Highland Wilderness Adventure
Ideal for travelers looking for a more exploratory route, and who are comfortable driving on gravel roads and adapting to changing conditions
A route into Iceland's interior, where the landscape becomes more open, more remote, and less defined by roads or settlements. This itinerary focuses on the highlands, where volcanic terrain, geothermal valleys, and wide uninhabited areas shape the experience. Travel here is less about moving between sights and more about being in the landscape itself. It is suited for travelers looking for a more exploratory route, and who are comfortable driving on gravel roads and adapting to changing conditions. Access is seasonal and requires a 4x4 vehicle, but offers a perspective of Iceland that is not found along the main routes.
5–7 Days
4x4 Self-Drive
Highlands (Interior)
The Details
The Route
Starting from Reykjavík, the route follows the Golden Circle before turning inland towards the highlands. The journey includes time in areas such as Kerlingarfjöll or similar regions, where geothermal activity and hiking opportunities are central to the experience.
The return brings you back through West Iceland or along the edge of the highlands, depending on conditions and preferred pacing. The route is designed to balance access to remote areas with realistic driving times.
Highlights
– Highland landscapes with limited access and low visitor numbers
– Geothermal valleys and rhyolite mountains
– Kerlingarfjöll and surrounding hiking areas
– Hot springs and remote bathing opportunities
– Interior tracks and changing terrain
– A more isolated and self-reliant travel experience
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Reykjavík
Your Highland adventure begins in Reykjavík, where the comforts of the capital provide a final stop before heading into Iceland's remote interior.
After arriving at Keflavík Airport, collect your 4x4 vehicle and drive to Reykjavík. Spend the rest of the day preparing for the journey ahead, exploring the city, or simply relaxing after your flight. While the coming days will take you far from towns and paved roads, Reykjavík offers an opportunity to enjoy Icelandic culture, local cuisine, and a comfortable first night before venturing into the wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to visit the harbor area, the city's landmarks, or one of Reykjavík's many geothermal pools.
Optional Activities
- Sky Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon
- Reykjavík Food Walk
- Whale Watching from Reykjavík
Day 2 – From the Golden Circle to the Highland Edge
Today the journey transitions from Iceland's best-known landmarks to the rugged landscapes that mark the gateway to the Highlands.
Leave Reykjavík and travel through the Golden Circle, beginning at Þingvellir National Park where Iceland's geological and cultural history meet. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where hot springs and erupting geysers reveal the forces shaping the island beneath the surface, before visiting the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. Beyond the main sights, the landscape gradually begins to change. Farmland gives way to volcanic terrain, roads become quieter, and the Highlands begin to appear on the horizon. By the end of the day, you will find yourself on the edge of Iceland's interior, where the sense of remoteness becomes increasingly apparent.
Optional Activities
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull
- Secret Lagoon
- Laugarvatn Fontana
- Horseback Riding
- Friðheimar Greenhouse
- Laugarás Lagoon
Day 3 – Into the Icelandic Highlands
The true adventure begins today as you leave the lowlands behind and enter one of Europe's last great wilderness areas.
Travel inland along Highland roads that cross lava fields, black deserts, glacial rivers, and wide open plateaus. The scenery is stark, dramatic, and constantly changing, with few signs of settlement and long stretches where nature dominates entirely. Depending on conditions and the chosen route, river crossings and rougher sections of road may become part of the experience, adding to the sense of exploration. Arrive in the Kerlingarfjöll region, where colourful rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal valleys, and rugged peaks create one of Iceland's most spectacular Highland environments. Take time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the interior.
Optional Activities
- Highland Hiking Excursions
- Geothermal Bathing at Highland Base
Day 4 – Geothermal Valleys & Mountain Trails
Surrounded by mountains, geothermal activity, and vast open spaces, today is dedicated to experiencing the Highlands at a slower pace.
Spend the day exploring the remarkable landscapes around Kerlingarfjöll and the central Highlands. Well-marked hiking trails lead through steaming valleys, colourful hillsides, and geothermal fields where hot springs emerge from beneath the earth. Unlike many parts of Iceland, the Highlands reward those who slow down and spend time in the landscape. Weather, light, and visibility can change throughout the day, creating an ever-changing environment that feels both raw and untouched. Whether you choose a challenging hike or a more relaxed exploration of the nearby geothermal areas, the focus remains on immersion in the wilderness rather than covering long distances.
Day 5 – From the Highlands to Borgarfjörður
Leaving the Highlands behind, today's journey reveals a softer side of Iceland as volcanic wilderness gradually gives way to green valleys, rivers, and historic landscapes.
Depart the interior and begin the journey west towards Borgarfjörður, one of Iceland's most fascinating and historically significant regions. The transition is striking, with rugged mountain tracks and remote wilderness slowly replaced by fertile farmland, winding rivers, and sheltered valleys. Along the way, there are countless opportunities to stop and appreciate the changing scenery, reflecting the remarkable diversity of Iceland's landscapes. Upon reaching Borgarfjörður, explore some of the area's natural highlights, including Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and the beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where clear water emerges through ancient lava fields. After several days in the remote Highlands, Borgarfjörður offers a comfortable and scenic setting to relax while still remaining closely connected to nature.
Optional Activities
- Krauma Geothermal Baths
- Into the Glacier
- Lava Cave Exploration
- Horseback Riding
Day 6 – Waterfalls, Hot Springs & Return to Reykjavík
Today offers a final opportunity to experience West Iceland before returning to Reykjavík and completing your Highland adventure.
Spend the morning further exploring Borgarfjörður and its surrounding landscapes. The region is rich in both natural beauty and Icelandic history, with scenic valleys, geothermal areas, and historic sites linked to the Icelandic Sagas. Depending on your interests, there is time for a short hike, a visit to a local geothermal bath, or simply enjoying the peaceful countryside atmosphere. Later in the day, continue south towards Reykjavík, where the landscape gradually becomes more familiar as you return to the capital. The evening can be spent exploring the city, enjoying a final Icelandic meal, or reflecting on the contrast between Reykjavík's urban comforts and the wild, remote landscapes of the Highlands.
Optional Activities
- Reykjavík Food Experience
- Sky Lagoon
- Guided City Walk
Day 7 – Departure
Your Highland adventure comes to an end as you make your way back across the Reykjanes Peninsula towards Keflavík Airport.
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed final morning in Reykjavík before driving to the airport. The route offers one last glimpse of the volcanic landscapes that define so much of Iceland's character. After returning your vehicle and checking in for your flight, your journey concludes with memories of remote mountain roads, geothermal valleys, colourful rhyolite peaks, and the vast wilderness of Iceland's interior.
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon
Optional extension: Additional nights can be added in the highlands or along the return route to allow more time for hiking or to reduce daily driving distances.
Flexibility
Highland travel depends on weather, road conditions, and timing within the season. Routes may need to be adjusted accordingly, and flexibility is an important part of the experience. Our team will advise on vehicle choice, timing, and route planning to ensure a safe and well-paced itinerary, adapted to your travel plans.


Tour Highlights
List of services
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Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
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Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
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Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
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Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
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Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
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Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
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Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Tour Highlights
List of services
-
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
Explore Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss
-
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
Journey through remote East Fjord villages and dramatic coastlines
-
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
Hike black sand beaches, volcanic canyons, and behind powerful waterfalls
-
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
Soak in geothermal spas like Vök Baths and Mývatn Nature Baths
-
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
Optional adventures: glacier hiking, whale watching, horseback riding & more
-
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
Stay in locally run guesthouses and boutique countryside hotels
-
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Travel with a private guide—your expert for stories, safety, and flexibility
Questions, custom trip ideas?
We’re here to help.
We’re a small Icelandic team that loves planning unforgettable journeys. Whether you're ready to book, have questions about a tour, or want to build something custom — just reach out. We’ll get back to you quickly with honest answers and expert advice.
- Email: info@valaadventure.is
- Phone: +354 515 1520
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00 GMT
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