicle. Lake Lambavatn and Tjarnargígur Crater are two must-see sites while exploring the area.

Langisjór

Langisjór is a remote highland lake in central Iceland, known for its deep blue waters and untouched surroundings. Flanked by rugged mountains and volcanic ridges, the lake stretches nearly 15 kilometers in length, offering unparalleled vistas. 

Its isolation and limited access preserve a sense of wilderness, attracting hikers and campers seeking solitude away from more frequented areas. The most popular hike in the area leads to the summit of Mount Sveinstindur, where you’re rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the turquoise lake below.

Askja

The turbulent 3-hour drive to Askja winds through the stark volcanic wilderness of north-central Iceland, but the payoff is immense: the vast blue expanse of Öskjuvatn, contrasted beautifully by the smaller, geothermal pool in the adjacent Víti caldera.

Formed during a series of eruptions in the 20th century, the area is home to colorful deserts of volcanic ash, the Dyngjufjöll mountains, and these two breathtaking lakes. A short trail leads from the car park to the caldera rim, where visitors witness one of the more unique attractions in Iceland’s highlands. 

Mælifell 

Mælifell is a striking volcanic cone in southern Iceland, standing prominently on the Mýrdalssandur glacial plain. Its near-perfect conical shape, often blanketed in vibrant green moss, stands out against the surrounding black sands and distant glaciers.

Formed from subglacial volcanic eruptions, the mountain showcases Iceland’s dynamic geological forces. Remote and reachable only by the rugged highland F-roads, Mælifell attracts hikers and photographers with its picturesque beauty and dramatic scenery.

Mulagljúfur Canyon

Múlagljúfur Canyon, located in southeastern Iceland, is a stunning natural gorge carved by glacial rivers over centuries. Steep cliffs frame the winding river below, while moss and hardy vegetation cling to its walls. 

A 4-mile out-and-back trail follows the canyon’s western edge, offering incredible viewpoints along the way. Hikers encounter two impressive waterfalls—Hangandifoss midway through the journey and Múlafoss at the end, providing a memorable finale.

Fimmvörðuháls and Waterfall Way

Fimmvörðuháls is a challenging 15-mile point-to-point trail linking Skógar on the southern Icelandic coast to Þórsmörk in the central highlands. The first part of this journey, commonly referred to as “Waterfall Way, passes along a series of approximately 25 cascading waterfalls, including the famous Skógafoss.

Further north, hikers encounter dramatic craters, lava fields, and the even pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Some travelers choose to spend the night in one of the two mountain huts along the route, while others continue onward into the majestic Þórsmörk valley.

Stórurð

Stórurð, often referred to as “The Giant Boulders,” is a captivating natural formation nestled in the Urdardalur valley of East Iceland, near the village of Borgarfjörður Eystri. This unique landscape features massive boulders, likely deposited by retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, scattered across lush meadows and serene turquoise ponds. 

The area is framed by the towering Dyrfjöll mountain range, adding to its dramatic beauty. Accessible via several marked hiking trails, including routes from Vatnskarð and Njarðvík, Stórurð offers a moderate to challenging hike, taking approximately 4–5 hours round trip. 

Bláfjallafoss 

Bláfjallafoss is a striking waterfall in Iceland’s highlands, where glacial meltwater cascades over dark volcanic rock. Adventurers driving through the region often cross the river above the falls, adding to the sense of remoteness and challenge. 

The route beyond Bláfjallafoss leads toward the iconic green cone of Mælifell, making it a scenic waypoint on the journey through one of Iceland’s most dramatic and rugged landscapes.

Sigöldugljúfur

Sigöldugljúfur, often called the “Valley of Tears,” sits near the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland’s southern highlands. Fed by the Tungnaá River, dozens of streams pour over the canyon’s edges, forming countless waterfalls that shimmer against the volcanic cliffs. Accessible via F-roads, it’s a breathtaking stop for hikers and photographers seeking dramatic, less-visited scenery.

Háifoss

Háifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, plunges 120 meters into a deep canyon in the Þjórsárdalur valley. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and basalt formations, it creates a dramatic and powerful spectacle. 

Accessible via a highland road and short hiking trails, the site offers panoramic views of the falls and the Þjórsá River below. Its remote setting and striking natural beauty make Háifoss a must-see for adventurers and photographers alike.

Rauðufossar

Rauðufossar, or the “Red Falls,” is a waterfall in Iceland’s southwestern highlands, named for the iron-rich volcanic rock that gives the cliffs a reddish tint. Water tumbles over mossy lava formations, creating vivid contrasts of color. 

Reached by marked hiking trails, it offers quiet surroundings, scenic viewpoints, and strong insight into the volcanic geology that defines the region.

Skaftafell and Svartifoss

Skaftafell, located within Vatnajökull National Park, is a prime destination in southeast Iceland for hikers and nature lovers. The area showcases a variety of landscapes, from glaciers and snow-capped peaks to fertile valleys and river plains.

One of the most popular hikes leads to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by striking hexagonal basalt columns. This geological feature highlights the volcanic forces that shaped Iceland’s terrain, with its dark cliffs creating a dramatic backdrop for the tumbling water. 

Hnausapollur (Bláhylur) and Point Ljótipollur View Points

Hnausapollur, also called Bláhylur, is a striking volcanic crater lake in Iceland’s southern highlands, formed during an eruption about 1,200 years ago. A short detour from the Fjallabak route provides access, and the viewpoints around the crater showcase its deep blue waters that contrast sharply with the surrounding red and black volcanic slopes.

Nearby, Ljótipollur offers another remarkable viewpoint. Despite its name, meaning “Ugly Puddle,” the crater reveals brilliant blue-green water framed by steep red walls. The trail to its rim is relatively short, giving visitors panoramic views of the lake and surrounding highlands. 

Hvannagil and Lónsöræfi 

Hvannagil Canyon, is a well kept secret in southern Iceland near the coastal town of Höfn. A gravel road leads to a network of hiking trails that meander throughout the area’s colorful rhyolite mountains, golden sands, and narrow ravines. 

Not far from Hvannagil is the remote wilderness of Lónsöræfi. To get here, visitors need to cross the treacherous Skyndidalsá River. Often compared to Landmannalaugar for its colorful peaks and dramatic landscapes, Lónsöræfi remains far less visited, making its untouched beauty and solitude a true hidden gem of Iceland’s highlands.

Aldeyjarfoss 

Aldeyjarfoss is an impressive waterfall in northern Iceland, where glacial waters plunge over hexagonal basalt columns into a deep pool below. Located along the Skjálfandafljót River, it is reachable via F-roads and a short hike, making it accessible for most travelers. 

Rauðaskál Crater

Rauðaskál Crater is a volcanic formation in the western highlands that is known for its red-hued slopes and rugged terrain. Accessible via F225 near the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, the crater interior combines dark lava rocks with the rich colors of the crater walls, creating a vivid geological display. 

Stútur Crater

Stútur Crater, located on the doorstep of Landmannalaugar, is a prominent volcanic cone formed from explosive eruptions. Its steep slopes and rugged rim rise above surrounding lava fields, offering dramatic views of the barren, otherworldly landscape. 

A steep trail allows hikers to walk along the crater’s rim and witness Iceland’s raw geological activity up close, while a nearby viewpoint offers a broader perspective of its impressive scale and beauty.

Huldufoss and Ófærufoss

South of Landmannalaugar along the scenic F208 highland road lies Huldufoss. The hidden waterfall is renowned for its serene beauty. A narrow trail leads along the water as it cascades gracefully over moss-covered cliffs into a clear, tranquil pool below. 

Not far away is Ófærufoss, another captivating waterfall. Located in Iceland’s Þjórsárdalur valley, its two elegant, parallel streams are framed by hexagonal basalt columns. Accessible via a 1.5-mile hiking trail through grassy slopes, Ófærufoss offers visitors a sense of solitude and unmatched natural beauty.

Stuðlagil Canyon

Stuðlagil Canyon in eastern Iceland is renowned for its towering basalt columns and striking turquoise river, formed by glacial floods. The canyon showcases some of the country’s most impressive volcanic rock formations, drawing geologists and photographers alike. 

Accessible by short hikes from either side, it offers excellent viewpoints for experiencing its dramatic scenery up close.

Hengifoss & Litlanesfoss

Hengifoss, in eastern Iceland’s highlands, is the country’s third-tallest waterfall, plunging 128 meters over cliffs striped with red clay and dark basalt. On the way to it, hikers pass Litlanesfoss, a smaller but equally striking waterfall framed by perfectly formed hexagonal basalt columns.

Both waterfalls are reached by a 3-mile out-and-back trail that begins at a designated parking lot with facilities. The well-marked path ascends gradually, offering expansive views of east Iceland’s valleys and lakes. With its combination of geological wonders and dramatic cascades, this hike is one of the region’s most rewarding.

Gjáin

Gjáin, in the Þjórsárdalur valley, is a small but stunning oasis in western Iceland, surrounded by volcanic cliffs and mossy lava fields. It features numerous springs, streams, and waterfalls, with lush vegetation making it one of Iceland’s more unique landscapes.

Easily accessible from Reykjavik or a short detour from the Golden Circle, Gjáin has well-marked trails that let visitors wander among cascades and pools. Its compact size makes it easy to explore in an hour, while offering endless opportunities for photography and a glimpse of Iceland’s diverse beauty.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

This ranking of 25 must-see destinations in Iceland’s highlands showcases the extraordinary diversity of the region. From vividly colored rhyolite mountains and volcanic craters to deep canyons, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping glacial valleys, each location offers a different perspective on Iceland’s dramatic geology and raw beauty. 

Some of these places can be reached by short walks or highland roads, while others demand river crossings or challenging hikes. Together, they reveal why the highlands remain one of Iceland’s most remarkable wilderness areas—remote, untamed, and unforgettable for those who make the journey.