For most tourists, Highland Center Hrauneyjar is the last gas station before entering the highlands or interior of Iceland, or the first after leaving there. However, Hrauneyjar is also a family hotel and resort.
A place at the end of the world
Highland Center Hrauneyjar lies at the last meters of the asphalt leading into the interior of Road 26. A little further east, the asphalt ends and the road turns into a gravel mountain road F26. Even a little closer, the F208 road bounces south leading to the extremely beautiful and popular Landmannalaugar The hotel, restaurant and gas station in Hrauneyjar are the last “outposts of civilization” before the beautiful but wild Icelandic highlands.
The next gas station, in Fossholl at the northern end of the F26 road, is as far as 240 km away, so the station in Hrauneyjar is quite popular. Also, for those heading south to Landmannalaugar, it is the closest and most convenient station to use.
However, Highland Center Hrauneyjar is primarily a family resort. It is equipped with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a café. It provides guests with relaxation and many activities. The hotel has double and triple rooms. Not every room has a bathroom, but there is free wi-fi in every room 🙂 . Due to its location, it is a great base for those wishing to explore the interior and highlands of Iceland.
Throughout the year, the hotel organizes activities for individuals and groups:
- trips to volcanoes,
- trekking,
- glacier hikes,
- ice climbing,
- jeep tours,
- cross-country skiing,
- skiing,
- snowkiting,
- ice fishing,
- helicopter flights,
Veidivotn – a treat for trout fishing enthusiasts
Veidivotn (Veiðivötn) is a cluster of more than 50 small lakes, located about 35 km east of Highland Center Hrauneyjar.
The total area of this region is about 20 km2 Most of the lakes are so-called crater lakes, which were formed as a result of a violent eruption in 1477. Veiðivötn is thus one of the younger areas of this type in Iceland. The crater formations here are truly extraterrestrial in nature, and the contrast between the black sand and clear water can be frankly awe-inspiring.
The lakes are very popular with anglers, for whom the most convenient accommodation is the Hrauneyjar Mountain Center.
- More than 57 species of birds have been observed in the Veiðivötn area. The lakes are also home to one of the oldest hence trout in Europe. The area is therefore a veritable paradise for fans of fishing and observing bird life.
- If you want to come to Veiðivötn for fishing, book well in advance. There are indeed many who are eager for such an activity.
- The access roads to Veiðivötn are usually open from mid-June to mid-October.
- Because of the gravel surface and rough terrain, the best choice to reach the region safely is a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Other points of interest near Hrauneyjar
Since Highland Center Hrauneyjar is, in a sense, the center of the southern part of the Icelandic highlands, it makes an excellent base for visiting nearby attractions. Keep in mind, however, many of these attractions are only accessible in the summer and by off-road vehicle (or by off-road coach – such lines pass through Hrauneyjar).
The most important attractions around Hrauneyjar are:
- Landmannalaugar – beautiful so-called Rainbow Mountains with a natural geothermal pool at the campground;
- Ljótipollur – a blue lake in a crater that formed about 1100 years ago. It is part of Veiðivötn – a popular region of Iceland among fishing enthusiasts;
- Sigöldugljufur canyon;
- Haifoss – a beautiful off-the-beaten-path waterfall – a pearl of Icelandic nature – as well as smaller ones: Hjálparfoss and Gjáin;
- Hekla – the queen of Iceland’s volcanoes – one of Iceland’s most dangerous yet popular mountains;
- a small but interesting the open-air museum Thjodveldisbaer (Þjóðveldisbær) with buildings from Viking times;
How to get to Highland Center Hrauneyjar
Highland Center Hrauneyjar is located on Road 26, in its eastern part. Contrary to information on Google Maps, for example, the road turns into a mountain road and only gains the F26 designation 13 km further east – at the fork with the F228 road.
You can reach Highland Center Hrauneyjar on a comfortable paved road and with any type of vehicle.
Photos of Highland Center Hrauneyjar
