5 Best Sights in Kverkfjöll Route, The Highlands

A combination of opposites results in the Kverkfjöll ice caves, where hot geothermal waters emerge, sculpting dramatic ice caves at the base of the glacier. Because of the unstable conditions inside the caves, venturing inside (at any time of year) is strictly prohibited. You can, however, enjoy the beauty of them from outside. Inquire at Sigurðarskáli hut about free, ranger-led tours of the area. From the hut, there's an interesting 3-km (2-mile) trail to the parking area by the Kverkjökull glacier.

The starting point of the Kverkfjöll route (and a stop on many tours to Askja), Möðrudalur (on Route 901) is Iceland’s highest farmstead, at 469 meters (1,539 feet). With sweeping views of magnificent Herðubreið, this remote sheep farm dates back to the Saga age. It was an important waypoint for Icelanders for many years—and it still is, providing excellent farm-fresh food and accommodation for weary travelers. At Möðrudalur you will find a petting area where you can get up-close to arctic foxes, the quaint all-day Fjallakaffi restaurant and café, camping, a guesthouse, and upscale hotel rooms. They also offer superb day tours and activities, under the Fjalladýrð name. Note that Route 901 may close during the winter: check road access on  www.road.is.

This splash of green in the monochrome Highlands is a true oasis. Fed by Lindaá river springs and rich with alpine vegetation—especially angelica (hvönn), from which the location derives its name—the area is a delightful stop on the Kverkfjöll route (F903). The discovered ruins of what is believed to be the hideout of legendary 18th-century outlaws Fjalla-Eyvindur and Halla adds historic charm.

From the Sigurðarskáli mountain hut, the 12-km (7.5-mile) round-trip hike up to Hveradalur (meaning “valley of the hot springs”) takes eight to nine hours. Not an easy hike by any measure—there's an unrelenting 2-km (1-mile) steep climb—it makes a memorable episode for the more determined explorer, with rewarding views of a spectacular glacial lagoon and a mountainside steaming with countless hot springs. The Kverkfjöll day tour operated by Fjalladýrð includes this guided hike.

A short but challenging climb to the top of this Highland mountain will reward you with sweeping views of the rugged glacier-cut realms for which the region is famous. A 2-km (1-mile) marked trail leads up to Virkisfell (1,109 meters [3,638 feet]) from the back of the Sigurðarskáli mountain hut.