Strútur

This one is squarely for the hiking crowd. It sits beside Útivist's mountain hut below Mount Strútur, out on the Mælifellssandur sands, and marks a useful waypoint between Álftavatn to the east and, over to the west, Hvanngil or Emstrur. Several trails start here, running past glaciers, black-sand plains and colourful peaks. You reach it by vehicle across Mælifellssandur, off the F210 or F232 — a Highland drive that needs the right car. A hut warden is on site from early July until mid-August and can sell you hiking maps, which are also available from the Útivist office in Reykjavík. On-site facilities are basic but cover the essentials: toilets, a shower, cooking facilities and sleeping-bag accommodation.

Camping cards can save you money if you're spending multiple nights in the tent. Do the math.