Flowing mountain stream in a lush green landscape under cloudy skies.

Arnarvatnsheiði & Norðlingafljót – 2025 in Photos

Remote. Raw. Wildly beautiful.
The Arnarvatnsheiði and Norðlingafljót region is a dream for anglers who crave solitude, adventure, and true DIY exploration. Summer 2025 brought everything this area is famous for: rugged terrain, endless lakes, long hikes, and incredible trout and char in pristine water.

This region is one of Iceland’s most flexible fisheries:
• Perfect for DIY/unguided anglers who enjoy discovering water on their own
• Ideal for 4×4 exploration, hiking between lakes and rivers, and fishing late into the bright summer nights
• Accommodation ranges from simple highland huts and basic mountain cabins to tent camping beside the water
• Home to beautifully coloured brown trout and Arctic char that thrive in the cold, clear headwaters of the plateau
• Guided day trips available

In 2025, our anglers explored remote lakes, hiked to untouched pools, and enjoyed the quiet rhythm of the heiðar, where the only sounds are wind, water, and the splash of a trout.

Vibrant rainbow trout caught on fishing rod with reel, showcasing freshwater angling success.
Flowing mountain stream in a lush green landscape under cloudy skies.
Freshly caught rainbow trout being displayed by angler in scenic lake setting.
Large freshwater fish caught in a mesh net for fishing or aquaculture.
Fresh caught rainbow trout fishing outdoors on a cloudy day | Fish Partner.
Small wooden fish farming hut with solar panel in Icelandic landscape.
Fresh fish caught in Iceland, outdoors in a scenic mountain landscape.
Brightly colored freshwater fish caught during outdoor fishing activity, highlighting fish species from Fish Partner.
A scenic fishing and camping setup by the river with gear, tent, and vehicle in a grassy landscape under cloudy skies.
Large fish caught on a fishing trip, held by smiling angler in a wetland setting.
Vibrant rainbow trout caught during fly fishing in a serene river setting, showcasing outdoor angling adventure.
Vast rainbow trout caught while fishing in a river, showcasing outdoor angling success.
Bright smiling woman fishing by river on overcast day at Iceland's scenic landscape.
Tranquil Icelandic lake with mountain reflection under cloudy sky, ideal for sustainable aquaculture.
Man fishing at river with scenic landscape and waterfall in background, outdoor sport fishing, angling recreation, nature and adventure.
1. Man holding a freshly caught fish in a river during overcast weather.
Flowing river in Iceland with mountains and cloudy sky, ideal for fish farming and aquatic ecosystems.
Freshwater fishing adventure with friends in Iceland, enjoying scenic river and overcast sky.
Trout fishing in a scenic mountain stream with a waterfall, emphasizing fresh fish harvesting and outdoor salmonid fishing.
Rainbow trout caught by a fisherman in a river, showcasing sustainable fishing practices and quality freshwater fish.
A person fishing in a clear river on a cloudy day with a spinning reel and rod.
Vibrant rainbow trout caught during a fishing trip in a scenic river setting.
Fresh caught fish being held over water, showcasing fish species for fishing and aquaculture.
Trout fishing in Iceland’s scenic river with mountains in the background. Perfect for freshwater fishing enthusiasts.
1. Man holding a fish with fishing rod in a freshwater lake, angling, outdoor fishing.
Bowl of rainbow trout caught in a mountain stream during fishing trip in nature.
1. Man holding large freshwater fish in a lake under cloudy sky.
Trout fishing in Iceland with scenic mountain river backdrop, two anglers, and parked 4x4 vehicles.
Vibrant fish caught during outdoor fishing, showcasing freshwater fishing success.
Fishing by a river in Iceland with snow-capped mountains in the background, showcasing outdoor angling adventures.
Vibrant rainbow trout caught in scenic river fishing spot with happy anglers enjoying outdoor adventure.
1. Man fishing for trout in a scenic freshwater lake with mountains background.
Serene freshwater creek winding through lush green plains on cloudy day.
Big rainbow trout caught while fly fishing in Iceland, showcasing expert angling and stunning natural scenery.

Planning a DIY Highlands adventure for 2026/2027?

• fish sunrise to sunset (or all night…)
• drive 4×4 trails across the plateau
• hike between lakes, river and small creeks.
• camp or stay in simple mountain huts

👉 Contact us to reserve your spots or design a custom DIY route through the Highlands.

🔗 Explore the rest of the 2025 Photo Series

Written by Sindri Hlíðar Jónsson, Co-Owner of Fish Partner. With over a decade of experience guiding and managing fisheries across Iceland, Sindri has helped hundreds of anglers discover Iceland’s unique fly-fishing destinations.

Sindri Hlíðar Jónsson

Popular Fishing

Blanda

The Blanda is one of Iceland’s top Atlantic Salmon fisheries.

Svartá

This exclusive river, limited to four rods, invites anglers to explore its 20-kilometer pristine(13 miles), crystal-clear water.

Blanda

The Blanda is one of Iceland’s top Atlantic Salmon fisheries.

Svartá

This exclusive river, limited to four rods, invites anglers to explore its 20-kilometer pristine(13 miles), crystal-clear water.

Arnarvatnsheiði

The expansive and untamed Arnarvatnsheidi region, a vast highland moorland adorned with countless lakes, interconnected rivers, and streams
Trout & Char
Salmon

Accessability

  • Easy – Very little hiking required, easy for every one.
  • Modrate – Some hiking required.
  • Hard – Strenuous hiking require, good physical conditions required.
  • Mixed – Some easy access areas and others that require hiking.