Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
son Ikr1200/4500; mid-Jun-mid-Sep)
there are two hikers huts with about 50 beds (linen
available for Ikr1400; private room from Ikr8000 per person). There's also a campsite,
cooking facilities (only available for hut guests, not campers) and a basic cafe. Staff can
help with information on local hiking trails, and activities.
Petrol is no longer available at Hveravellir.
GETTING AROUND
Before you embark on your highlands journey, take note:
Weather conditions
Can be fickle and snow isn't uncommon, even in midsummer.
Check
www.vedur.is
for forecasts.
Road-opening dates
Depend on weather conditions, and usually occur any time from
early June to early July. Check
www.vegagerdin.is
.
4WD vehicles
Highlands routes are strictly for robust, high-clearance 4WD vehicles, as
jagged terrain and treacherous river crossings are not uncommon.
Convoy
It's recommended that vehicles travel in pairs, so if one gets bogged or breaks
down, the other can drag it out, fetch help or transport passengers to shelter. There is
increased traffic in July and August on the most popular routes, so this is not an abso-
lutely necessary precaution during summer, but is recommended if you are heading
onto less-travelled tracks.
Fill up before setting out
There are no petrol stations in the highlands, except at
Hrauneyjar, south of the Sprengisandur route.
Buses and/or tours
These make a good alternative to driving yourself. You can use
the 4WD summer buses on the Kjölur and Sprengisandur routes as a day tour (travel-
ling between, say, Reykjavík and Akureyri in one burst), or as a regular bus, hopping on
and off along the route. Tour operators offer comfortable super-Jeep vehicles and ex-
perienced drivers/guides.
No off-road driving
In the highlands, as with everywhere in Iceland, stick to roads and
marked trails. Off-road driving is hugely destructive to the country's fragile environ-
ment, and illegal.
