Things to do in Highlands
Discover the best attractions and experiences Highlands has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore remnants from Iceland's past along the highland routes.
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We're currently working on adding historic monuments recommendations for Highlands. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Museums
Cultural displays are rarer in the interior, but some small collections highlight life in remote Iceland.
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We're currently working on adding museums recommendations for Highlands. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Religious Monuments
Remote chapels and churches dot the highlands, reflecting the spiritual history of Iceland's interior communities.
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We're currently working on adding religious monuments recommendations for Highlands. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
National & Theme Parks
The Highlands contain major protected landscapes with glaciers, volcanoes, and vast scenery.
Vatnajökull National Park
Europe's largest national park, spanning glaciers, volcanoes, and highland landscapes.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve
A rugged highland reserve along interior roads with lava fields and striking rhyolite mountains.
Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Area
Steaming vents and vibrant colors set against dramatic highland peaks.
Neighborhoods
In the Highlands, traditional neighborhoods are sparse; focus on seasonal alpine settlements.
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We're currently working on adding neighborhoods recommendations for Highlands. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Free Things to Do
Many Highland activities are outdoors and free, such as hiking and natural hot springs.
Hiking in Landmannalaugar
Choose among colorful trails through lava fields and vibrant rhyolite mountains.
Crossing Fjallabak Nature Reserve trails
Trek along rugged interior routes framed by wild lava deserts and mountains.
Soak in Landmannalaugar hot springs
Relax in natural geothermal pools after a day of hiking.
Gastronomy
Mountain huts and remote centers offer hearty meals while you’re in the highlands.
Landmannalaugar Mountain Hut
Simple, hearty meals in a remote highland hut after a day of hiking.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Lodge
Mountain lodge dining with traditional Icelandic fare in a dramatic setting.
Hrauneyjar Highland Center
Remote center with warm meals and comforting Icelandic dishes along the highland road.
Nightlife
Evenings are quiet in the Highlands, often centered on stargazing and the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights viewing (seasonal)
Clear skies in the highlands are ideal for watching the aurora.
Stargazing under the Icelandic sky
Far from city lights, the highlands offer pristine stargazing.
Entertainment
In the remote highlands, experiences center on nature and knowledge sharing.
Aurora photography sessions
Guided sessions capturing the northern lights or clear highland nights.
Geology and folklore talks in mountain huts
Short talks often offered by huts or local guides about the landscape and legends.
Sports
Adventure sports thrive here: glaciers, lava fields, and rugged trails.
Glacier hiking on Vatnajökull
Guided hikes on Iceland’s massive ice cap with proper equipment.
Snowmobile tour on Vatnajökull
Exciting ride across a snow-white glacier landscape.
Laki Craters trek
Outdoor adventure exploring the dramatic Lakigílar fissure and lava fields.
Off the Track
Go beyond the beaten path to iconic highland landscapes.
Askja Caldera hike
Traverse the caldera and its lunar-like crater Víti.
Víti crater walk
Walk into the crater and admire the turquoise lake.
Kverkfjöll glacier trek
Cross glaciers and explore near ice caves.