Iceland’s highlands are a true wilderness, a vast and remote area of rugged mountains, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. The highlands are not as crowded as other parts of Iceland, and they are home to some of the most unique and breathtaking natural wonders the country has to offer. Here are some of my favorite places in the Icelandic highlands that I believe are worth visiting.

• Kerlingafjöll: Kerlingafjöll is a mountain range located in the southern highlands and is known for its hot springs and geothermal activity. The area offers a wide variety of hiking trails, including the challenging hike to the summit of Kerling mountain.
• Landmannalaugar: Landmannalaugar is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is known for its colorful mountains and hot springs, and it’s a great place to relax after a long day of hiking. The hiking trails in the area offer an excellent opportunity to witness the unique volcanic landscape, hot springs, and geothermal activity.
• Þórsmörk: Þórsmörk, also known as Thor’s Valley, is a beautiful valley located between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. It’s a popular destination for hikers and is known for its stunning views and beautiful valleys. The area offers a wide variety of hiking trails, including the famous Laugavegur trail.
• Mælifell: Mælifell is a volcano located in the southern highlands and is known for its unique volcanic landscape, including a crater lake and a unique moss-covered volcano. The volcano is a popular destination for hikers and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Hveravellir: Hveravellir is a geothermal area located in the western highlands and is known for its hot springs and geysers. The area is a popular destination for camping and offers a wide variety of hiking trails.
• Langjökull: Langjökull is the second-largest glacier in Iceland and is located in the west of the highlands. The glacier offers a unique experience of ice caving, snowmobiling and hiking. The views from the top of the glacier are truly breathtaking, and it’s a great place to experience the raw power of nature.
• Eldgjá: Eldgjá is a volcanic canyon located in the southern highlands and is known for its unique volcanic landscape, including a volcanic fissure, and a waterfall. The canyon is a popular destination for hikers and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Askja: Askja is a volcano located in the central highlands of Iceland and it’s a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is known for its unique geothermal features and stunning views, and it’s an excellent place to experience the raw power of nature. The volcano has a caldera and a lake, it’s a great place to hike and camp.

Overall, the highlands of Iceland offer a unique and unparalleled experience that should not be missed. These eight places are just a small sample of the incredible natural beauty that the highlands have to offer. If you’re looking for an adventure and want to experience the raw power of nature, the Icelandic highlands are the perfect destination.