The Best Scenic Drives and Routes for Exploring Iceland’s Highlands

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Exploring Iceland’s highlands is an unforgettable experience, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, the highlands have something for everyone. Here are some of the best scenic drives and routes to help you make the most of your journey.

F35 – Kjölur Route

The Kjölur Route, also known as F35, is a popular highland road that runs between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. This route offers stunning views of glaciers, hot springs, and rugged landscapes. Start your journey from Gullfoss and drive north towards Hveravellir, a geothermal area with hot springs and fumaroles. Don’t forget to stop at Kerlingarfjöll, a mountain range known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal activity.

F208 – Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri

F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri, is a scenic route that takes you through the heart of the highlands. This road offers spectacular views of volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and colorful mountains. One of the highlights of this route is Landmannalaugar, a geothermal oasis surrounded by rhyolite mountains. Here, you can take a dip in the natural hot springs or hike one of the many trails in the area.

F26 – Sprengisandur Route

The Sprengisandur Route, or F26, is one of the most challenging highland roads, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. This route takes you through the desolate interior of Iceland, offering views of vast deserts, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. Start your journey from the south near Hekla volcano and drive north towards the Bárðarbunga volcano. Along the way, you’ll pass by the impressive Tungnafellsjökull glacier and the remote Nýidalur valley.

F88 – Askja Route

F88 is the main route to the Askja caldera, one of Iceland’s most famous volcanic areas. This road takes you through the rugged highlands, offering views of lava fields, volcanic craters, and glacial rivers. Once you reach Askja, take a hike to the Víti crater, a geothermal lake with warm, milky blue water. The surrounding landscape is otherworldly, with black sand deserts and towering volcanic formations.

F910 – Kverkfjöll Route

The F910 route takes you to the Kverkfjöll mountain range, located on the northern edge of the Vatnajökull glacier. This road offers stunning views of glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal areas. One of the highlights of this route is the Kverkfjöll ice caves, formed by geothermal heat melting the ice from below. These caves are a must-see for any adventurer exploring the highlands.

For those looking to enhance their highland adventure, consider joining a guided tour with Troll Expeditions. They offer a variety of tours that cater to different interests and skill levels, ensuring you have a safe and memorable experience.

When planning your trip, make sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts, as highland roads can be challenging and are often only accessible during the summer months. For more information on road conditions, visit the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website.

Whether you’re driving the Kjölur Route, exploring the Askja caldera, or venturing into the remote Sprengisandur desert, Iceland’s highlands offer an unparalleled adventure. So pack your bags, prepare your vehicle, and get ready to explore some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.