198 km198 km123 mi from Reykjavík · ~4h 0m · Requires 4x4 (F-road access)
Live images from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin). Click to enlarge.
The most forgiving highland approach is from the west: Route 26 past Hekla, then F208 north - graded gravel with no river crossings until the final ford at the camp itself. The usual approach is to leave the car at the large car park before the Námskvísl ford and walk the footbridge path in rather than drive the ford. Typically open mid-June to late September. Highland buses run daily in season if you'd rather not take your own car.
A 4x4 is legally required on F-roads, and a 2WD rental’s insurance is void the moment it turns onto one. What that means for your rental →
Highland nature reserve surrounding Torfajökull volcano. Rainbow rhyolite mountains, hot springs, hiking trails. 4x4 required.
Requires 4x4
Largest volcanic canyon in the world. 40km long, up to 600m wide. Part of the Katla volcanic system. Ófærufoss waterfall inside. 4x4 recommended.
Requires 4x4
Beautiful valley between glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. Lush green, river crossings. 4x4 required.
Requires 4x4
Volcanic crater row from the devastating 1783 eruption. 130 craters stretching 27km. F-road access required.
Requires 4x4
Dramatic 100m deep canyon carved by a glacial river. Lush green walls, winding river below. Featured in Justin Bieber's music video.
Glacier tongue descending from Mýrdalsjökull. Popular for guided glacier hikes. Visible from Route 1 parking lot.