Highlands Rivers

18 rivers in Highlands, led by Þjórsá and Hvítá. All mapped with drive times, directions, and live road conditions.

Top rivers in Highlands

The region's stand-outs — each with photos, facts, and its own page.

Þjórsá

Iceland's longest river at 230km, draining the highlands south to the coast. A major feature of the southern landscape. The river carries glacial meltwater from Hofsjökull glacier through volcanic deserts and farmland. Multiple waterfalls along its course, including Háifoss. Salmon fishing is excellent but exclusive - permits are expensive and limited. The landscape along the river is worth seeing regardless. The river delta near the coast is important bird habitat. Hydroelectric dams tap its power upstream.

Hvítá

The white river feeding Gullfoss waterfall - part of every Golden Circle trip. The milky glacial water comes from Langjökull glacier. Hvítá means 'white' referring to the glacial sediment that gives it that color. River rafting is popular on the upper Hvítá. Multiple operators run trips from Reykjavík. The river passes geothermal areas - hot springs mix with glacial meltwater in some sections.

Skjálfandafljót

North Iceland river feeding Goðafoss - the Waterfall of the Gods. When Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD, the lawspeaker threw Norse idols into this waterfall. History flows with the water here. Salmon fishing is world-class but expensive. The landscape around the river is classic North Iceland - volcanic, treeless, dramatic.

Distances between them

18 rivers in Highlands

Fossá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Glacial rivers are cold, fast, and dangerous. Never underestimate current strength.

Kreppa

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. River conditions change rapidly with weather and glacier melt. Check before attempting crossings.

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Svartakvísl

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Many rivers offer rafting opportunities - operators know the safe sections.

Svartá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. River conditions change rapidly with weather and glacier melt. Check before attempting crossings.

Svartá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. River conditions change rapidly with weather and glacier melt. Check before attempting crossings.

Svartá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. River conditions change rapidly with weather and glacier melt. Check before attempting crossings.

Svartá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. River conditions change rapidly with weather and glacier melt. Check before attempting crossings.

Svartá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. River conditions change rapidly with weather and glacier melt. Check before attempting crossings.

Svíná

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Glacial rivers are cold, fast, and dangerous. Never underestimate current strength.

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Syðri-Lambá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Many rivers offer rafting opportunities - operators know the safe sections.

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Særingsdalskvísl

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Fishing permits are required and often expensive for prime salmon rivers.

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Sölvagil

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Fishing permits are required and often expensive for prime salmon rivers.

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Jökulfall á Kili

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Fishing permits are required and often expensive for prime salmon rivers.

Ásgarðsá

Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Fishing permits are required and often expensive for prime salmon rivers.

Þjórsá

Iceland's longest river at 230km, draining the highlands south to the coast. A major feature of the southern landscape. The river carries glacial meltwater from Hofsjökull glacier through volcanic deserts and farmland. Multiple waterfalls along its course, including Háifoss. Salmon fishing is excellent but exclusive - permits are expensive and limited. The landscape along the river is worth seeing regardless. The river delta near the coast is important bird habitat. Hydroelectric dams tap its power upstream.

Hvítá

The white river feeding Gullfoss waterfall - part of every Golden Circle trip. The milky glacial water comes from Langjökull glacier. Hvítá means 'white' referring to the glacial sediment that gives it that color. River rafting is popular on the upper Hvítá. Multiple operators run trips from Reykjavík. The river passes geothermal areas - hot springs mix with glacial meltwater in some sections.

Skjálfandafljót

North Iceland river feeding Goðafoss - the Waterfall of the Gods. When Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD, the lawspeaker threw Norse idols into this waterfall. History flows with the water here. Salmon fishing is world-class but expensive. The landscape around the river is classic North Iceland - volcanic, treeless, dramatic.

No photo yet — add yours

Hofsá (Vesturdalur)

Hofsá is a river that runs through Vesturdalur in Skagafjörður, Iceland and joins the Vestari-Jökulsá where it flows out of Hofsdalur valley at Bjarnastaðahlíð, a short distance from the church site Goðadalir. Icelandic river shaped by glaciers and volcanic landscape. Many rivers offer rafting opportunities - operators know the safe sections.