Highlands

Highlands tonight

The darkest skies in Iceland — and the most demanding access. Highland roads (F-roads) are closed November through April. Aurora hunting here is a summer-only, 4WD-required expedition.

Geomagnetic

—Kp

Kp forecast — wiring up

Cloud cover

—%

Cloud cover — wiring up

Moon

—%

Moon phase — wiring up

Wind

—m/s

Wind — wiring up

Where to watch in Highlands

Landmannalaugar (summer)

Rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs, and almost zero light pollution. Summer aurora at midnight sun twilight — the sky never fully darkens but Kp 5+ is still visible.

3h from Reykjavík via F208

F-road, 4WD MANDATORY, river crossings. Open late June–early September only.

Open in Google Maps →

Askja caldera area (summer)

One of Iceland's most remote destinations — a 3-hour F-road drive from the ring road. Clear sky in every direction, zero neighbours. The caldera lake is otherworldly under aurora.

5h from Akureyri via F88

F-road, 4WD mandatory, guide recommended, no services

Open in Google Maps →

Þórsmörk valley (summer)

Three glaciers, a river delta, and no light pollution. One of the most dramatic settings in Iceland for aurora photography.

2h from Reykjavík via F249/F261

4WD mandatory, river crossings, check water levels before driving

Open in Google Maps →

How to get there

F-roads open

Late June to early September (approx) — check vegagerdin.is/en/roads

Winter access

Highlands are closed. Use other regions Oct–May.

Tips for this region

F-roads are CLOSED in winter. Do not attempt them between November and late June. Fines apply for driving on closed roads.

Summer aurora in the highlands means minimal darkness — the sky never fully darkens June/July. Target late August to September for the best combination of access + darkness.

Always file a travel plan with safetravel.is before an F-road overnight. Bring extra fuel and emergency gear.