Elevation
~800 m
High in Iceland's Central Highlands
Nyidalur (Nýidalur): Highland Valley Between Glaciers
Nýidalur / Jökuldalur
Updated February 10, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
A highland valley between Tungnafellsjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers at about 800 m elevation. A well-vegetated oasis amid the barren Central Highlands interior.
Region
Central Highlands
Best time: Late June – Early August
Nýidalur is a highland valley situated between Tungnafellsjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers at about 800 m elevation. A frequent stop for highland travelers on the Sprengisandur route, the valley features huts operated by the Icelandic Touring Association (FÍ). Despite the barren surroundings of Iceland's interior desert, Nýidalur is a well-vegetated oasis with grasses, mosses, and wildflowers — a surprising pocket of green in one of Europe's last great wildernesses.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-10
Highland F-roads only — 4x4 required. No fuel or shops. Extreme weather possible at any time. Only accessible mid-summer. Register travel plans at safetravel.is.
Sources to check
Access
4x4 only
Highland F-roads with river crossings
Best Season
Late Jun–Aug
Only accessible mid-summer
Glaciers
2 ice caps
Tungnafellsjökull and Hofsjökull
Isolation
True Wilderness
One of Iceland's most remote inhabited spots — no phone signal, no shops
Route
Sprengisandur
Located on the historic Sprengisandur highland route connecting north and south Iceland
Key Highlights
Highland Oasis
A surprising pocket of green vegetation amid Iceland's barren interior desert
Between Two Glaciers
Dramatically positioned between Tungnafellsjökull and Hofsjökull ice caps
FÍ Touring Huts
Mountain huts operated by the Icelandic Touring Association with basic facilities
Sprengisandur Route
Part of Iceland's famous highland crossing between north and south
Wilderness Experience
One of Europe's last great wildernesses — no roads, shops, or services for miles
How to Get There
- Highland F-road access only — F26 (Sprengisandur route) between Hofsjökull and Tungnafellsjökull
- Requires a capable 4x4 vehicle with river-crossing ability — NOT for standard rental cars
- About 200 km from Akureyri or 250 km from the south coast, mostly on unpaved highland roads
- The highland hut at Nýidalur is managed by FÍ (Icelandic Touring Association)
- Summer bus services (Reykjavik Excursions) run the Sprengisandur route with a stop at Nýidalur
Best Time to Visit
- Late June to early September: Only period when F-roads are open
- July-August: Best weather in the highlands, warmest temperatures (5-12°C)
- Late August: Autumn colors begin on the highland moss and vegetation
- October-May: Completely inaccessible — roads closed, area snowbound
- Early July: F26 typically opens — check road.is for exact opening dates each year
Planning help
Nyidalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.