The Southern Highlands of Iceland are a vast, untouched wilderness, where volcanic landscapes, glacial rivers, and towering peaks create an otherworldly hiking experience. Far from the well-trodden paths of the Golden Circle and South Coast, this region offers some of Iceland’s most rewarding and secluded trails.
From the steaming geothermal valleys of Landmannalaugar to the lush birch forests of Þórsmörk, the untamed beauty of Fjallabak. The hidden canyons of Þakgil, and the geothermal wonderland of Kerlingarfjöll, these highland destinations promise an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s raw and rugged landscapes.
Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking challenging multi-day treks or a casual explorer looking for breathtaking short hikes, Iceland’s Southern Highlands offer an adventure like no other.
Exploring the Icelandic Highlands with a Guide
While the Icelandic highlands offer some of the most breathtaking and untouched landscapes in the country, navigating this rugged and remote terrain requires experience, the right vehicle, and expert knowledge of the ever-changing conditions. Many of the highland routes involve river crossings, steep mountain roads, and unmarked trails, making it highly recommended to travel with a professional guide.
Expert guides ensure your safety and enhance the experience by sharing fascinating stories, local legends, and profound knowledge about the geological and cultural significance of the region. Whichever part of the highlands you’ll visit, a guided tour allows you to immerse yourself fully in the highlands while leaving the logistics and challenges to experienced professionals.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve
Untamed Beauty in the Highlands
Tucked away in the central highlands, Fjallabak Nature Reserve is a protected wilderness of towering mountains, black sand deserts, and moss-covered lava fields. The name “Fjallabak” translates to “behind the mountains,” an apt description for this remote and wild terrain.
The reserve stretches across 47,000 hectares, offering a diverse landscape shaped by volcanic activity and glacial erosion over thousands of years. It is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Iceland, from Mælifell Mountain, with its striking green slopes rising from the black sands of Mælifellssandur, to the serene Álftavatn Lake, where migrating birds nest in summer.
The landscapes of Fjallabak are ever-changing, with daily road and weather conditions determining the best routes. Those who venture into this remote area are rewarded with some of Iceland’s most breathtaking and lesser-explored natural wonders.
Highlights of Fjallabak Nature Reserve
Mt. Mælifell: A breathtakingly vivid green peak rising sharply from the vast black volcanic sands of Mælifellssandur. This iconic mountain, shaped by glacial floods and covered in bright moss, creates an extraordinary contrast against the dark desert landscape. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Icelandic Highlands.
Álftavatn Lake: A tranquil, glacial-fed lake surrounded by rolling hills and jagged mountain ridges. This serene oasis is a resting place for migratory birds, particularly whooper swans, giving the lake its name (“Swan Lake”). The area is part of the famous Laugavegur Trail, offering incredible reflections of the surrounding peaks in calm weather.
Geothermal Hot Springs: Scattered throughout the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, these natural hot springs provide a soothing retreat after a long day of hiking. The geothermal activity in the region creates steaming rivers, bubbling mud pots, and warm pools, perfect for relaxing while taking in the untouched wilderness of the Highlands.
Þórsmörk
The Valley of Thor & A Hiker’s Paradise
Þórsmörk (Thor’s Valley) is a lush, glacial-carved valley, tucked between three of Iceland’s most famous glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. Named after the Norse god of thunder, this valley is a favourite among hikers and nature lovers, offering an abundance of scenic trails, towering ridges, and moss-covered canyons.
The journey to Þórsmörk is an adventure in itself, requiring a 4 x 4 vehicle to navigate unbridged glacial rivers and rough highland terrain, and Hidden Iceland can take you there. The reward is an unspoiled paradise where birch forests, lava fields, and deep ravines create a dramatic contrast against the surrounding glaciers.
Þórsmörk’s unique microclimate makes it warmer and greener than other highland regions, creating a true oasis of nature.
Notable Hikes in Þórsmörk
Stakkholtsgjá Canyon: A narrow, dramatic ravine carved through towering rock walls, leading to a hidden waterfall deep within. The short but rewarding hike through moss-covered cliffs and twisting rock formations makes this one of the most picturesque canyons in Iceland.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 1.5 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Valahnúkur Mountain: A relatively short but steep climb that rewards hikers with unparalleled panoramic views over Þórsmörk, Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Westman Islands.
|
DISTANCE 4.2 km if completing |
DURATION 1.5–2 hours if hiking directly to the summit. 3–4 hours if completing the Panorama loop. |
DIFFICULTY |
Fimmvörðuháls Pass: One of Iceland’s most iconic hikes, this demanding trek spans 24 km, connecting Þórsmörk and Skógar, passing between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers. The route takes you past the new volcanic craters, Magni and Móði, formed in the 2010 eruption, before descending past Skógafoss Waterfall on the way to the coast.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 9–12 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Landmannalaugar
A Geothermal Wonderland in the Highlands
Set within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Landmannalaugar is often called the jewel of Iceland’s highlands, thanks to its vividly coloured rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and endless hiking trails. After exploring the mountains, visitors can soak in the natural hot spring at the base of the valley, a geothermal oasis that has been used for centuries.
Top Hikes in Landmannalaugar
Brennisteinsalda (Sulphur Wave): A moderate hike through the steaming fumaroles and vibrant mineral-streaked mountains of Landmannalaugar. The multicoloured rhyolite slopes, streaked with shades of yellow, red, green, and black, make this one of the most surreal landscapes in the highlands.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 2.5 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Bláhnúkur (Blue Peak): A hike often combined with the hike to Brennisteinsalda above, the hike to Bláhnúkur is a challenging ascent to one of the most striking summits in Landmannalaugar. The deep blue-grey volcanic peak offers breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding highlands, including the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and Hekla Volcano.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 4–5 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Laugavegur Trail: Recognised as one of the world’s most famous multi-day treks, this 55-km trail takes hikers from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk in four days. The route showcases ever-changing landscapes; from geothermal valleys and black obsidian lava fields to crystal-clear lakes, vast black sand deserts, and lush birch forests.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 4 days |
DIFFICULTY |
Kerlingarfjöll
A Geothermal Wonderland in the Highlands
Nestled between the glaciers of Hofsjökull and Langjökull, Kerlingarfjöll is one of Iceland’s most stunning highland areas, known for its steaming valleys, bubbling mud pools, and rust-coloured rhyolite mountains. While you journey from the lowlands into the highlands to Kerlingarfjöll, you’ll follow stories of myths and folklore that are unique to the area.
Once a volcanic range, Kerlingarfjöll has transformed into a geothermal paradise, where boiling hot springs and fumaroles create a constantly shifting landscape of mist and vivid mineral colours.
A stay at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll offers a perfect base for adventure, providing comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining, and expert guides to help you make the most of this remarkable destination. Whether you’re hiking under the Midnight Sun or snowmobiling across a frozen landscape, Kerlingarfjöll promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the highlands.
Activities available from Highlands Base
E-Mountain Biking: Take on the rugged trails with ease on an electric mountain bike, allowing you to cover more ground while soaking in the dramatic landscapes. Whether winding through volcanic valleys in summer or navigating snowy tracks in winter, it’s an unforgettable ride.
Snowmobiling & Snowshoeing: Experience the magic of the highlands in winter with a thrilling guided snowmobile adventure across the snowy landscapes or a snowshoe trek through untouched wilderness, offering breathtaking views of the geothermal valleys and surrounding mountains.
Cross-Country Skiing: Glide across the pristine highland terrain, surrounded by dramatic peaks and steaming geothermal areas. As one of Iceland’s most remote ski destinations, this is a truly unique way to explore the winter highlands.
Highland Baths: After a day of adventure, unwind in the natural geothermal pools nestled in the heart of the highlands. The mineral-rich waters, warmed by Iceland’s volcanic energy, offer the perfect way to relax and take in the otherworldly surroundings.
Notable Hikes in Kerlingarfjöll
Hveradalir (Hot Spring Valley): A geothermal wonderland filled with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and boiling rivers, set against bright orange and red rhyolite mountains. This hike offers an otherworldly experience, with well-marked trails that weave through the steaming landscapes. Whether you embark on a longer trek or simply explore the main valley, this is a must-see highlight.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 3–4 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Snækollur Summit: The highest peak in Kerlingarfjöll at 1,477 metres, offering spectacular panoramic views over the central highlands. The ascent is steep and demanding, but the rewarding scenery at the top makes it one of the most sought-after hikes in the region.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 4 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Austurfjöll Ridge: A scenic ridge walk along the eastern mountain range of Kerlingarfjöll, providing stunning views over the steaming Hveradalir valley below. This moderate hike offers a great balance between challenge and breathtaking scenery, making it a fantastic option for those wanting to explore the highlands year-round.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 5–6 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Þakgil
A Hidden Highland Retreat
Just 14 km from Iceland’s Ring Road, Þakgil is a secluded canyon surrounded by rugged volcanic cliffs and glacial rivers. Unlike the more well-known highland areas, Þakgil offers a unique mix of lush green valleys and dramatic rock formations, making it an ideal hiking destination for those seeking solitude and unspoiled beauty.
Þakgil has three major hiking trails of various distances and difficulty levels. Once at the campsite, find the plague which describes each hike, then follow the markers as you hit the trails.
Hiking Trails in Þakgil
Mælifell Trail: A challenging hike through lush valleys, glacial rivers, and striking volcanic terrain, leading to incredible panoramic views over the Katla Glacier region. The hike passes the waterfall Leynir, follows steep ravines, and provides a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 5 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Austurafréttur Range: A demanding yet rewarding trek through rugged ridges and expansive mountain scenery, offering unmatched views of Kötlujökull Glacier. The diverse landscape includes deep canyons, high plateaus, and vivid green valleys.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 6–8 hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Remundargil Ravine: This trail winds through a dramatic canyon, leading to hidden waterfalls and towering basalt formations. The hike provides breathtaking views of glacial landscapes and offers a wild and remote adventure for experienced hikers.
|
DISTANCE |
DURATION 3-5hours |
DIFFICULTY |
Embark on Your Highland Adventure
The Southern Highlands are one of Iceland’s most spectacular and least explored regions, offering something for every hiker—from short, scenic trails to multi-day expeditions through the wildest landscapes in the country.
Are you ready to explore Iceland’s highlands? Get in touch with Hidden Iceland, and let us help you plan the ultimate hiking adventure, perfectly tailored to your travel style and interests.
