The Highlands Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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The Highlands
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Explore the wild heart of Iceland in the Highlands, a remote region of stunning landscapes, volcanic activity, and natural beauty.

The Highlands of Iceland are a vast, uninhabited plateau in the center of the country, offering a unique and wild landscape unlike any other. This region is known for its rugged terrain, volcanic activity, and stunning natural beauty. It is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers who wish to experience the raw, untouched beauty of Iceland.
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The Highlands are home to some of Iceland's most famous natural attractions, including the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, the vast lava fields of Holuhraun, and the dramatic canyons of Ásbyrgi. Visitors can hike through these breathtaking landscapes, soak in natural hot springs, and explore the many hidden gems that this remote region has to offer.
Due to its remote location, visiting the Highlands requires careful planning and preparation. The area is only accessible during the summer months when the roads are open, and a sturdy 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the rough terrain. However, for those willing to make the journey, the Highlands offer an unforgettable experience and a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

When is the best time to visit The Highlands?

Best: June–August · 13–14°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January184
February271
March372
April560
May951
June (best)1344
July (best)1450
August (best)1457
September1069
October689
November493
December291

Getting to and around The Highlands

How to get there

The Highlands in Iceland are accessible primarily by road. The nearest major city is Reykjavik, which is about 200-300 kilometers away, depending on your specific destination within The Highlands. From Reykjavik, you can rent a car and drive, keeping in mind that some routes may require a 4x4 vehicle due to rough terrain. Alternatively, organized tours and shuttle buses are available from Reykjavik during the summer months. Note that many parts of The Highlands are only accessible during the summer (June to September) due to snow cover in the winter.

Transportation

Within The Highlands, transportation options are limited. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for flexibility and ease of travel, as many routes are F-roads (mountain roads) that are not suitable for regular cars. Public transport is virtually non-existent in this remote area. If you prefer not to drive, consider booking an organized tour that includes transportation. Always check the road conditions and closures at road.is before setting out.

Best attractions in The Highlands

The Highlands in Iceland offer visitors a rugged and untouched landscape, with vast lava fields, geothermal hot springs, and stunning glaciers. Visitors can explore the stunning waterfalls such as Háifoss and Hafragilsfoss, hike through the remote and otherworldly landscapes of Landmannalaugar, and take in the breathtaking views from the top of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. The Highlands also provide a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the dark night sky, creating a magical and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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Best landmarks in The Highlands

The Highlands in Iceland offer visitors a breathtaking landscape filled with dramatic volcanic scenery, geothermal hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and rugged terrain. Explore the otherworldly beauty of Landmannalaugar with its colorful rhyolite mountains, soak in the soothing waters of the natural hot springs, marvel at the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, and hike through the vast lava fields of Þórsmörk. Be prepared for a truly immersive experience in nature unlike any other, where you can witness the raw power of the earth and feel a deep connection to the ancient history of this remote region.

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Explore The Highlands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in The Highlands

In The Highlands of Iceland, visitors can expect a dining scene that is as unique and diverse as the landscape itself. From cozy cafes serving traditional Icelandic pastries to upscale restaurants offering gourmet interpretations of local ingredients, there is something to satisfy every palate. Be sure to try the hearty lamb stew, fresh seafood dishes, and the famous Icelandic hot dogs. Many restaurants also offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and geothermal areas, providing a dining experience that is both delicious and unforgettable.

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Best bars in The Highlands

The Highlands may be known for its rugged landscapes and natural beauty, but when the sun sets, a vibrant nightlife scene comes alive. Visitors can expect cozy bars serving up local craft beers and spirits, where they can mingle with locals and other travelers. For those looking to dance the night away, there are lively nightclubs playing a mix of Icelandic and international music, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. Whether you prefer a laid-back evening or a night of partying, The Highlands has something for everyone to enjoy after dark.

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Best nightclubs in The Highlands

The Highlands may be known for its rugged landscapes and natural beauty, but when the sun sets, a vibrant nightlife scene comes alive. Visitors can expect cozy bars serving up local craft beers and spirits, where they can mingle with locals and other travelers. For those looking to dance the night away, there are lively nightclubs playing a mix of Icelandic and international music, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. Whether you prefer a laid-back evening or a night of partying, The Highlands has something for everyone to enjoy after dark.

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Best shops in The Highlands

The Highlands in Iceland offer a unique shopping experience for visitors, with a focus on locally made goods and traditional handicrafts. From cozy woolen sweaters and hand-knitted mittens to intricate glassware and pottery, the shops and markets in the area showcase the rich cultural heritage of Iceland. Visitors can browse through a variety of souvenirs, jewelry, and artwork, all inspired by the stunning natural beauty of The Highlands. Whether you're looking for a special memento to take home or simply want to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture, the shopping scene in The Highlands is sure to delight and captivate tourists.

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The Highlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, including remote areas like The Highlands. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit very remote locations where card payment facilities might not be available. ATMs are available in larger towns before you enter The Highlands, such as in Reykjavik or Akureyri.
Safety
The Highlands are generally safe, but the remoteness and harsh conditions require careful preparation. There are no high-crime areas targeting tourists. However, the main risks are natural hazards such as sudden weather changes, river crossings, and rugged terrain. Always inform someone of your travel plans, carry a GPS and a detailed map, and ensure you have sufficient supplies, including food, water, and a first-aid kit. Check safetravel.is for up-to-date safety information.
Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Given the remote nature of The Highlands, response times can be longer than in urban areas. It is strongly recommended to carry a satellite phone and consider renting a personal locator beacon (PLB) for emergencies. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for search and rescue.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do wear layers and waterproof clothing; the weather can change rapidly. Avoid wearing jeans as they do not dry quickly. Religion: Respect the natural environment, which many locals consider sacred. Public Transport: Public transport is not available in The Highlands. Plan accordingly. Greetings: A simple 'hello' or 'góðan daginn' (good day) is sufficient. Icelanders are generally informal. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods if available, such as dried fish and skyr. Don’t leave litter; practice 'leave no trace' principles.
Local Tips
To experience The Highlands like a local, plan your visit during the brief summer months when the area is accessible. Participate in guided hikes to learn about the unique geology and history of the area. Join a local tour group for activities such as glacier hiking or ice cave exploration. Visit natural hot springs for a relaxing soak and converse with locals who often frequent these spots.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalló[haut-lo]
GoodbyeBless[bless]
YesJá[yow]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel[gyor-thoo-svo-vel]
Thank youTakk fyrir[tahk-feer-ir]
Excuse me/SorryFyrirgefðu[feer-ir-gef-thu]
How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?[kver-nik-he-vur-thoo-thath]
Fine. And you?Fínt. Og þú?[feent-oh-thoo]
Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?[ta-lar-thoo-ens-koo]
I don't understandÉg skil ekki[yeg-skil-ekki]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg væri til í að sjá matsedilinn, takk[yeg-vair-ee-til-eeth-syaw-mat-seh-thil-inn-tahk]
I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt[yeg-bor-tha-ekki-chyot]
Cheers!Skál![skowl]
I would like to pay, pleaseÉg væri til í að greiða, takk[yeg-vair-ee-til-eeth-gray-tha-tahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![hyawlp]
Go away!Farðu í burtu![far-thoo-ee-bur-tu]
Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna![hring-doo-ee-log-re-gluna]
Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn![hring-doo-ee-layk-nin]
I'm lostÉg er týndur[yeg-ayr-tin-thur]
I'm illÉg er veikur[yeg-ayr-vay-kur]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ég væri til í að kaupa...[yeg-vair-ee-til-eeth-cow-pa]
I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða[yeg-ayr-bara-ath-skow-tha]
How much is it?Hvað kostar það?[kva-th-kos-tar-thath]
That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt[thath-ayr-of-dee-rt]
Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkað verðið?[ge-tur-thoo-lay-kauth-ver-thith]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?[kva-th-ayr-kloo-kan]
It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt[kloo-kan-ayr-ayt]
Half past (10)Hálf tíu[howlf-tee-oo]
MorningMorgunn[mor-goon]
AfternoonSíðdegis[seed-deh-yeesh]
EveningKvöld[kvowl-th]
YesterdayÍ gær[ee-gighr]
TodayÍ dag[ee-dahg]
TomorrowÁ morgun[ow-mor-goon]
1Einn[ayt-n]
2Tveir[t-vay-r]
3Þrír[threer]
4Fjórir[fyow-rir]
5Fimm[fim]
6Sex[sehx]
7Sjö[syow]
8Átta[ow-tha]
9Níu[nee-oo]
10Tíu[tee-oo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er ...?[kvar-ayr]
What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?[kva-th-ayr-hay-mil-is-fan-gith]
Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?[ge-tur-thoo-seent-mayr-ow-kor-thi-nu]
When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsti (strætisvagn)?[kver-nayr-ke-mur-nay-sti-stray-tis-vagn]
A ticket (to ....)Einn miða (til ...)[ayt-n-mee-tha-til]

History of The Highlands

Formation and Geological Origins

The Highlands of Iceland were primarily formed through volcanic activity and glacial movements. The area is characterized by vast lava fields, rocky deserts, and expansive glaciers. This unique landscape began to take shape around 16 million years ago during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, shaped by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that runs through Iceland. The region's geological activity continues to this day, contributing to its dynamic and ever-changing scenery.

Settlement and Early Inhabitants

Though the Highlands are largely uninhabitable due to their harsh conditions, evidence suggests that the area was sporadically visited by early Icelandic settlers. These settlers, known as the Norsemen, arrived in Iceland around the late 9th century. They primarily used the Highlands for summer grazing lands, known as 'afréttir,' which were critical for their livestock.

The Saga Age

The Icelandic Sagas, a series of epic narratives written in the 13th century, recount many events that occurred in the Highlands. One of the most famous sagas, 'Njáls Saga,' mentions the Highlands as a place of refuge and treacherous travel. The inhospitable terrain often served as a backdrop for tales of feuds, escapes, and survival.

Medieval Trade Routes

During the medieval period, the Highlands served as an important but dangerous corridor for trade. Merchants and travelers braved the harsh environment to transport goods between the north and south of Iceland. These routes, known as 'leiðir,' were essential for the country's economy, despite the perilous conditions that often led to lost lives and goods.

The Highland Clearances

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Highlands saw a significant depopulation due to a series of natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions and harsh winters. This period, often referred to as the Highland Clearances, forced many inhabitants to abandon their farms and relocate to more hospitable areas. The region's harsh environment became even more pronounced during this time.

Modern Exploration and Conservation

The 20th and 21st centuries have seen increased interest in the Highlands from both scientists and tourists. Modern technology has allowed for more detailed exploration and mapping of this rugged terrain. Conservation efforts have also been put in place to protect the fragile ecosystems and unique geological features of the area. Today, the Highlands are a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities such as hiking, glacier walking, and off-road driving.

The Highlands in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Cities in The Highlands

The towns and cities of The Highlands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to The Highlands, Iceland

Discover the majestic Highlands of Iceland with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images, detailed descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Plan the perfect trip to The Highlands, Iceland with Evendo. Explore attractions, book tours, and navigate like a local—all in one free app.

  • History of The Highlands and travel essentials
  • Curated local advice to enhance your visit
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage of over 7,000 destinations

Imagine standing on the rugged terrain of The Highlands, Iceland, surrounded by majestic landscapes, volcanic deserts, and glacial rivers. With Evendo, your journey becomes an unforgettable adventure. This free app-based travel guide offers all the information you need to explore the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in The Highlands.

Dreaming of witnessing the beauty of Landmannalaugar's colorful rhyolite mountains or the captivating waterfalls at Aldeyjarfoss? Evendo has you covered with detailed descriptions, stunning images, local tips, and maps to guide you. Fancy a taste of Icelandic cuisine? Discover top-rated restaurants like Fjalladyrd and Kaffi Klara, or unwind at the cozy Hrauneyjar Highland Center.

Planning your trip is a breeze with Evendo's booking feature. Secure your hotel, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more juggling between websites—Evendo consolidates everything in one place. Whether you're exploring the history of The Highlands, need travel essentials, or want curated local advice, Evendo makes it easy to navigate the region and immerse yourself in its unique culture.

Don't miss the 'Near me' feature, which shows attractions and amenities around your current location. And remember, Evendo isn't just for The Highlands; it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. Download Evendo today and start your Icelandic adventure!

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