The Highlands of Iceland are one of the most remote, untamed, and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Covering a vast interior plateau, this rugged wilderness is defined by volcanic deserts, towering glaciers, steaming geothermal areas, and jagged mountain ranges. With its raw and untouched beauty, the Highlands offer an almost otherworldly experience, where the forces of nature are on full display.
Accessible only during the summer months, the region demands careful planning and a reliable 4×4 vehicle, as most of the roads—known as F-roads—are unpaved, rough, and often require river crossings. However, for those willing to venture into this vast expanse, the rewards are unparalleled.
Among the Highlands’ most striking locations is Landmannalaugar, famous for its colourful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and dramatic hiking trails. The nearby Laugavegur Trail is considered one of the most scenic treks in the world. Further north, the black volcanic sands of Sprengisandur stretch endlessly between glaciers, while the Askja caldera, with its milky blue Víti crater lake, offers an eerie yet breathtaking spectacle. Kerlingarfjöll, a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents and sulphur-streaked hills, adds yet another layer of diversity to this extreme landscape.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Highlands are a dream destination for adventurers and photographers alike. The ever-changing light, dramatic weather, and vast, unspoiled scenery create compositions unlike anywhere else on Earth. Those who explore this remote and powerful landscape will find themselves immersed in Iceland’s true wilderness, where nature reigns supreme.
