Sprengisandur Highland Track (F26)

The F26 Sprengisandur cuts straight through Iceland’s volcanic heart, a desolate 200-kilometer moonscape between Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. This is the route Viking outlaws used to cross the island’s interior — a place so barren they called it “the land between the glaciers.” The track passes Nýidalur emergency hut at kilometer 125, your only shelter in this vast pumice desert where dust storms can reduce visibility to zero.

This is a moderate highland route requiring good ground clearance for loose volcanic gravel and multiple river crossings, including the challenging Tungnaá ford. Stock 4WD with all-terrain tires handles it fine in summer, but carry recovery gear and extra fuel for the 6-8 hour crossing. Open June to September only, weather permitting. You’ll earn bragging rights for crossing Iceland’s most famous highland route through scenery that hasn’t changed since the Vikings.