The Small Highland Adventure
2 days

What you'll do

🚙 Route:

Háifoss → Sigöldufoss → Sigöldugljúfur → Frostastaðavatn → Ljótipollur → Landmannalaugar

Approx. driving time: 3.5–4 hours (excluding stops)

📍1.

Háifoss

  • One of Iceland’s tallest and most beautiful waterfalls (122 meters).

  • Access via a gravel road (F332), 4x4 recommended.

  • Short hike down to a panoramic viewpoint.

📍2.

Sigöldufoss

  • After Háifoss, head back to Road F26 → F208.

  • Stop at this powerful waterfall near the hydro station.

  • Easy access, short walk.

📍3.

Sigöldugljúfur Canyon

(“Valley of Tears”)

  • Just a bit farther on F208.

  • Park and walk ~20–30 minutes to one of the Highland’s most beautiful hidden gems.

  • Multiple waterfalls spilling into a turquoise canyon.

📍4.

Frostastaðavatn Lake

  • Unreal blue water surrounded by lava and rhyolite mountains.

  • Stop for photos/snack.

📍5.

Ljótipollur Crater

  • Volcanic crater lake with bright red slopes and deep blue water.

  • Short detour from main road (rough road, 4x4 only).

  • 5-minute hike up to the rim.

🏕️

Arrive at Landmannalaugar Base Camp

  • Tent camping or mountain hut (book ahead!).

  • Settle in and enjoy the views.

  • Optional: Evening soak in the geothermal river – perfect after a long day.

🥾 DAY 2 –

Explore Landmannalaugar & Hike

Pick a hike based on your fitness & weather:

🥾 Option A:

Bláhnúkur Peak (3–4 hrs)

  • Panoramic hike up a blue-gray volcano.

  • 360° views of colorful rhyolite hills and lava fields.

🥾 Option B:

Brennisteinsalda Loop (2–2.5 hrs)

  • Sulfur fields, lava flows, hot springs, and orange-pink hills.

  • Easier than Bláhnúkur.

🥾 Option C:

Short combo

  • Laugahraun lava field + Graenagil canyon (1.5 hrs easy).

  • Then relax again in the hot spring.

🛁

Evening: Hot Spring Soak

  • Naturally warm river fed by geothermal springs.

  • Often best at sunset or after dark.

🌋 Optional DAY 3 –

Day Trek or Scenic Exit

Option A:

Hike toward Hrafntinnusker

  • Begin of the famous Laugavegur Trail.

  • 2–3 hrs in and out gives you obsidian fields, geothermal vents, and wild landscapes.

Option B:

Return via Eldgjá Canyon

  • Drive F208 south (rough but epic).

  • Stop at Ófærufoss inside Eldgjá — easy 2 km walk.

  • Continue toward Kirkjubæjarklaustur and the south coast.

🧭 Travel Tips

  • 4x4 required (F-roads with rivers, rocks, and rough terrain).

  • Download offline maps.

  • Bring food/water — no shops between Háifoss and Landmannalaugar.

  • Hut bookings: https://www.ferdafelag.is

  • Check road conditions: road.is

  • Weather: vedur.is

Day 1

1

Haifoss

Waterfall

Breathtaking Icelandic waterfall beauty

Haifoss Waterfall is one of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders. Standing at a height of 122 meters, it's the fifth tallest waterfall in the country. Located in the picturesque Þjórsárdalur valley, Haifoss offers breathtaking views and makes for a great detour on a road trip around the Golden Circle or a visit to Landmannalaugar. The road to Haifoss can be rough, so it's best to have a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the gravel path. But trust us, the journey is worth it for the awe-inspiring beauty that awaits you at Haifoss.

2

Sigöldufoss

Waterfall

Hidden gem waterfall in Iceland

Sigoldufoss is a hidden gem in Iceland that often gets overlooked by tourists. This beautiful waterfall is located in Sigöldugljúfur canyon and offers a stunning sight with its cascading water and lush green surroundings. To get here, you'll need a 4x4 vehicle since it's located on an F-road. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a gravelly parking lot and a short walk to the viewpoint. It's definitely worth the journey, as Sigoldufoss is a unique and picturesque spot that will leave you in awe.

3

Sigöldugljufur

photospot

Stunning hidden gem in Iceland

Sigöldugljufur is a hidden gem in Iceland that often gets overlooked by tourists. This stunning canyon features a wall of waterfalls that will leave you in awe. To get here, you'll need a 4x4 vehicle and be prepared for a bumpy ride on an F-road. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lush green canyon and cascading waterfalls. It's definitely worth the journey and makes for a great addition to your Iceland itinerary.

Highland location, can´t be accessed in winter!

4

Red Craters

photospot

Famous red craters in the Highlands of Iceland

Not exactly a secret spot but most of people drive past this location.

5

Ljótipollur Crater

Sightseeing

Stunning crater lake in Iceland

Ljótipollur View Point is a stunning spot in the south Highlands of Iceland. Despite its name meaning 'Ugly Puddle', this place is anything but ugly. It's actually incredibly beautiful! Ljótipollur is an explosion crater with a picturesque crater lake surrounded by vibrant red lava rock and lush green vegetation. To get there, you can take a four-hour hike from Landmannalaugar, a hiker's paradise with colorful mountains and hot springs. So if you're up for a scenic adventure, don't miss out on Ljótipollur View Point!

6

Frostastaðavatn

Sightseeing

Stunning lake in Iceland's Highlands

Frostastaðavatn is a stunning lake nestled in Iceland's Highlands, surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal activity. With its vivid blue and green waters, it offers a picturesque setting for nature lovers and hikers. The area is also close to the famous Landmannalaugar region and the explosive volcano, Hekla. Visitors can expect breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a peaceful escape into Iceland's rugged interior.

7

Landmannalaugar

area

Breathtaking adventure in Iceland

Landmannalaugar is a stunning area in Iceland that attracts adventurous travelers with its colorful mountains and epic hiking trails. Located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, it offers a unique experience with geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and breathtaking views. Whether you're up for an easy stroll or a challenging climb, Landmannalaugar has something for everyone. Don't forget to take a dip in the People's Pool, a natural hot spring, and explore the famous Laugavegur Trail if you're feeling extra adventurous. Just be prepared for rough roads and unpredictable weather, but trust us, it's totally worth it!