A two-wheeler with a four-wheeler feel

The following is not an itinerary in the strict sense, but rather a selection of places that can be reached by a 2WD car and have a real Icelandic highlands feel.

Öxi Pass (Road 939/86)

A shortcut along the eastern coast of Iceland that is fairly manageable even with a small car. Folaldafoss (easily accessible) and Hænubrekkufoss are located here.

Mjóafjarðarvegur (Road 953)

A turnoff along road 953 on the east coast, where you can find Klifbrekkufossar, Prestagilsfoss, and a shipwreck in Mjóifjörður. A road leads to the village of Brekka (Brekkuþorp), and you can continue further east to Dalatangaviti eldri.

Kerlingardalsvegur 214

A gravel road along the south coast near the town of Vík í Mýrdal takes you deep into the highlands to the Þakgil canyon. The 16-kilometer drive already feels like true Icelandic highlands, usually accessible only to 4×4 vehicles.

Gjáin and Þjórsárdalur

I won’t lie—Gjáin is my favorite place in Iceland. To reach it with a 2WD car, drive from the south to Stöng í Þjórsárdal, and from there it is about a 15-minute walk to Gjáin.

Hatta

Hatta is a viewpoint you cannot reach by car—you must hike from the church in Vík í Mýrdal. First comes a steep climb, and then untouched highland wilderness.

Þríhyrningur

Þríhyrningur is a mountain near the town of Hvolsvöllur. You can drive to the end of Vatnsdalur road and hike up the hill—the views already feel like true Icelandic highlands.

Möðrudalur / Fjalladýrð

Möðrudalur / Fjalladýrð is a beautiful spot in the north, easily accessible about 8 km from the Ring Road via road 901. There is a farm, campsite, peace, goats, dogs, Arctic foxes, and sometimes other animals.

Gullfoss from the other side

99.9% of visitors approach Gullfoss from the west side—large parking lots, restaurants, and facilities. But you can also reach it from the east. From road 30, turn north onto road 349 and drive to a small parking area. From there, walk to the viewpoint on the eastern bank of Gullfoss.

Glymur

The parking area for Glymur is easily accessible by any car. The hike to the waterfall feels like stepping into Icelandic highlands.

Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug—this spot between two glaciers has a truly authentic highland atmosphere.

Seltún Krýsuvík

Seltún Krýsuvík is a geothermal area on the Reykjanes peninsula with bubbling mud pools and sulfur steam vents.

Waterfall route above Skógafoss

Skógafoss is easily accessible by any vehicle. From here, you can follow the Skógá river upstream. This is part of the Fimmvörðuháls trek, and along 8 kilometers you will see dozens of smaller and larger waterfalls. You decide how far you go—some say this hike is the highlight of their entire Iceland trip.

Waterfalls along this route include: Hestavaðsfoss, Fosstorfufoss, Steinbogafoss, Fremri-Fellsfoss, Innri-Fellsfoss, Rollutorfufoss, Skálabrekkufoss, Kæfufoss, Króksfoss, Efstifoss, and Slæðufoss.

Ásbyrgi

Hiking along the eastern rim of Ásbyrgi canyon truly feels like a journey into complete wilderness.

Dettifoss from the east

The eastern parking area at Dettifoss is even accessible via a paved road. The roughly 800-meter walk to the waterfall takes you into a completely different world of raw Icelandic nature, where you can stand just a few meters from Europe’s most powerful waterfall.

Area of roads 887, 888, 889

With improved road infrastructure, several sites on the western bank of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river are now accessible. These include: Rauðhólar, Hljóðaklettar, Karl og Kerling, Hólmárfossar, and Vigabjargsfoss.

Nauthúsagil

Nauthúsagil is a hidden gorge near the Ring Road in South Iceland—a mysterious and unexpected place.

Hvannagil & Raftagil

One of the most underrated places just a few kilometers from the Ring Road. If you want to feel like Indiana Jones for a moment, Hvannagil is the place. Right next to it is Raftagil.

Sigöldufoss and Sigöldugljúfur

Sigöldufoss and Sigöldugljúfur are the first two highlights on the northwest route toward the Rainbow Mountains. Sigöldufoss is easy to reach, while Sigöldugljúfur requires a rougher drive. Officially, road F208 starts beyond the point where you want to go, and rental companies may restrict access.

Laugarfell & Slæðufoss

Laugarfell with its geothermal pool and nearby Slæðufoss is a peaceful spot in the eastern highlands.

Stuðlagil

Stuðlagil is a canyon with spectacular basalt columns and a turquoise river. Access is possible from the northern side directly down to the water.

Sænautasel

Sænautasel is a reconstructed Icelandic farm in the remote eastern highlands.

Driving on your own

This section is not travel advice. Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is purely coincidental. Rental cars are GPS-tracked, and violations of restrictions are heavily fined.

Þóristindur / Vatnsfell (F228)

Þóristindur and Vatnsfell are located along road F228 in the central highlands, accessible in the right season.

Laugarvallalaug

Laugarvallalaug—you can drive to the upper junction and continue on foot (including river crossing).

Road 35 (formerly F35)

Road F35 has lost its “F” designation in recent years. There are no river crossings anymore, but rental companies often still forbid 2WD cars from using road 35. The Hveravellir area, Hveravallalaug geothermal pool, and Gýgjarfoss waterfall may be beyond your vehicle’s capabilities.

Landmannalaugar via F208 from the northwest

You can reach the parking area before Landmannalaugar from the northeast without crossing a river. Even though 2WD rental cars almost never make it here, some front-wheel-drive cars have been seen at the parking area.

Aldeyjarfoss

Between the start of road F26 from the north and the parking area at Aldeyjarfoss, there are no river crossings and the road is not too difficult. However, this is not a travel recommendation.