The Icelandic Highlands cover an enormous chunk of this country’s interior, a genuine and untouchable wilderness where time remains still, and Mother Nature rules without question.

Surrounded by Mælifellssandur black desert, itself intercut with shallow ribbons of glacial meltwater, the steep and visually-inescapable outline of Mælifell is a treat for any visitor looking to discover the area’s greatest treasures.

The region is not as popular with guests as the more famous South Coast and Golden Circle sightseeing routes, but it is without a doubt where Iceland’s environment shines the brightest. Those who make an effort to venture into this untameable realm of shimmering geothermal hills and open-mouth canyons will secure themselves an experience impossible to forget.

From the emptiness of its surroundings, Maelifell takes its name, ‘Measuring Hill’, with ‘fell’, or ‘fjall’ serving as the Icelandic word for ‘mountain’. In prior centuries, travellers would have used the feature as a distinctive and reliable landmark when moving from one region to another.

Nine other mountains share Maelifell’s name, as early settlers used the term for navigation throughout the years. While this can be a touch confusing, know that it is this Maelifell in particular that has long been held in high-esteem among nature-lovers and landscape photographers.

It is not just Maelifell’s shape that draws the eye, but also its dark green slopes, rising from the middle as if drawn by a master artist. The mountain’s colour is derived from the particular type of cushion moss covering the volcano from its base to its peak.

Like all Icelandic Highland locations, Maelifell is only accessible to summer guests, as the winter weather makes the area entirely unpassable. It is always recommended that a tour guide accompany you into the Highlands, and a 4×4 off-road vehicle is a downright necessity for anyone venturing in alone.

There are several access points to the volcano. One could arrive via the F232 gravel road or from the south or west along the F210. Both routes are rough terrain—what did we say about 4x4s?—but are breathtaking journeys.

Guided tours will typically take you to the mountain by SuperJeep, which can handle anything the Icelandic Highlands throw at them. As a passenger en route, you will press your nose to the window looking at the visual delights of Tröllagjáa valley and, of course, the fantastical Mt. Einhyrningur (“Unicorn.”)

Mýrdalsjökull lies north of Vik i Myrdal and Reynisfjara beach and can easily be seen when travelling down the Ring Road along the South Coast. It is the fourth largest glacier in the country, best explored when travelling the Fimmvörðuháls pass hiking route. Travellers on this fabulous trail will see a wide host of other attractions, including Skogafoss waterfall and Eyjafjallajökull glacier.