2 Best Sights in The Highlands, Iceland

An awesome flash of beauty and color in an otherwise bleak landscape, Sigöldugljúfur Canyon Features a parade of waterfalls toppling over a stretch of ravine walls, vibrant with green vegetation, into a luminous blue river. Combined, these elements create an enchanting fairy-tale scene worthy of any picture postcard. To get here, turn off Route 26 and take the F208 south to Landmannalaugar. From the junction, it's about 8 kilometers (5 miles) to a small parking area for the canyon, and you walk the rest of the way (approximately 15 to 20 minutes) to view the spectacle. Ask at Hrauneyjar for specific directions; the trail from the parking lot to the canyon is not marked.

A highlight of the Dyngjufjöll massif that surrounds the Askja caldera, the “Dragon Gorge” is a gnarly canyon that resembles a dragon from certain angles. When the river running through the canyon is shallow enough, a relatively short hike leads to a lovely waterfall. Drekagil is a basecamp for trails leading to Askja, Öskjuvatn, and Víti, with a mountain hut, a rangers' station, and camping facilities. There’s water available, but you’ll need to bring food supplies.