Iceland Highlands – Interior – Iceland Travel Guide
Iceland Interior / Highlands of Iceland
– guide
Iceland Interior / Highlands of Iceland – Iceland tourist attractions – guide . We begin our journey at Deildartunguhver – the most powerful geothermal spring in Iceland, where boiling water gushes straight from the ground. Then we head deeper into the wild interior of the country, reaching the fascinating Hraunfossar waterfall, where water flows directly from a moss-covered lava field.
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ROUTE PLANNING
Iceland travel guide — fit the Highlands into a safe route
Start with the main Iceland guide before adding the Highlands: region order, Ring Road links, F-road season, weather buffers and realistic first-trip priorities.
A few steps away is the intriguing Barnafoss waterfall, known as the “Children’s Waterfall”, shrouded in local legend. This place captivates not only with its spectacular views but also with its mystery and historical aura.
Next, we head towards Surtshellir – the longest known lava cave in Iceland. This monumental work of nature holds many secrets and is proof of the powerful volcanic forces shaping the island.
Our journey culminates in a trek to Glymur waterfall – the second highest waterfall in Iceland. This is a true paradise for nature lovers, offering incredible panoramas and unforgettable experiences. ( Trekking is only available in good weather conditions )
For more about Glymur and other waterfalls, I invite you to the blog “The Most Beautiful and Unknown Waterfalls of Southern Iceland”
Iceland Highlands TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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Iceland Highlands Map – Interior – Iceland
Iceland on the map – Iceland highlands
Iceland Interior map
Interior Iceland attractions – guide
Iceland highlands
Arnarker Lava Cave Reykjanes in Iceland
Arnarker Lava Cave on the Reykjanes peninsula is a natural chamber that you can descend into and feel the unique atmosphere of an interior formed by an ancient eruption. This is a must-see for those who want to see how powerful volcanic processes shaped Iceland. For more interesting facts and practical information about this cave, you can find it in the full article on my blog.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano – Iceland Reykjanes
Imagine taking an elevator ride into the interior of a dormant volcano – that’s exactly what awaits you at Thrihnukagigur, one of Iceland’s most unique places. It’s the only such attraction in the world where you can look into the heart of magma and feel the power of nature from a completely new perspective. Want to know more about this exceptional adventure? I invite you to the full article on my blog!
Nauthusagil Gorge and Nauthúsafoss Waterfall
Hidden in the heart of southern Iceland, Nauthusagil Gorge is a magical place where narrow, rocky walls lead to the picturesque Nauthúsafoss waterfall. It’s the perfect stop for those seeking adventure with a touch of mystery and wanting to discover the island’s lesser-known wonders. If you want to learn the extraordinary story of this corner and see why it captivates travelers so much – check out the full article on my blog!
Deildartunguhver – the largest geothermal spring in Iceland :
Deildartunguhver / Reykholt , located in western Iceland, is the most productive geothermal spring in Europe. This geothermal powerhouse is not only a natural curiosity but also a key element of life in Iceland.
An interesting fact is that the heat generated by this geothermal spring is used to heat nearby homes and greenhouses. The water is delivered through a system of pipes over a distance of up to 74 km, which is an impressive technological achievement.
Key features of Deildartunguhver are the exceptionally high water temperature (over 100 degrees Celsius) and the enormous flow – about 180 liters per second!
An extremely interesting feature of Deildartunguhver is the presence of rare, red algae that grow only in places with high temperatures. This unique phenomenon attracts scientists and nature lovers from all over the world.
In summary, Deildartunguhver is not only the most productive geothermal spring in Europe but also a significant element of the Icelandic landscape, economy, and culture.
Hraunfossar Waterfall & Barnafoss in Iceland
Hraunfossar / Vesturland , located in western Iceland, is an extraordinary waterfall where hundreds of streams of water flow directly from a moss-covered lava field.
Hraunfossar, like many places in Iceland, is shrouded in local legends. One of them says that the streams of the waterfall are the tears of elves and spirits hidden in the rock, weeping for the lost greenery after a volcanic eruption that covered the earth with lava.
The unique feature of Hraunfossar is the way it was formed. The water flowing from the moss-covered lava rock comes from Langjökull – Iceland’s second largest glacier. This water seeps through the lava and after several decades emerges to the surface, creating this extraordinary waterfall.
When visiting Hraunfossar, it’s also worth visiting the neighboring Barnafoss waterfall. Barnafoss, known as the Children’s Waterfall, is surrounded by its own legend about two boys who drowned trying to cross the river.
Places available in summer season and during seven-day trips
Surtshellir – Lava Cave in Iceland
Surtshellir / Deildartunguhver is the longest lava cave in Iceland, located in the west of the country. It is over 1.9 km long and is one of the most fascinating places on the island, showcasing the raw power of volcanic activity.
The cave has its place in Icelandic mythology. Its name comes from Surt, the fire giant who, according to the Poetic Edda, an Old Norse collection of myths, played a key role during Ragnarok – the mythical final battle that led to the destruction of the world.
One of the most interesting facts about Surtshellir is that for centuries it served as a shelter for criminals and outlaws. According to Icelandic sagas, mysterious “cave Vikings” inhabited the cave, becoming a legend.
Glymur Waterfall in Iceland
Glymur, Iceland’s second highest waterfall, with a cascade of water falling from an impressive 198 meters, is a true gem of western Iceland.
Glymur is often a hiking destination for those who want to experience its majesty. Excellent trekking trails lead to this spectacular place, offering both a challenge and a reward in the form of incredible views.
For more information about Glymur waterfall, I write in the post “The Most Beautiful and Unknown Waterfalls of Southern Iceland !!!”
One of the fascinating features of Glymur waterfall is its location in a deep canyon that was carved by the Botnsá river. This is an excellent place to observe Iceland’s wildlife, including various bird species.
It is often said that this waterfall is home to various spirits and mythical creatures.
An interesting fact is that the name “Glymur” translates to “rumbling” or “booming” in English. This name refers to the loud sound of water falling from a great height.
Iceland guides and routes
Use these OndaTravel.pl guides to plan Iceland step by step: day-by-day itineraries, road trips, maps, waterfalls, the Highlands and practical tips for building a realistic route.
Hjalparfoss, Haifoss and nearby South Iceland stops
This part of South Iceland works best when you connect a few close stops into one realistic route. Use the guides below to plan Haifoss, the waterfall route and the nearby valley landscapes without unnecessary driving back and forth.
Before you go, check road conditions, weather, daylight and how much time you have for gravel roads and viewpoints. This area can be rewarding, but it is much easier with a clear route plan.
Iceland’s Interior: Raw Beauty and Untouched Nature
Iceland’s Interior, also known as the Icelandic Highlands (isl. Hálendið), is a vast, uninhabited area in the central part of the island. It is characterized by a harsh, almost lunar landscape, dominated by gravel and sand deserts, lava fields, glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs. There are no permanent roads here, and access is only possible in summer, with specially adapted off-road vehicles (4×4) on mountain roads, so-called F-roads (fjallvegir).
Iceland’s Interior is a harsh, uninhabited area in the central part of the island, offering spectacular views, from deserts to glaciers and volcanoes. Visiting the Iceland interior is possible in summer, with specially adapted off-road vehicles on F-roads. Popular tourist attractions include Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, Sprengisandur, Kjölur, Askja and Víti. An Iceland map of interior attractions is essential for trip planning. The climate of Iceland in the interior is harsh, subpolar. Tourism in this part of Iceland is aimed at adventure lovers and untouched nature enthusiasts, seeking silence and contact with wild nature. Iceland offers unforgettable sightseeing experiences, and its interior is the quintessence of raw beauty.
Landscape and Climate:
The climate of the interior is harsh, subpolar. Summers are short and cool, with temperatures rarely exceeding 10°C. Winters are long, frosty, and snowy. Strong winds and sudden weather changes are commonplace here. The landscape is shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. The views are spectacular: vast deserts, glaciers flowing from volcanoes, craters, canyon of glacial rivers, and colorful rhyolite mountains.
Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing in Iceland:
Iceland’s Interior is a paradise for adventure lovers and untouched nature. Due to the difficult terrain and lack of infrastructure, sightseeing the Iceland interior requires proper preparation and experience. Popular areas include:
- Landmannalaugar: A geothermal area with colorful rhyolite mountains, a popular starting point for treks, e.g., the Laugavegur trail. This is one of Iceland’s icons, often appearing in photos and postcards.
- Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk): A green valley surrounded by glaciers, offering hiking trails of varying difficulty.
- Sprengisandur: A desert road crossing the interior from north to south.
- Kjölur: Another popular route through the interior, connecting southern and northern Iceland.
- Askja and Víti: A volcanic caldera with a lake in the crater and the geothermal lake Víti.
Iceland Attractions Map and What to See:
Maps are available, both paper and online, that show in detail the F-roads, shelters, and other landmarks in the interior. When planning to sightsee the Iceland interior, it is necessary to obtain such a map and familiarize yourself thoroughly with the road conditions.
Tourism in Iceland and What to See:
Tourism in Iceland’s interior is specific. These are not places for short bus tours. They require a longer stay, often with overnight stays in mountain huts or camping. This is an offer for people seeking silence, peace, and contact with wild nature.
Interesting Facts:
Iceland’s Interior covers about 40% of the country’s area.
The interior is home to the largest glacier in Europe – Vatnajökull.
F-roads are only open in summer, usually from June/July to September, depending on weather conditions. Before setting off on a journey, check current road condition information on road.is.
There are no gas stations in the interior, so you must fill up your tank before entering the F-roads.
Many rivers in the interior are impassable without specially adapted vehicles.
I hope this text is helpful!
Iceland what to see, Iceland tourism, Iceland tourist attractions, Iceland sightseeing, Iceland views, Iceland attractions map
Iceland Guide: Your journey starts here! A complete tourist guide to Iceland is a treasure trove of knowledge: Iceland what to see, where to find Iceland tourist attractions and how to avoid tourist traps. Read interesting facts about Iceland (e.g., why do Icelanders have name day celebrations?) and discover what to see in Iceland to feel its unique atmosphere. Iceland awaits!
- Interior Iceland tourist guide
- Interior Iceland attractions
- what to see in Interior Iceland
- Iceland road trip Interior
- Iceland Interior off-road
- Highlands of Iceland
- The Ultimate Guide to the Highlands of Iceland
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