Major Mountain Ranges of Iceland

Iceland's Dramatic Highlands

Iceland's mountains are shaped by volcanic activity and glacial erosion. The main ranges are:

1. Western Highlands (Vesturland)

Runs along the west coast. Highlights: Snæfellsjökull glacier-volcano (Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth") and Hvannadalshnúkur (2,110 m / 6,923 ft), Iceland's highest peak, on Öræfajökull.

2. Central Highlands (Miðhálendið)

Vast, uninhabited volcanic plateau. Contains Askja caldera, Hekla volcano, geothermal areas (Landmannalaugar), and the Kjölur and Sprengisandur highland routes.

3. Eastern Highlands (Austurland)

Rugged terrain with glacial rivers. Key volcanoes: Bárðarbunga (under Vatnajökull) and Kverkfjöll. Gateway to Vatnajökull National Park.

4. Westfjords (Vestfirðir)

Ancient, deeply eroded mountains with sheer cliffs, deep fjords, and dramatic coastal scenery (Látrabjarg bird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfall).

5. Northern Mountains (Norðurland)

Includes Kerlingarfjöll (geothermal rhyolite mountains) and Tröllaskagi Peninsula (steep peaks, ski touring, heli-skiing).

Travel Note

Highland roads (F-roads) require 4x4 and are open only in summer (typically June–September). Always check road.is for conditions.