Best for
Landmannalaugar + hot springs
Colorful mountains and natural bathing in a highland setting.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve Iceland: Highland Reserve & Landmannalaugar
A highland nature reserve featuring Landmannalaugar, colorful rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and the start of the legendary Laugavegur hiking trail. F-road access only.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
Highlands
F-road access only. 4x4 required. Summer access.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve is one of Iceland's most visually stunning highland areas. While it lacks the traditional forests found elsewhere on this list, its unique highland vegetation, colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and vast lava fields create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. The reserve encompasses Landmannalaugar—perhaps Iceland's most famous highland destination—and serves as the starting point for the Laugavegur trail, consistently rated among the world's best multi-day hikes.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Highland F-roads are only open in summer (typically late June–September). A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory. River crossings may be required. Check road.is and safetravel.is before every trip.
Sources to check
Access
F-road only (4x4)
Highland roads open summer only. No regular vehicles.
Pro tip
Check roads first
Always verify F-road status on road.is before departing.
What to Expect
- Colorful rhyolite mountains in rainbow hues
- Natural hot springs for bathing at Landmannalaugar
- Start of the famous 55 km Laugavegur hiking trail
- Vast obsidian lava fields and volcanic formations
- Highland campsite at Landmannalaugar with basic facilities
- The Laugavegur trail starting point with 55 km of diverse landscapes leading to Þórsmörk
Nearby Attractions
- Þórsmörk nature reserve (end of Laugavegur trail)
- Háifoss waterfall (accessible by 4x4)
- Hekla volcano (visible from the reserve)
- Ljótipollur explosion crater lake with deep red slopes
- Frostastaðavatn lake for scenic highland camping
How to Get There
- Highland F-road access only — F225 from Route 26 or F208 from the north, both requiring 4x4
- Summer bus services (Reykjavik Excursions, Trex) run daily from Reykjavik (4 hours)
- About 190 km from Reykjavik but the highland portion is slow — allow 5-6 hours driving
- River crossings required on most approach routes — do NOT attempt in a standard car
- The main base is Landmannalaugar with a mountain hut, campsite, and natural hot springs
Best Time to Visit
- Late June to September: Only period when F-roads are open and the area is accessible
- July-August: Best weather, trails fully snow-free, hot springs comfortable for bathing
- Late September: Autumn colors on highland moss, but nights can drop below freezing
- October-May: Completely inaccessible — roads closed, area snowbound at 600m elevation
- Early July: Laugavegur trail typically fully open for through-hiking to Þórsmörk
Planning help
Fjallabak Nature Reserve FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.