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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Red Craters
photospot
Famous red craters in the Highlands of Iceland
Not exactly a secret spot but most of people drive past this location.
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!
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.
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!