A vast and fascinating area, isolated, raw and rugged – once visited, never forgotten. This is a region where visitors feel humbled by lofty scenery and Mother Nature’s awesome talent. A 4WD, high clearance vehicle is an absolute must, unless taking a guided tour.
Remote gravel roads traverse the highlands, offering far-reaching views of the ice caps when the weather is clear. Sprengisandur is the longest of the unpaved roads at over 200km and it begins near the Hekla volcano in the south ending at Godafoss in the north, crossing lava and vast ancient ice-age moraines. In some areas there are rivers which need fording and only 4WD high-clearance vehicles can cover this entire desolate and quite stark area during the summer months, although scheduled buses also cover parts. Kjolur, to the west, is also unpaved, passing the Kerlingarfjoll rhyolite ranges and Hveravellir, a colourful geothermal area.
No two explorers are the same, so you have the freedom to craft your experience exactly how you want.
Trip ideas
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Thorsmork Hiking Adventure
Iceland EscortedExplore Thorsmork on this small group trek.
From £1690 Excluding Flights
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Northern Lights and Highlands Adventure
Iceland Self Drive Short BreakThis 5-night break combines a stay at three locations, each perfect for observing the northern lights.
From £1330 Excluding Flights
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Reykjavik Lights and Highland Highlights
Iceland Short BreakCombine the buzz of Iceland's capital city with a stay at a remote highland retreat on this short break.
From £936 Excluding Flights
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Highlands and Lowlands
Iceland Self DriveCombine 'Top Gear' with 'Volcano Live' and you have the general theme of this fantastic itinerary
From £3600 Excluding Flights
Trip experiences
Accommodation ideas
Other Iceland regions
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East Fjords
A mesmerising mix of mountains, fjords, waterfalls and wildlife, the East Fjords are scattered with idyllic fishing villages, while routes north and south connect you easily to Icelandic icons like the glacial lagoon and Myvatn's volcanic wonders.
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North Iceland
A region of diverse and incredible natural beauty, the north of Iceland boasts thundering waterfalls, dramatic canyons, scenic fjords, rivers, lakes and striking volcanic features complemented by interesting towns and villages and plenty of opportunities to explore.
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Reykjavik
As the world's most northerly capital and one of the most compact – Reykjavik, the 'Bay of Smoke' – never fails to surprise, at any time of year. Blending Nordic heritage with modern, and distinctly unique style, this vibrant city can be reached in less than 3 hours from many UK airports.
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Snaefellsnes and the West
Snaefellsnes and West Iceland is the region beloved of artists, musicians, writers and anyone seeking Viking history and inspiration from nature at its most magical.
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South East Iceland
Also known as the ‘beautiful south’ – this region is dominated by the vast Vatnajokull icecap and many a glacier spilling out over the land.
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South West Iceland
Most first-timers to Iceland choose to explore this region partly because it is where the international airport at Keflavik is located, and partly because there is so much stunning scenery to explore, including the sights on the famed Golden Circle route.
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West Fjords
This is the oldest and wildest region – remote and stunningly beautiful with countless fjords, precipitous mountains, amazing coastal roads and hidden gems.
