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Iceland: Highlands Off-road Expedition

1 Aug – 8 Aug 2027
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The Expedition

Trip Overview

It starts simple in Þingvellir, where two continents are quite literally pulling apart beneath your feet, and Gullfoss, where the Hvítá river drops 32 meters into a gorge that doesn't look real. Fair warning, though: this is the last "simple" day.

From there, the road climbs onto the Kjölur Route a highland crossing traders used centuries before anyone thought to pave a road in Iceland — running the edge of the Langjökull glacier into country most rental cars can't touch. Hveravellir waits out there: a geothermal field in the middle of nowhere, with a hot spring pool that makes every kilometer of gravel worth it.

Two nights are spent based at Highland Base Hotel, deep in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains, where the rock itself has been stained red, orange, and green by geothermal heat working from underground. Days here mean rivers, valleys, and a route your guide picks fresh each morning based on the weather, because in the highlands, the weather makes the rules.

Then the descent — through Þjórsárdalur's lava fields to Hjálparfoss and the hidden canyon of Gjáinn — and a final push through Hungurfit and Emstrur, some of the most remote highland driving on the whole route, before the highlands finally let go and the south coast opens up. The trip closes at Seljalandsfoss, where you don't just look at a waterfall, you walk behind it — and a last drive to Gígjökull, the glacier outlet reshaped by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption that grounded half of Europe's flights.

Why This Trip's Different

  • You drive a Land Rover Defender across terrain built for exactly that vehicle — not a paved detour, the real highland routes
  • The Kjölur Route and the Hungurfit–Emstrur crossing are highland tracks, not tourist roads
  • A private expedition leader adjusts the route daily based on rivers, weather, and visibility — because out here, that's not optional
  • Two remote highland stays: Highland Base in Kerlingarfjöll, Skálakot Manor at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull
  • A geothermal hot spring pool at Hveravellir that almost no one gets to reach
Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Terrain
Mixed Terrain
Experience
Intermediate
Where You’ll Go

The Route

Every stop on this journey, mapped out.

image
Trip start pointStop along the wayTrip end point
Leaflet | © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
Day By Day

The Itinerary

If AO is offering a journey to a destination I want to visit, I wouldn’t think twice—I’d choose them every time! That’s the level of trust, comfort, and excellence they bring to every trip.

Reykjavík

Upon arriving in Reykjavík, Iceland’s lively capital, settle into your accommodations and take some time to explore the city. You can stroll through the colorful streets and visit some of its key landmarks, like the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, which offers panoramic views of the city from its tower. Start to adjust to the long days and take a moment to relax before our first group dinner, where you'll meet your crew and fellow travelers and receive a formal trip briefing.

Be sure to get some rest, tomorrow we receive the cars and hit the road!

Today’s Activities

  • Arrive at the Reykjavík airport and meet your shuttle driver for transport to your hotel
  • Relax at the hotel or in town and gather for a group dinner to meet your crew and fellow travelers

Accommodations

  • Night Stay in Reykjavík: Hótel Reykjavík Saga
  • Breakfast & lunch not included on arrival day
  • Group Dinner
Available Fleet

Expedition Vehicles

Defender

Land Rover

Defender

EngineSupercharged V8
Power518 hp
0-1005.2 s
Word Of Mouth

Traveller Reviews

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GarimaIceland: Highlands Off-road Expedition · 8 Days / 7 Nights
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Amazing experience. Seeing Northern lights almost every day was the highlight of the entire trip. Taking back home some wonderful memories and awesome experiences. Thank you so much team AO for everything."
Help Centre

Common Questions

An Iceland Highlands road trip takes you beyond Iceland's familiar attractions and into the remote interior of the country. This 8‑day guided driving expedition includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, the Kjölur Route, Hveravellir, Kerlingarfjöll, Hungurfit, Seljalandsfoss and Gígjökull.

Along the way, you'll experience volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, glacial rivers, mountain valleys, waterfalls, and remote Highland routes.

You will drive a current Land Rover Defender, selected for tackling the varied terrain covered during the expedition in comfort and style. The itinerary includes Highland tracks, volcanic landscapes, rivers, canyons, and rugged mountain routes.

The vehicle allows you to experience Iceland's remote landscapes while being supported by an experienced expedition team.

No, previous off‑road driving experience is not required. The expedition is designed around guided driving, with an experienced team accompanying you throughout the journey.

You can enjoy the challenge and excitement of Iceland's Highland roads while having experienced support throughout the expedition.

The expedition combines Iceland's famous landmarks with its less discovered remote landscapes. Highlights include the Kjölur Route, Hveravellir, Kerlingarfjöll and Hungurfit, along with Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Gígjökull.

From geothermal valleys and volcanic deserts to glacial rivers and dramatic waterfalls, each day brings a different side of Iceland.

On Day 5, you'll visit Friðheimar Greenhouse, where geothermal energy is used to grow produce in Iceland's challenging climate. You'll enjoy lunch prepared using food grown at the greenhouse before continuing to Hjálparfoss and Gjáinn Canyon.

It is one of the experiences that adds a cultural and local dimension to the guided driving journey.

The Hungurfit route is one of the expedition's most memorable guided driving experiences. The route takes you through rivers, canyons, and valleys before reaching the remote Highland area of Hungurfit.

Here, green moss contrasts with black volcanic soil while rugged mountains surround the landscape, creating an extraordinary sense of isolation.

The final driving day begins at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. The journey then continues toward Gígjökull, an outlet glacier from the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap.

The area was dramatically affected by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, whose ash cloud disrupted air travel across Europe.

After the final drive, you'll return the vehicles and head back to Reykjavík for a farewell dinner featuring Icelandic cuisine.

Yes. This Iceland luxury adventure travel experience combines guided 4x4 driving through remote Highland landscapes with carefully planned accommodation, local experiences and expedition support.

You spend your days exploring volcanic terrain, geothermal valleys, mountain routes and remote landscapes, while your evenings are designed around comfort.

Starting From

/pp/dbl occ. for car and room