A Land of Raw Natural Beauty
Iceland is renowned for its vast, unspoiled wilderness and rugged, remote landscapes. Nowhere is this more evident than in the untamed coastlines and untouched interior highlands that comprise much of the island’s interior. With vast open spaces largely uninhabited by people, these regions offer visitors the rare chance to experience nature in its purest, wildest form.
The coastline stretches for over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) around Iceland due to its fjords, inlets, and offshore islands. Much of this coast remains unspoiled by development. Towering sea cliffs rise sharply from the crashing waves, sheltering small beaches and coves. During summer, nesting seabirds like puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes crowd the cliffs. Hiking trails lead through coastal meadows dotted with Arctic flowers. Further inland, dramatic waterfalls tumble from the steep mountains directly into the chilly North Atlantic waters. Visitors can spot whales, dolphins, sharks, and other marine wildlife offshore. Experiencing the raw power and beauty of Iceland’s windswept coastline is a truly memorable privilege.
The interior highlands occupy over 10% of Iceland’s land area. Carpeted by resilient dwarf shrubs, thick mosses, and mountain avens, this is a land of rugged rhyolite mountains, ice caps, and outlet glaciers. Rivers weave through oasis-like valleys before flowing into one of Iceland’s numerous lake systems. Wetlands, geothermal areas, and natural hot springs provide havens for birds and wildlife seldom seen elsewhere. It’s a humbling, exhilarating experience to trek across this elemental landscape with its incredibly fresh air and unbroken vistas. Few places offer such an immediate connection to the natural rhythms and primeval forces that shaped our planet.
Discover Iceland’s Authentic Interior
Iceland’s sparsely populated interior is home to a string of lesser-visited towns that preserve a fiercely independent culture tied closely to the rhythms of nature.
The village of Ólafsfjörður on the north coast lies at the end of a remote fjord system, surrounded by towering mountains and wild coastal scenery. Though the population has declined to around 700 residents, it remains an authentic fishing community where horseback is still a practical means of transport. Visitors can watch the fishing boats unload their catches and glimpse a glimpse into traditional Icelandic village life.
Similar in character is Siglufjörður further north, an old Norwegian-style timber town located at the end of a narrow winding fjord. Once Iceland’s largest fishing port, it retains the buildings and infrastructure from its industrial heyday in the early 20th century. Now visitors come to explore charming wooden houses, outdoor pools, swimming with seals programs, and outstanding hiking trails around the fjord.
Inland, Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest town and an excellent base for exploring the north. Surrounded by steep mountains and fjords, with architecture showcasing famous sons like Einar Benediktsson, it maintains an intimate charm befitting its 6000 residents. A busy cultural center, it offers an authentic taste of Icelandic urban life alongside access to nearby natural wonders like Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss waterfall.
In the remote east, the towns of Breiðdalsvík and Breiðdalur are cradled by sculpted and vegetated moonscapes near the lunar landscape of the Askja caldera in the highlands. With populations under 200 each and little changed from their 19th-century origin, they provide an authentic living contrast to the wilderness they border upon. Visitors can experience true Icelandic village life while marveling at the surrounding untamed beauty.
These secluded interior communities deepen the authentic Icelandic experience by revealing connections to land and heritage still upheld today in this scenic and adventurous country. For those seeking to immerse themselves in Iceland’s wild nature, history, and culture, they offer a special glimpse into everyday life amidst such raw natural grandeur.
Experiencing Iceland’s Interior Through Outdoor Activities
Iceland’s interior landscapes lend themselves beautifully to outdoor pursuits that allow visitors to actively experience this rugged environment.
Hiking is a wonderful way to intimately experience the coastlines, highlands, and interior. Well-marked trails range from easy coastal paths to multi-day treks across the interior, such as Laugavegurinn, one of Iceland’s most popular routes. Proper gear, supplies, and navigational experience are essential for hiking safely in such remote areas. River crossings require caution, and highlands routes can involve river fords, loose scree, and changing weather conditions.
With over 30% of the country’s terrain covered by glaciers, glacier hiking is a thrilling option. Guided tours take visitors onto Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, to experience the world of deep crevasses, ice caves and dramatic ice formations up close. Protective gear is provided by tour companies who can advise on routes according to ability levels.
On flatter shorelines, cycling allows incredible views to unfold at a more relaxed pace. Popular gravelly F-roads weave between coastal towns, across river plains, and up into mountain valleys. Multiday mountain biking tours are also available for experienced cyclists.
In lowland rivers and coastlines, sea kayaking offers close encounters with whales, seals, and birdlife. Experienced kayakers can paddle into remote reaches beyond roads. Boat tours also explore fjords and spot wildlife. For non-paddlers, whale watching, puffin tours, and scenic boat rides reach magical landscapes only accessible from the sea.
Iceland’s remote interior deserves respect for its raw, changeable nature. With responsible planning and guidance from local experts, these outdoor experiences provide a thrill and connection to the land that will deepen anyone’s sense of the country’s natural majesty.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Iceland’s Interior
1. When is the best time to visit?
The high summer months of June-August offer the warmest and sunniest weather for outdoor activities. However, accommodation prices are the highest. Shoulder seasons of May, June, and September have milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is beautiful with activities like the Northern Lights, but days are short with freezing temperatures, while spring/fall can be changeable. Most interior roads are only accessible from approximately June-September due to snow.
2. How do I get around without a car?
Public buses connect some towns year-round, with reduced frequency in winter. However, a car is ideal to access many remote areas and make the most of your trip. Bus tours are also available, as are organized multi-day hiking, cycling, or horse riding packages, which include luggage transfers. Flying between locations can skip long driving distances.
3. Where should I stay?
Popular interior destinations like Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Mývatn offer a range of accommodations from hotels and guesthouses to rural farm stays. Camping is allowed in some areas, although facilities may be basic. Pre-booking is usually required, as spaces fill quickly in summer. A few hostels and mountain huts provide affordable options for intrepid travelers. Caravanning is another way to experience remote locations.
4. Do I need special gear/experience?
Proper clothing, rainwear, and sturdy footwear are essential year-round, given Iceland’s changeable weather. For hiking, navigation skills, and map/compass proficiency are important in negligible marked areas. Safety equipment like harnesses may be needed on glaciers. Booking multi-day tours with local guides provides valuable experience and knowledge. Following essential wilderness safety advice is also key to an enjoyable trip.
5. Will it be too remote/isolated?
Some interior locations like the east or west fjords involve lengthy driving times to reach Reykjavik. However, rental car support and established guesthouses/farms ensure travelers can find help if needed. Most visitor hotspots like Lake Mývatn remain easily accessible without feeling overly crowded. Apps providing on-the-ground advice are invaluable companions for independent travel to Iceland’s raw, magical interior backcountry. With proper planning, a spirit of adventure will be richly rewarded.