South Interior

Fjallabak

Plan your trip to South Interior

South Interior is Iceland's vast highland wilderness, home to some of Europe's most dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the famous Landmannalaugar and the multi-day Laugavegur Trail. This remote region demands respect and preparation, but rewards adventurers with otherworldly geothermal hot springs, colorful rhyolite mountains, and solitude you won't find elsewhere in Iceland. Access is strictly seasonal, with most roads open only July to August.

Getting there & around

Fly into Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavík, then rent a 4WD vehicle—regular cars cannot safely navigate highland roads. From Reykjavík, it's 2–4 hours' drive to trailheads depending on your destination. There is no public transport into the interior; you must drive yourself or join a guided tour. Consider hiring a driver if you're uncomfortable with mountain roads or highland conditions.

How long to stay

Plan 3–5 days minimum to justify the drive and experience the region properly; many visitors spend 4 days on the Laugavegur Trail alone. A full week allows you to tackle multiple trails, visit geothermal areas, and explore different valleys without feeling rushed.

When to go

July and August are the only realistic months—roads open in late June and close by September as snow returns and conditions deteriorate rapidly. Even in peak summer, weather is unpredictable with sudden storms, wind, and cold nights; always check road conditions before departing.

Suggested itinerary

  1. Landmannalaugar geothermal basin — Drive south from Reykjavík to Iceland's most colorful mountain landscape, where rhyolite peaks glow in shades of red, green, and gold. Hike around the hot springs and geothermal vents, and camp overnight or use the hut facilities.
  2. Laugavegur Trail, Day 1 — Begin the iconic 4-day trek from Landmannalaugar toward Þórsmörk, descending through Hrafntinnusker's volcanic slopes into Álvadalur valley. Stay in mountain huts along the route.
  3. Laugavegur Trail, Days 2–3 (summary) — Continue trekking through Iceland's interior, crossing Mýrdalsjökull's outwash plains and entering the lush birch forests of Þórsmörk, where three glaciers meet. Finish at the southern trailhead with views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive a regular car in South Interior Iceland?

No. All highland roads require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle; regular cars will get stuck and you may be liable for damages. Roads are marked F-numbers (F35, F208, etc.) and are only passable July–August.

How many days do you need for the Laugavegur Trail?

The Laugavegur Trail takes 4 days and 3 nights to hike from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, covering roughly 55 km (34 miles) with significant elevation changes daily.

Is it safe to hike in South Interior Iceland solo?

Hiking solo is possible but risky due to unpredictable weather, remote terrain, and lack of cell service; always notify someone of your route and expected return, carry emergency supplies, and check conditions before departing. Many people hike solo on marked trails like Laugavegur, but mountain rescue is expensive and response times can be long.

What should I pack for hiking in the Iceland highlands?

Bring waterproof jacket and pants, warm layers (fleece/wool), sturdy hiking boots, hat, gloves, and high-SPF sunscreen; the sun reflects off snow and lava rock. Pack extra food, water purification tablets, a map, compass or GPS, and a headtorch, as weather can trap you and daylight lasts nearly 24 hours in July–August.

Are mountain huts available on the Laugavegur Trail?

Yes, the Icelandic Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands) maintains huts at Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, Álvadalur, and Emstrur; book in advance as they fill quickly in July–August. Huts provide basic shelter and bunks but not meals, so you must carry food.

History

The South Interior of Iceland, known as Fjallabak, remained one of the last regions to be settled due to its harsh volcanic terrain and extreme weather conditions. Icelandic farmers and shepherds gradually ventured into these highlands from the 10th century onwards, establishing seasonal settlements and grazing routes that persisted for centuries. The region became legendary in Icelandic sagas and folklore, often depicted as a wild and dangerous frontier. In more recent times, the interior has been largely abandoned as a permanent settlement, transforming into a vast wilderness preserved for adventure and scientific study.

Culture

Fjallabak embodies the raw spirit of Iceland's untamed interior, where the landscape itself shapes the identity of those who venture there. The region is central to Icelandic outdoor culture, attracting hikers and adventurers who respect its unforgiving beauty and unpredictable conditions. Traditional knowledge of routes, mountain shelters, and survival in extreme weather remains deeply valued among locals and guides who work in the area, maintaining a connection to ancestral ways of traversing this formidable terrain.

Language

The dialect spoken by guides and locals reflects standard Icelandic with vocabulary specific to highland navigation and weather conditions. Useful phrases include "Gangi þér vel" (good luck) and "Takk fyrir" (thank you), though English is widely understood among those working in tourism and mountain services.

Best time to visit

Visit July to August when mountain roads are open and weather is most stable in this remote highlands region.

Places to visit

Where to eat