What is the Fjallabak Nature Reserve?

Fjallabak Nature Reserve is a highland nature reserve in the interior of Iceland, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and the start of the Laugavegur hiking trail. It is not a traditional forest, but it supports distinctive highland vegetation.

Is Landmannalaugar part of Fjallabak?

Yes, Landmannalaugar is the most famous area within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, known for its natural hot springs, colorful mountains, and as the starting point of the Laugavegur trail to Þórsmörk.

How do I get to Fjallabak?

Fjallabak is accessible only via F-roads (highland roads) that require a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. The roads typically open in late June or early July and close again in September or October depending on conditions.

What is the Laugavegur trail?

The Laugavegur trail is one of the world's most famous multi-day hikes, running 55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. It typically takes 2–4 days and passes through diverse landscapes including rhyolite mountains, obsidian fields, glacial rivers, and green valleys.

When is the best time to visit?

July and August are the best months, when F-roads are open and conditions are most favorable. The hot springs at Landmannalaugar are accessible during this period. Always check road conditions on road.is before traveling.

Fjallabak Nature Reserve: Landmannalaugar and the Highlands

A highland nature reserve that includes Landmannalaugar, colorful rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and the start of the Laugavegur hiking trail. F-road access only.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

Highlands

F-road access only. 4x4 required. Summer access.

Fjallabak Nature Reserve sits in Iceland's central highlands. It lacks the traditional forests found elsewhere on this list, but its highland vegetation, colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and vast lava fields make it a landscape of its own. The reserve includes Landmannalaugar, probably Iceland's best-known highland destination, and the start of the Laugavegur trail, one of the world's best-known multi-day hikes.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Highland F-roads are only open in summer (typically late June–September). A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory. River crossings may be required. Check road.is and safetravel.is before every trip.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Best for

Landmannalaugar + hot springs

Colorful mountains and natural bathing in a highland setting.

Access

F-road only (4x4)

Highland roads open summer only. No regular vehicles.

Pro tip

Check roads first

Always verify F-road status on road.is before departing.

What to Expect

Colorful rhyolite mountains
Natural hot springs for bathing at Landmannalaugar
Start of the 55 km Laugavegur hiking trail
Vast obsidian lava fields and volcanic formations
Highland campsite at Landmannalaugar with basic facilities
The Laugavegur trailhead, with 55 km of varied terrain to Þórsmörk

Nearby Attractions

Þórsmörk nature reserve (end of Laugavegur trail)
Háifoss waterfall (accessible by 4x4)
Hekla volcano (visible from the reserve)
Ljótipollur explosion crater lake with deep red slopes
Frostastaðavatn lake for highland camping

How to Get There

Highland F-road access only: F225 from Route 26 or F208 from the north, both requiring 4x4
Summer bus services (Reykjavik Excursions, Trex) run daily from Reykjavik (4 hours)
About 190 km from Reykjavik but the highland portion is slow, so allow 5-6 hours driving
River crossings required on most approach routes; do NOT attempt in a standard car
The main base is Landmannalaugar with a mountain hut, campsite, and natural hot springs

Best Time to Visit

Late June to September: Only period when F-roads are open and the area is accessible
July-August: Best weather, trails fully snow-free, hot springs comfortable for bathing
Late September: Autumn colors on highland moss, but nights can drop below freezing
October-May: Completely inaccessible, with roads closed and the area snowbound at 600m elevation
Early July: Laugavegur trail typically fully open for through-hiking to Þórsmörk

Planning help

Fjallabak Nature Reserve FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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