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Víti at Askja Lakagigar  Kollumúli Highlands  Lónsörćfi
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Almost two thirds of Iceland stands more than 300m above sea level. The highest peak, Hvanndalshnúkur (2110 m) lies under the Örćfajôkull ice-cap and is a volcano. Snćfell in Eastern Iceland at 1833m is the highest peak not permanently covered by ice. The highlands are usually considered to be the central plateau lying within the boundary of the Ring Road.

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In these northerly latitudes they are only readily accessible during the summer months with the roads opening in late June. Most mountain roads (F-roads) have unbridged rivers and very rough surfaces and are therefore only suitable for 4x4 vehicles. Although sometimes difficult to access, these wild places are unlike anything encountered elsewhere.

Volcanic ash, pumice and lava dominate this ‘lunar’ landscape. NASA sent astronauts to train here for the Apollo moon landings.

Highland landscapes of Iceland

© icephotos.com

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