Highlands: Top 10 Places to Visit

The Icelandic Highlands are a realm of untouched wilderness, a place where raw beauty reigns supreme. Rugged peaks pierce the sky, glaciers sprawl like frozen giants, and nature paints a scene that will leave you speechless.

Why venture into the highlands?
The Highlands are Iceland's beating heart. Untouched by mass tourism, they offer a chance to truly connect with the country's spirit. Hike beneath the shadow of towering mountains, feel the spray of a glacial waterfall on your face or bathe in a natural geothermal pool. It's an experience unlike any other.

Caution and Respect

Respect and preparation are essential companions in the Highlands. The roads, often rough and unpaved, demand a skilled driver. The weather, too, can change in a heartbeat. But it's this very rawness, this unpredictable nature, that makes exploring the Highlands so thrilling. It's a challenge, yes, but an incredibly rewarding one.

Here's my personal top 10 list of must-see places in the Icelandic highlands:

• Landmannalaugar: a geothermal area in the Fjallabak region of southern Iceland, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and hot springs. It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

• Askja: a geothermal oasis nestled in the remote highlands of Iceland. This otherworldly landscape, marked by volcanic craters and turquoise lakes, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

• Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir Geothermal Area: a stunning natural area in the central highlands of Iceland. It is known for its colorful mountains, geothermal activity, and hiking trails.

• Hornstrandir Nature Reserve: a wild and remote peninsula in Iceland's Westfjords, is home to rugged mountains, dramatic sea cliffs, and a rich variety of wildlife.

• Mælifell: a volcano located in the Southern Highlands of Iceland. It is a popular hiking destination due to its unique appearance: a symmetrical cone covered in moss, rising from a stark black sand desert.

• Langisjór: meaning "Long Lake" in Icelandic, is a 20-kilometer-long lake located in the highlands of southern Iceland. It is known for its stark beauty and otherworldly landscapes.

• Fimmvörðuháls: located between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers in southern Iceland, is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning scenery and unique landscapes.

• Markarfljótsgljúfur: a canyon in the Southern Highlands of Iceland, notable for its vibrant colors and depth of 200 meters. It was carved by the Markarfljót River, which originates in the Torfajökull glacier area.

• Bláfjallafoss: a waterfall in Iceland, located on the south coast of the country. The waterfall can be reached by car via the F232 road, but the river crossing can be very difficult.

• Hekla and Landmannahellir area: a stunning landscape of volcanic wonders and natural beauty. Dominated by the iconic Hekla volcano, known as "The Queen of Iceland" for its frequent eruptions, it's one of the best places for outdoor enthusiasts.