>>938250When the Icelandic road authority says a road is closed, it is fucking closed, like glacier flashflood or volcano eruption closed.
Fording rivers can be really difficult, bring sandals/crocs, learn about fording techniques. There is almost no bridges and you need to ford some broad icy rivers which have quite a current.
Hiking poles are recommended, not only for the fording but every now and then you have to cross snow fields and such. Calculate your daily legs/pace for really difficult trackless terrain.
Bring map, compass, and maybe GPS or beacon, on average the mobile phone coverage is excellent, but then you are all alone in the highlands. Visit every hut, say hello, state name and where you are hiking to.
There is one shop at Landmannalauger, it's the only shop in the highlands.
For the highlands bing a -5°C comfort zone sleeping bag, frost can happen every day of the year.
Usually there is not many bugs, but when there is no wind and you are close to water there can be myriads of gnats, a mosquito headnet and light gloves are a blessing on such occasions.
On the highland routes are many tourists and locals in 4WD vehicles. If you ask nicely you are usually able to hitch a ride somewhere. Also, upon request you can have the highland bus pick you up or drop you off at any place of the route.
I haven't been to the Westfjords, but they must be stunningly beautiful. In the central highland the old horse tracks are pretty cool to follow.
You can get the key for non service huts at the tourist administration, if you pick a remote hut chances are you will have it all to yourself all week.
If locals tell you to keep away from a certain rock formation because its a troll castle, do as they say, shits magic yo!
