Colorful rhyolite mountains and winding streams in the Iceland Highlands, a remote volcanic landscape shaped by geothermal activity and seasonal snowmelt.
The Iceland Highlands form a volcanic interior plateau rising above the country’s coastal lowlands. The region includes areas such as Landmannalaugar and Askja, where rhyolite mountains, lava deserts, and caldera systems define a remote and elevated landscape. Its character is shaped by isolation, active geology, and extensive exposure. The terrain transitions between broad black sand plains, braided glacial rivers, and isolated volcanic massifs. Elevation remains consistently high, with limited vegetation and minimal permanent settlement. Seasonal variation strongly influences accessibility, snow cover, and river volume, contributing to pronounced changes in surface texture and atmospheric clarity throughout the year.
Structured Map of Iceland Highlands
A connected view of the landscape, organised by regions, areas, and key locations.
Háifoss
water feature
Hrafntinnusker
landmark
Bláhnúkur
landmark
Landmannalaugar
area district
Brennisteinsalda
landmark
Ljótipollur
water feature
Hnausapollur
water feature
Sigöldugljúfur
water feature
Veiðivötn
area district
Hveradalir (Kerlingarfjöll)
landmark
Ódáðahraun
area district
Öskjuvatn
landmark
Askja
area district
Víti Crater
landmark
Herðubreið
landmark
Areas in Iceland Highlands
Gallery
Overview
The Highlands occupy Iceland’s central interior above the coastal margins, shaped by repeated volcanic eruptions and glacial processes. Lava fields extend across wide plateaus, interrupted by calderas, geothermal zones, and isolated mountain systems. Glacial rivers carve braided channels through black sand expanses, creating expansive open compositions with minimal foreground obstruction. Volcanic slopes and exposed mineral surfaces introduce strong colour contrasts across otherwise sparse terrain. Light conditions are affected by high elevation, open horizons, and rapidly changing weather systems. Low vegetation cover and wide sightlines emphasise scale, depth, and atmospheric variation across the region.
Key photography subjects
- Braided glacial rivers crossing black sand plains
- Rhyolite mountains with layered mineral colours
- Vast lava deserts under open sky
- Isolated volcanic cones and caldera systems
- Geothermal areas within highland terrain
- High-elevation valleys with sparse vegetation
- Seasonal light, atmosphere, and weather effects
Workshops in Iceland Highlands
No upcoming workshops scheduled for Iceland Highlands at this time.
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