Icelandic Highlands: The Forgotten Core of a Planet

▪️ Icelandic Highlands Located in the island's interior, the Icelandic Highlands are a vast, nearly uninhabited wilderness, showcasing Iceland's most pristine and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. With no cities or power grids, this region is defined by volcanoes, glaciers, black sands, and tundra, earning its reputation as "the place on Earth most resembling an alien world." - ▪️ Landmannalaugar One of the most famous areas in the Icelandic Highlands, Landmannalaugar is renowned for its colorful rhyolite mountains and natural geothermal hot springs. It serves as the starting point for the iconic Laugavegur hiking trail, which traverses black sand dunes, lava fields, and hot spring streams, offering a quintessential experience of the Highlands' beauty. Even if you don't hike, soaking in the geothermal springs while admiring the vibrant mountains is an unforgettable experience. - ▪️ Hveradalir Geothermal Valley Nestled within the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, Hveradalir is a geothermal valley shrouded in mist, with bubbling mud pools and ridges painted in vivid hues of orange, green, and other colors due to sulfur and mineral deposits. This is a true "wilderness wonder" in an uninhabited area. - ▪️ Askja Volcano & Víti Crater Lake Askja is a volcanic system located in one of Iceland's most remote central regions. Within it lies Víti Crater Lake, known for its milky blue waters, making it one of Iceland's most mysterious volcanic lakes. NASA once used this area to simulate astronaut training for lunar missions due to its moon-like terrain. Accessible only during summer (July-September) via certain 4x4 vehicles, it is a dream destination for hardcore adventurers. - ▪️ Sprengisandur Plateau This ancient wilderness route traverses the Highlands from south to north and was once used by Vikings to cross the interior. Today, the road is open only to heavy-duty 4WD vehicles, with no facilities along the way—just black sands, rocks, and ice fields. - ▪️ Highland Travel Season & Transportation • Open Season: Typically late June to early September, depending on weather and snow conditions. • Transportation: High-clearance 4WD vehicles (Super Jeeps or self-driven 4x4s) are required, with some areas requiring river crossings. • No Signal or Facilities: Most of the Highlands lack cell service, gas stations, or accommodations. It is recommended to join professional expedition groups or prepare thoroughly. - ▪️ Activities to Experience 🔥 Wild geothermal hot spring bathing 🥾 Hiking across Highland trails (Laugavegur / Fimmvörðuháls) 📸 Photography of alien-like landscapes 🚙 Off-road Highland exploration ⛺️ Camping in the wilderness and stargazing in remote areas