Iceland Highlands: Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar (4×4 Adventure)

This is Iceland at its wildest: the highland F-roads to Landmannalaugar, a valley of rhyolite mountains in glowing orange, green and pink, with a natural hot spring to soak in. A 4×4 is required by law on the F-roads — a normal car is not allowed and won’t make it. The roads are gravel, sometimes with unbridged river crossings, and open only in the short summer window (roughly mid-June to September). You drive on the right. Fill up before you leave the ring road — there is no fuel in the interior.

Day 1 — Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar (190 km)

Leave the capital and follow the Ring Road east, then turn inland onto the Fjallabak route (F208 / F225). The tarmac ends and the highlands begin — a slow, spectacular gravel drive into the mountains. Check road conditions and river levels on road.is that morning, cross any fords slowly and only if you’re confident, and never rush a crossing. Reach Landmannalaugar, soak in the geothermal pool and camp or stay in the mountain hut.

Day 2 — Hike and return (190 km)

Walk the short Laugahraun lava-field loop or climb Bláhnúkur for the panorama over the coloured peaks — Landmannalaugar is also the start of the famous Laugavegur trek. Drive the F-roads back out before evening and return to Reykjavík.

Costs

Use the cost calculator to price fuel and nights for your exact dates. Budget a 4×4 rental (much dearer than a normal car, and essential here), plenty of fuel, and a hut or campsite fee at Landmannalaugar. There are no tolls, but note that river-crossing damage is not covered by standard rental insurance — go carefully. This route is strictly seasonal; the F-roads are closed and impassable outside summer.