6 Days Iceland Highlands Motorcycle Adventure

The journey begins with a historic, scenic ride from Hella up into the mountains toward Þórisvatn, Iceland’s largest lake. Along the way you’ll take in several breathtaking waterfalls, including Hjálparfoss and Háifoss — the second-highest waterfall in the country — as well as the hidden gorge of Gjáin. As the route ventures deeper into the highlands, the terrain becomes something that truly has to be experienced to be believed. The first day ends at a mountain hut at the foot of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, where you’ll prepare fresh Icelandic fish or steak amid awe-inspiring scenery.

Leaving Jökulheimar, you’ll traverse the Veiðivatnahraun lava field through the highlands toward the Veiðivötn lake area, renowned for its exceptional brown trout and arctic char fishing. The route draws close to Mt. Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes and known in ancient times as “the Gateway to Hell.” Riding through this remarkable landscape, you’ll experience the sheer beauty and diversity of the Icelandic highlands before settling in for the night at a charming mountain hut after a full day of adventure.

Today ventures deep into Iceland’s volcanic heartland, where eruptions have sculpted the terrain into craters and lava fields that feel genuinely otherworldly. You’ll visit Mt. Hekla and explore the striking Ljótipollur and Hnausapollur volcanic craters, their bright turquoise waters ringed by rugged rock. Your guides share stories of historic explorers and the strange, almost lunar landscapes around you. The day ends at the Hungurfit mountain hut with a good Icelandic meal.

The Fjallabak region — “behind the mountains” — greets you with wild, rugged landscapes and deeply carved valleys that feel like a scene from Lord of the Rings. The route reaches the geothermal hot pools of Landmannalaugar, where you can soak in naturally heated water surrounded by multicoloured peaks. Continuing along the Tungnaá River, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Vatnajökull glacier and Langisjór lake before descending past the Skaftá River and crossing a volcanic fissure that stretches from Mýrdalsjökull all the way to Vatnajökull. The day culminates at the awe-inspiring Eldgjá canyon — 60 km long, 600 metres wide and up to 150 metres deep — formed during one of Iceland’s largest eruptions in the year 934.

You’ll stay at the same base for a second night, freeing up a full day to explore one of the trip’s most spectacular stretches. Highlights include the towering cliffs of the Eldgjá canyon and Langisjór — one of Iceland’s most remote lakes, stretching some 20 kilometres with crystal-clear water that mirrors the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The more adventurous can tackle the climb up Breiðbakur (857 m) in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, rewarded with panoramic views, before cooling off at Blautulón, a vivid blue lake whose colour comes from the minerals in the water — a perfect spot for a refreshing swim.

On the final day you ride back through the Fjallabak region past some of Iceland’s most stunning scenery. The last leg takes in the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the majestic Mælifell volcano, the vast Mælifellssandur black-sand plains and the impressive Markarfljót canyon. The unique Öldufellsleið mountain road, linking Skaftártungur and Rangárvellir, serves up breathtaking views of the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Riding behind Mýrdalsjökull you’ll cross beautiful black desert before continuing through the Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon and the desolate Emstrur area on the way back to Hella — carrying memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.