2 Best Sights in The Highlands, Iceland

This historic oasis at the halfway point of the Kjölur route is also one of Iceland's best-known geothermal areas, featuring the luminous Bláhver hot spring and a silica-encrusted fumarole called Öskuhólshver (Screaming Spring). A highlight of the Kjölur route, Hveravellir has mountain cabins with modern private rooms, sleeping-bag accommodations, and a service center with a restaurant, plus access to a geothermal pool for bathing. Trails in the area lead to some unexpected treasures, such as the Þjófadalir hidden valley. Stay on the boardwalks while exploring the hot springs.

On the other side of a narrow ridge from Öskjuvatn lake, Víti (meaning “hell”) was formed during the same 1875 eruption. With its milky-blue warm water, it's both a visual treat and an opportunity to take a dip in a geothermal pool of mineral-rich water. The trail down to the water is steep and can be slippery, so exercise caution. The water temperature is around 30°C (86°F) but is usually warmer in the middle. Beware of gravel and rocks falling from the sides. The hike to the Víti crater is around 3 km (2 miles) from the Vikraborgir car park—the same trail leading to Askja and Öskjuvatn.