General
The central Iceland region is very different from the coastal area. Although the Highlands cover most of Iceland's territory, very few people live here, and this is for several reasons. The main reason is the weather – throughout the entire year, the weather can surprise you and be wintry and harsh. Nevertheless, travelers in Iceland will find unique landscapes and spectacular sights in its center that cannot be found anywhere else.
Road conditions: The roads in central Iceland are very rough dirt and gravel roads, and are therefore intended strictly for 4x4 vehicles. Driving a regular car on these roads, which are marked with the letter F, is extremely dangerous and illegal. Please note, on most routes you will need to cross rivers. Drive slowly and carefully, and pay attention to the water depth. Roads in central Iceland are closed until the spring months and reopen only when weather conditions allow. Travelers must check road conditions and weather before departing on their trip. Updates regarding road conditions can be found at visitor centers and on the Vegagerðin website. In order to drive safely in central Iceland, it is important to carry an up-to-date map.
Please note, many tourists travel in central Iceland and accommodation options are limited; therefore, it is highly recommended to book accommodation well in advance and not wait until the last minute.
Landmannalaugar Reserve
The Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve is considered one of the must-visit destinations for travelers in Iceland. The reserve is located in the heart of Iceland, closer to the south-western part of the country.
The reserve is best known for its tall, breathtaking mountains painted in a vivid palette of rainbow colors. The scenery looks as though someone painted the mountains with a brush to their heart's content—an unforgettable sight. In addition, the area has significant geothermal activity, and natural hot springs are available at one of the campsites.
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Laki Craters
The Laki craters are the remnants of a catastrophic volcanic eruption that occurred in 1783. The eruption caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people and animals, causing severe devastation to property and agriculture across Iceland and worldwide.
The 135 Laki craters are situated along a fissure system stretching 2–5 km. Today, they attract numerous travelers coming to marvel at the raw force of nature, yet the immense tragedy that occurred here should not be forgotten. The lava flowing from the craters during the eruption covered 0.5% of Iceland's entire landmass. Only when standing in awe before these vast craters does one truly comprehend the scale of the catastrophe...
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Askja Volcano
The landscape of Askja volcano is so extraordinary that it is hard to believe it actually exists. After a long and arduous drive along rugged dirt tracks, you will reach the collapsed caldera of the Víti crater, which is filled today with stunning azure waters. The major eruption took place in 1875, blanketing the surrounding region in a deep layer of ash. The resulting crater is considered the deepest in Iceland at 217 meters, and today only the adventurous hike down to bathe in its waters. The water is not especially warm, and the cold surrounding mountain air makes getting in quite a challenge.
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