Major Deserts of the World
Major Deserts of the World : Antarctica
| Arabian | Atacama
| Chihuahuan | Gobi
| Great Basin | Great
Victoria | Highlands
of Iceland | Kalahari
| Monte | Patagonian
| Sahara | Taklamakan
| Thar
Highlands of Iceland
The Highlands of Iceland cover most of the interior of Iceland. They are situated above 400-500 metres and are mostly uninhabitable, because the water coming down as rain or snow does not remain this high in the ground. It is therefore mostly a desert of grey, black or brown earth, lava and volcanic ashes. A few oasis-like areas, such as Herðubreiðarlindir near Askja, are found only in proximity to rivers.
Most of the numerous glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, Langjökull and Hofsjökull, are also part of the Icelandic Highlands. Vegetation is only found on the shores of the glacier rivers. There is also the danger of glacier runs.
The Highlands can only be crossed during the Icelandic summer (June to August). For the rest of the year the highland roads are closed. The best known highland roads are Kaldidalur, Kjölur and Sprengisandur. Most highland roads require four wheel drive vehicles, because it is necessary to ford rivers. However, the Kjölur route can easily be traversed in an ordinary sedan and is therefore one of the more popular highland roads. Off-road driving ("road" in this context meaning tracks that are already present) is forbidden in the Highlands when they are free of snow, to protect the vegetation.
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