Around Central Highland in 5 Days: Iceland Buggy Tour
Five days of raw terrain, hidden valleys, and volcanic wonder across the heart of Iceland by buggy.
This Iceland Central Highland buggy tour takes you deep into landscapes that most travelers never see, tracing gravel tracks, black sand beaches, and snow-covered ridges across five extraordinary days.
Departing from Reykjavík, the route climbs through geothermal zones, crosses ancient parliamentary roads, and winds into remote farming communities where locals still live by the rhythms of the land. Accommodations are comfortable 4-star properties, offering a genuine contrast to the raw wilderness encountered each day.
Every segment of the journey is shaped by local expertise. From Skagafjörður's open farmlands to the mossy lava fields near Mývatn and the highland desert of Sprengisandur, the terrain shifts constantly and demands the kind of vehicle — and the kind of guide — that can handle it all.
This tour is rated moderate in difficulty, meaning participants should be prepared for long driving days, varied terrain, and mountain conditions that can change quickly. The reward is access to places most Icelanders have never personally visited.
Tour Highlights
Drive through the Kerlingafjöll geothermal area at 690 meters above sea level, surrounded by glaciers and steaming fumaroles.
Blast along black sand beaches in Skagafjörður and visit the hauntingly abandoned farm of Kólkuós on the tidal flats.
Discover Aldeyjarfoss and its dramatic stuðlaberg basalt columns, one of Iceland's most striking yet undervisited waterfalls.
Cross snow-covered mountain ridges via Vonarskarð and navigate the vast highland plateau of Sprengisandur.
Pass Þingvellir, site of the world's oldest known parliament, and cross the boundary between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Trail through dense birch forests in Fnjóskadalur and stop at the historic old farm of Sörlastaðir.
Relax in natural hot pools at Landmannalaugar, set among obsidian lava and multicolored rhyolite mountains.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Departing from Lambhagavegur 13, the route follows gravel tracks through Þingvellir, past the tectonic plate boundary, Geysir, and Gullfoss before climbing to Kerlingafjöll at 690 meters. The first night is spent in the highlands, surrounded by glaciers and geothermal activity.
The route heads north into Skagafjörður, where two local farm visits are guided by the farmers themselves and lunch is taken at the bakery in Sauðárkrókur. The day continues east along the beach to Kólkuós before crossing the mountains toward Dalvík for the night.
Following the Eyjafjörður coastline south toward Akureyri with a three-hour stop, the group then heads east through Fnjóskadalur forest and climbs into Bárðardalur. The day ends at Mývatn after passing through birch and lava farmland at Svartárkot and the airstrip plateau of Sellandafjall.
Retracing part of the previous route to Bárðardalur, the tour turns south onto the Sprengisandur highland desert, with a stop at Aldeyjarfoss before continuing through Nýjidalur, Vonarskarð, and the series of highland lakes toward Hotel Hrauneyjar. Landmannalaugar is an optional extension if time allows.
The final day begins on the old Sigölduvegur track, climbing the steep Pokahryggir toward Hrafntinnusker through vivid geothermal colours and secret waterfalls. The route passes Rauðaskál, Háifoss, and Gullfoss before returning to the base in Reykjavík.
What Is Included
Included
- Buggy vehicle for the full 5-day tour
- Professional local guide with route expertise
- 4-star accommodation for 4 nights
- Access to private farming land and rural trails
- Guided farm visits with local farmers
- Local knowledge of unpublished tracks and hidden sites
Not Included
- Meals and beverages unless specified
- Personal travel insurance
- Fuel costs beyond the standard allocation
- Optional Landmannalaugar hot pool entry fees
- Personal spending in Akureyri or Sauðárkrókur
Important Information
Ready to Explore Iceland's Central Highlands?
Secure your place on this five-day buggy expedition across Iceland's most remote and rewarding terrain. Availability is limited and demand is high during the summer season.
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