Haifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, plunging into a dramatic gorge surrounded by rugged cliffs and vivid moss-covered landscapes from a height of 400 feet.

The waterfall’s name translates to "high waterfall," reflecting its impressive vertical drop, which makes it a standout among Iceland’s many scenic falls. Adjacent to Haifoss is another beautiful waterfall called Granni, meaning "neighbor," adding to the breathtaking spectacle of the area.

Take in panoramic views from a viewing point at the top of the gorge, where both waterfalls can be seen cascading side by side. The surrounding area offers several hiking paths for those looking to explore further, with routes leading along the canyon for more dramatic viewpoints.

While the location is more remote and less visited than other famous waterfalls, it rewards adventurers with its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite among those seeking Iceland's raw, untouched beauty.

TIP: While it's not an official F-road (mountain road) that strictly requires a 4x4, the conditions are often challenging for standard vehicles, particularly during or after rain, so we highly recommend using a 4x4 vehicle.

TIP: The waterfall is most stunning in late summer when the surrounding moss is lush green and the weather is milder, though it retains its grandeur year-round.

Haifoss Waterfall

Hnausapollur is a volcanic crater lake with striking deep blue water which contrasts with the reddish-brown volcanic slopes that surround it. Formed by a volcanic eruption around 1,100 years ago, Hnausapollur is one of Iceland’s most visually dramatic crater lakes and offers a tranquil, otherworldly setting far from the usual tourist routes.

The crater is easily reached by a short walk from the parking area, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanic landscape. There’s no hiking trail around the lake itself, but walking along the rim provides excellent vantage points for photography and quiet reflection.

TIP: Visit on a clear day when the blue water reflects the sky, creating a magical scene. Due to its remote location, Hnausapollur is often uncrowded, offering peace and solitude.

Hnausapollur Crater Lake

Kerlingarfjöll is a stunning geothermal mountain range in the central Highlands region. It's a paradise for hikers and nature lovers seeking a more secluded and immersive experience in Iceland’s wild interior.

Its raw, untouched beauty is what makes it truly unique. Kerlingarfjöll's vibrant orange and red rhyolite hills, steaming hot springs, and bubbling mud pots contrast sharply with the surrounding snowfields, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape.

Exploring Kerlingarfjöll is best done on foot, with numerous hiking trails that weave through the mountains and geothermal areas. One of the most rewarding routes is the hike to Hveradalir, the Valley of Hot Springs. Follow the AllTrails link for additional information about this trail.

TIP: Bring layers of clothing that can handle a range of temperatures, as the area’s high altitude and geothermal activity create unpredictable weather conditions. Even in summer, the temperature can drop suddenly, especially in the evenings.

TIP: If you're feeling adventurous, bring swimwear, as there are a few hidden hot springs where you can soak in the natural geothermal waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

TIP: A 4x4 vehicle is required to access the area, as the rough F-roads of the Highlands can be challenging for regular cars.

Hveradalir trail details on AllTrails

All hikes in Kerlingarfjöll area

Kerlingarfjöll Area

Landmannalaugar is a stunningly beautiful geothermal area famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains, which shimmer in shades of red, pink, green, blue, and golden brown, creating a surreal, painterly landscape.

This unique color palette is due to volcanic activity and mineral deposits in the area, making Landmannalaugar a geothermal wonderland. Steaming hot springs, lava fields, and jagged peaks are scattered throughout, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for adventurous travelers.

Exploring Landmannalaugar is best done by hiking, and there are trails with various durations for all skill levels. The Mt. Brennisteinsalda loop and Bláhnjúkur are popular and rewarding routes, but there are tens of hours of beautiful trails in the area. Check the links section to see all available options on AllTrails.

TIP: While Mt. Brennisteinsalda loop is the most popular trail and covers most of the area's unique features, we recommend a slight variation to include Bláhnjúkur, a blue volcanic peak with views over the entire region. As always, check out AllTrails for more details in the links section.

TIP: After hiking, we recommend relaxing in the area's natural hot springs — a perfect way to soak in the surrounding beauty while unwinding. It's just a short walk from the parking lot. Another tip while we're here: the springs are open through the night, making it a perfect romantic spot.

TIP: Consider camping here if you are spending more than one day in the Highlands. This way you can experience the stillness of the Highlands after the day-trippers leave. The local camping site is enormous and does not require advanced booking. Just see the ranger's office on arrival.

TIP: You don't have to cross the last large river by car if you don't feel like it. You can park before the river and get to the area by crossing a pedestrian bridge. But a 4x4 vehicle is still essential to reach the park due to the challenging Highland roads.

TIP: Parking reservation is required between June 20 and September 14 if you arrive between 9 am and 4 pm. Advance reservation is not required outside these hours, but the service fee remains. Reservation system for each seasons usually opens on April 1st. You can find the reservation link in the expert links section.

Brennisteinsalda loop trail

All trails in the area

Advance parking reservations

Best guided hiking from Reykjavik

Guided hiking from Reykjavik

Landmannalaugar Area

Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, known as the "Valley of Tears," is a hidden gem in Iceland’s Highlands. It’s famous for its lush greenery, numerous waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs, and vibrant blue pools below. The name comes from the countless small waterfalls that trickle down the canyon walls, creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere.

TIP: You’ll need a 4x4 vehicle to access the F208 Highland route. From the parking area, a short 20-30 minute hike leads you to the canyon’s edge, where you'll see stunning views of waterfalls plunging into the turquoise river below.

Trail details on AllTrails

Sigöldugljúfur Canyon

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I’d go for Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll if you want a stay with a spa. The views are part of the appeal.

What strikes us most on our trips to Iceland is that its outworldly combination of volcanoes, glaciers, and massive waterfalls is all on one relatively little island. So if you want to experience all the majesty and diversity of Mother Nature in a compact setting – look no further.

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll is a secluded highland retreat nestled in the dramatic Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. Surrounded by geothermal wonders and breathtaking landscapes, it is a perfect spot for hikers and adventurers, with multiple trails to explore.

This eco-conscious resort offers a blend of rugged adventure and modern comfort. It includes hotel rooms, lodges, hostel accommodations, and campsites, catering to a range of travelers from budget to luxury seekers.

The hotel’s geothermal baths provide a serene space to unwind, while its restaurant offers hearty Icelandic cuisine with panoramic views of the mountains.

Its commitment to sustainability, with structures made from environmentally-friendly materials and powered by geothermal energy, aligns with the pristine environment of the region.

Whether hiking, biking, or simply relaxing in the remote beauty, Highland Base provides a unique, off-the-beaten-path Icelandic experience

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Get a taste of Iceland with Reykjavik, Golden Circle, and its South regions.

Iceland Highlights

Reykjavik-based discovery while venturing into the Golden Circle and South Coast.

Reykjavik Getaway

Explore everything Iceland has to offer on the Ring Road adventure.

Ring Road Adventure

Unique adventure to strike the Northern Lights and ice caves off your bucket list.

Winter Wonders

⚠️ 4x4 required, open late Jun to early Sep.
A rugged wilderness of vast lava fields, colorful rhyolite mountains, and geothermal hot springs. Remote and untamed, this region features iconic sites like Landmannalaugar and the volcanic landscapes of Askja, offering a haven for those seeking raw natural beauty.

Highlands

Driving from the Golden Circle into the Highlands toward Landmannalaugar is a true F-road experience — remote, unpaved, and river-crossing dependent. This is not a standard scenic drive; it requires the right vehicle, timing, and comfort with rough terrain.

Vehicle Requirements: This drive requires a true 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance. F-roads (mountain roads marked with “F”) are legally restricted to 4WD only, and rental insurance does not cover damage if driven with a 2WD car. A Dacia Duster is typically the minimum in good conditions, while Land Cruiser–type SUVs are ideal for comfort and safety. Low-clearance crossovers and standard campervans are not suitable.

Route Options: From the Golden Circle, most travelers connect via Route 26 before entering either F208 North (generally smoother, fewer river crossings) or F225 (shorter, more scenic, slightly rougher with more crossings). Both are gravel roads with potholes, loose stones, and washboard sections where average speeds drop to 30–50 km/h.

River Crossings: Expect 1–3 shallow river crossings depending on route, plus a final crossing near the Landmannalaugar campsite parking area. Water levels fluctuate daily based on rain and glacial melt. Cross slowly in low gear, maintain steady throttle, and never shift mid-stream. If unsure, wait for another vehicle and assess depth first.

Fuel & Services: There are no services in the Highlands — no fuel, food, or roadside assistance. Fill up in Selfoss or Hella before heading inland and carry water and snacks.

Seasonality & Timing: Highland access is typically open late June through early September, depending on snow conditions. Plan 3-4 hours from the Golden Circle to Landmannalaugar with buffer time for conditions and stops, and always check same-day road updates before departure.

This is not just a scenic transfer — it’s a technical mountain drive into Iceland’s most remote terrain, where preparation matters as much as the destination.

Roads current status

Historic F-road opening dates

4x4 Drive to Highlands

Driving from the South Coast into the Highlands toward Landmannalaugar via F208 South is one of Iceland’s most rugged access routes. The paved Ring Road quickly gives way to volcanic desert, rough gravel, and multiple river crossings. This is a demanding F-road drive that requires a proper 4x4 vehicle, careful judgment, and full comfort with remote, infrastructure-free terrain.

Vehicle Requirements: This route requires a proper 4x4 vehicle with high ground clearance — no exceptions. F208 South is one of the more demanding Highland access roads, with multiple river crossings and rough terrain. A Dacia Duster is the absolute minimum in stable summer conditions, but larger SUVs like a Land Cruiser provide significantly more safety margin and comfort. 2WD vehicles are illegal on F-roads, and insurance will not cover water or undercarriage damage.

Route Overview: From Vík, you’ll head east on Route 1 briefly before turning inland toward F208 South. The paved road quickly transitions to rough gravel and volcanic desert terrain. Expect uneven surfaces, embedded rocks, loose gravel, and slow average speeds (often 25–40 km/h). The scenery is dramatic — black sand plains, moss-covered lava fields, and views toward Mælifell volcano on clear days — but the driving demands focus.

River Crossings: F208 South includes multiple river crossings, several of which can be deeper than those on northern approaches. Depth changes daily depending on rainfall and glacial melt. Always stop, assess the current and depth, enter slowly in low gear, and maintain steady momentum. Never shift gears mid-crossing. If water looks too deep or fast-moving, turn around — conditions can change quickly.

Fuel & Services: There are no services once you leave the Ring Road. Fuel up in Vík and carry water and essentials. There is no cell coverage in some sections, and roadside assistance response times can be long.

Seasonality & Timing: This route is typically open from late June through early September, depending on snow and river conditions. Plan 3–4+ hours from Vík, allowing buffer time for river crossings and slow sections. Always check same-day road conditions before departure.

This is the most adventurous approach to Landmannalaugar — stunning and remote, but significantly more technical than the northern routes.