4x4 & HIGHLAND TOURS IN ICELAND

You’ll need to travel in a 4x4 in Iceland if you plan to visit the central highlands. This is because most of the area is accessed via F-roads which are unsuitable for cars without 4-wheel drive (4WD or AWD). We also highly recommend that you rent a 4x4 super jeep for a self-drive tour of Iceland in winter.

F-roads are tracks with rough terrain in Iceland. These highland roads are challenging to navigate unless you’re on a super jeep tour, particularly as it’s not uncommon to encounter river crossings. What’s more, legally you can only drive on Iceland’s F-roads in 4x4 vehicles.

The highlands of Iceland is a region of immense natural beauty and power. You’ll find it in the very heart of the island, covering an area of roughly 40,000 square kilometres (15,445 square miles). Come here and you’ll discover a wild place awash with mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and geothermal areas.

Explore the highlands and you could reach remote places that few visitors to Iceland get to see. Tackle hiking trails that wind their way through lava fields, and peer over volcanic crater lakes. Watch steam rising from vents in the earth, and marvel at river canyons forged from glacial meltwaters.

Learn more about this region, including the best places to visit, with this complete guide to Iceland’s highlands.

Driving is a rewarding way to travel around Iceland. You can discover the country at a pace that suits you, making stops at the places that catch your interest. There are some things you should know though before you take a self-drive tour of Iceland.

For example, it’s important to remember that Iceland’s climate is changeable and occasionally this can affect driving routes. But if any adverse weather conditions occur during your tour, your travel consultant will handle any necessary itinerary adjustments. They’ll keep you safe and informed throughout.

In the highlands you should prepare for driving over mountain roads. You may need to cross rivers and you should expect some bumpy terrain. But with a 4x4 rental in Iceland, you’ll be equipped to take on the highland roads and explore extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path landscapes.

Bear in mind that off-road driving is not allowed in Iceland.

At Nordic Visitor we do everything to make your self-drive tour as smooth as possible. Your car rental comes with an additional driver as standard, so you can share the driving and take turns to enjoy the views as passengers. You’ll also have free in-car Wi-Fi.

Plus, you’ll receive a personal map of your driving route, hand-marked by your dedicated travel consultant. And you can relax knowing you have our support 24/7 during your trip, with access to our helpline in case you need assistance.

Find out more about driving in Iceland to familiarise yourself with local rules before you travel. You can also learn about winter driving in Iceland. However, do bear in mind that you cannot reach the central highlands at this time of year as the roads are closed.

The best way to travel around Iceland’s highlands is up to you. You can either go on a self-guided trip, or have an expert local guide take you there.

If you're visiting in summer, choose an Iceland highlands self-drive tour to take the wheel of a super jeep. You’d get to enjoy an epic Iceland road trip in a 4x4 vehicle that’s fully equipped to handle the mountain roads. The SUV’s specialised modifications ensure that your adrenaline rush is balanced by safety and comfort.

If you’d rather not drive, there’s no need to. Instead, choose from privately guided packages and multi-day tours of the highlands. A professional guide who knows the region inside out will handle all the driving and navigation. This way, you’ll also get to learn all about the highlands from a local expert.

Read these travel tips for exploring Iceland on our blog.

You can only visit Iceland’s highlands, for the most part, during the summer season. This is because the weather is milder at this time of year, compared to the winter, so the remote mountain roads tend to be open.

That said, you can still reach certain parts of the highlands in winter, so long as they are accessible. For example, you could take a 4x4 tour of Þórsmörk, near the south coast of Iceland. This nature reserve is the perfect place to hunt for the northern lights as part of a highland winter adventure tour.

You can also venture to Kerlingarfjöll in the central highlands, and stay at the Highland Base hotel. Here, you can enjoy a range of wintry activities including snowmobiling, skiing, and hiking. 

Find out the best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland on our blog.