The Highland Circle

Usually, the Highland Circle route is open and accessible for most of September, possibly into early October. However, F-roads and other highland roads without winter service close as the snow arrives. For this reason, fall travel on the Highland Circle needs some planning and research – primarily to see up-to-date weather and road conditions.

Never fear! In fall, the route can be adapted and combined with the excellent, year-round Ring of Riverdale route to guide you to some traveler favorites.

Traveling Austurland in fall might mean viewing the first northern lights of the season, and maybe experiencing the first snowfall. On certain days in September you have the opportunity to see the rural Icelandic tradition of the réttir, when local farmers round up their sheep after the summer spent roaming in the hillsides.

Lowland exploration around Lagarfljót’s shores is idyllic in fall, with beautiful autumnal colors in Iceland’s largest forest. Fall is harvest time, so the flavors of Austurland take center stage at places like Vallanes organic farm and Klausturkaffi café at Skriðuklaustur. You might like to go foraging for wild berries or mushrooms while you’re out exploring local landscapes.

Hengifoss waterfall has a color palette that matches autumn’s tones, and you can delve into local history in a number of places, from literature with a side-serve of 16th-century monastery ruins at the Skriðuklaustur complex, or tales of highland legends at the Wilderness Centre. Snæfellstofa Visitor Center will give context to all that natural wonder that surrounds you. When you’re done with exploring and make your way back to the route’s starting point, stop to unwind in the geothermal waters of the stunning Vök Baths.

To visit Stuðlagil canyon in fall, your best plan is to take Rte 923 from Hwy 1. The turn-off to Rte 923 is 52km (32 miles) west of Egilsstaðir. Rte 923 can usually be traveled in a regular car (no 4x4 required), but it’s worth checking up-to-date conditions for the route on road.is.

You may not have time to see everything we include on this travel route. We recommend you plan your trip using the 'Add to favorites' tool on our page. By bookmarking your favorite attractions and experiences in this way, you can tailor a route through Austurland that's perfect for you!