F-roads in Iceland

Driving on F-Roads: 4x4 Required

Only 4x4 (four-wheel-drive) vehicles are permitted on F-roads – this is not just a recommendation, it’s the law. A suitable high-clearance SUV or jeep that the rental company approves for F-roads is a must. Smaller crossover SUVs or all-wheel drives might not have enough clearance for the big potholes, boulders or river fords found on these routes. It’s important to inform your rental company if you plan to venture onto F-roads so they can provide a vehicle that is allowed and equipped for highland driving.

Keep in mind that damages from F-road travel (for example, shocks, tires, undercarriage, water damage from rivers) are often excluded from standard insurance packages. Consider opting for additional insurance that covers F-road use or specific perils like river crossing damage, if available. Rental agencies in Iceland typically categorize which vehicles can go on F-roads and will void your contract and insurance if you take an unauthorized car into the highlands. In short – do not attempt an F-road in a 2WD or low-clearance vehicle. Not only could it land you with heavy fines and a ruined car, but you’d be putting yourself at risk on very rough terrain.

Also note that off-road driving is strictly forbidden anywhere in Iceland (you must stay on marked tracks). Venturing off the marked roads onto open land is illegal, due to the lasting damage it causes to fragile nature – offenders can face hefty fines. F-roads themselves provide access to remote areas, but you should never drive off the road into untouched wilderness. Stick to the trails marked on maps and road signs.

Safety Tips for F-Road Travel

Driving in the highlands is an adventure that demands careful preparation. Conditions are remote and facilities are minimal or nonexistent along these routes. Before heading out on an F-road, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Plan and Check Conditions

Always check the latest road conditions (via Road.is) and weather forecast (via Vedur.is) for your route before setting off. F-road conditions can change quickly with rain or glacial runoff – a small stream in the morning could become a impassable torrent by afternoon. If any F-road is marked “closed,” do not attempt to enter.

Tell Someone / Register Your Trip

Inform others of your travel plans. Ideally, register your route and travel plan with SafeTravel.is, the Icelandic search & rescue travel plan service. If you run into trouble in the middle of nowhere, having someone aware of your itinerary is invaluable. Also carry a charged mobile phone – though note that highland coverage is sparse or non-existent in many areas.

Fuel Up and Carry Supplies

Start with a full tank of fuel and do not underestimate distances. There are virtually no gas stations in the highlands, so running out of fuel is a serious risk if you haven’t topped up. Bring plenty of food and water for the journey, as you won’t find shops or restaurants once you head into the wilderness. It's wise to pack warm layers/rain gear (weather in the highlands is colder and more volatile than at lower elevations) and a basic emergency kit.

Never Travel Alone if Possible

If you can, travel with at least two vehicles in your group. Having a second 4x4 along means you have backup help if one car gets stuck or breaks down. At the very least, multiple cars can assist each other with river crossings or go for help in an emergency. If you must go solo, be extra cautious and conservative in your decisions.

Drive Slowly and Carefully

F-roads are not maintained like normal roads – expect potholes, washboard gravel, sharp rocks, blind hills, and even sheep on the road. Slow down on loose gravel to maintain control (speed limits on gravel are 80 km/h, but that is often far too fast for safety). Keep both hands on the wheel and be prepared for sudden changes in traction. When passing another vehicle on a narrow track, pull aside carefully to avoid flying stones cracking your windshield

River Crossing Caution

Many F-roads include unbridged river fords. Always assess water crossings before driving through. If the water looks deep or the current strong, stop and physically inspect – walk into the stream shallows (if safe to do so) to gauge depth and firmness of the riverbed. A general rule: the calmest part of a river is often the deepest – it’s usually safer to cross where you see ripples or faster flow, indicating shallower water.

Engage 4x4 low gear, drive slowly and steadily through the water without changing gears mid-stream, and never stop halfway. If at any point you are unsure about crossing, do not attempt it – turn around or wait for another vehicle to assist. Never risk getting swept away; several rivers (like Krossá on the way to Þórsmörk) are notorious for trapping cars. No rental insurance covers river damage, so use extreme caution

No Rush – and No Off-Roading:

Give yourself plenty of time for F-road journeys. The going will be slow (25–40 km/h is often a normal pace on rough sections). Don’t try to “make up time” by driving aggressively – it will only increase chances of an accident. And importantly, do not drive off the marked road even if the track is rough or flooded. Going off-road is illegal and highly damaging to the environment. If an F-road is impassable ahead, turn back or wait – do not forge a new path over untouched ground.

By following these guidelines, you can greatly reduce the risks and enjoy the amazing landscapes that Iceland’s backroads have to offer. Always respect the highlands’ power and remoteness – preparation and caution are key to a successful highland adventure.

Popular F-Roads in Iceland

A typical F-road (F206 Lakagígar route) winding through remote volcanic terrain in the highlands. Such rugged tracks reward drivers with spectacular scenery, but demand careful driving.

Some of the most well-traveled F-roads lead to incredible natural destinations in the Icelandic highlands. Below is a brief overview of a few popular F-roads and the unique places they access:

F208 & F225 (Landmannalaugar)

Landmannalaugar is a famous highland oasis renowned for its colorful rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs. There are multiple F-road routes to reach it. The easiest is F208 from the north, which has no river crossings (though the gravel surface is rough). Another approach is F225 (Landmannaleið) from the west, which is slightly more challenging. 

The most difficult route is F208 from the south, which involves fording several rivers – this southern track should be avoided or approached with caution in very wet weather. Whichever way you go, a 4x4 is required. The reward is stunning scenery and access to Landmannalaugar’s hiking trails and geothermal pools in the midst of the mountains.

F249 (Þórsmörk)

F249 leads into Þórsmörk (Thor’s Mark), a lush valley paradise nestled between glaciers in South IcelanD. This relatively short F-road is notorious for its river crossings. Several streams must be crossed, culminating in the Krossá river, which is one of the most dangerous fords in Iceland. Krossá’s depth and force vary, but it has stranded many vehicles – it should not be attempted by anyone except expert drivers with modified vehicles. In fact, most visitors leave their car at a safe point or join a super-jeep tour to reach Þórsmörk, rather than risk the rivers. Those who make it will find beautiful woodlands, glacial views, and trailheads for famous hikes (like the Laugavegur trail) in Þórsmörk Nature Reserve.

F26 (Sprengisandur)

F26 is known as the Sprengisandur route, is the longest F-road in Iceland (about 200 km) crossing the remote central highlands. It runs between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers across a vast black sand desert and volcanic plateau. Sprengisandur is an isolated, barren trek – the landscape has been described as moon-like with its endless lava sands and minimal vegetation. There are no services or settlements along F26, so travelers must be entirely self-sufficient with fuel and supplies for the entire journey. At least one major river (the Nýidalur river) must be forded on this route. Sprengisandur is challenging, but it offers a profound sense of wilderness and adventure for those prepared to tackle it.

F35 (Kjölur, Kjalavegur)

F35 route is a highland road running through the center of Iceland, connecting the Gullfoss/Geysir area in the south to Blönduós in the north. Although historically labeled F35, improvements have made parts of it easier – it has no unbridged rivers to cross and is one of the more accessible highland routes. Still, it’s a gravel road and requires a 4x4, especially if conditions deteriorate. F35’s highlights include the Hveravellir geothermal area (midway along the route) where you can stop to see hot springs or even bathe, and side trips to the Kerlingarfjöll rhyolite mountains with their steaming vents. The scenery along Kjölur is a mix of wide-open tundra, views of Langjökull glacier, and mountain vistas. It’s a great intro to F-roads for relatively confident drivers, as it is broad and less rough than other F-roads (weather permitting).

F88 (Öskjuleið , Askja)

F88 is called “Askja Road,” leads to the Askja caldera in the remote northeast highlands. Askja is a massive volcanic caldera housing Lake Öskjuvatn and the Víti explosion crater – a spectacular otherworldly destination. The F88 track from the Ring Road takes you through an alien landscape of lava fields toward Askja.

However, this route is known for very rough terrain and multiple river crossings. In particular, the Lindaá river near Askja can be deep and dangerous; if water levels are high, F88 may become impassable. (Many travelers instead reach Askja via the slightly longer F905/F910 route which has easier crossings.) If you attempt F88, use extreme caution at fords. Reaching Askja rewards you with surreal volcanic scenery – the caldera was even used by Apollo astronauts to train, due to its lunar appearance. It’s one of the most remote places accessible by F-road, epitomizing the wild beauty of the highlands.

F206 (Lakagígar, Laki Craters)

F206 is a rugged mountain road in the southern highlands that leads to Lakagígar, the Laki craters. Lakagígar is a 25-km row of about 130 volcanic craters from a huge 1783 eruption – an area of both historic significance and eerie natural beauty. The F206 track to Laki is challenging: it’s a lonely route traversing rough volcanic terrain and features multiple unbridged river crossings (around four fords) along the way. One river is medium-sized and can swell quickly in rain, so a high-clearance 4x4 is absolutely required. Driving F206 rewards you with epic scenery – mossy lava fields, the Fagrifoss waterfall, and eventually the Laki craters themselves. There is a ranger station and small campground near Laki, but no other facilities. This road truly lets you experience a remote volcanic landscape, but you must drive slowly and be prepared for stream crossings and bumpy lava tracks.

Each of these F-roads offers access to unforgettable locations that few visitors get to see – from geothermal valleys and volcanic craters to glacier-capped valleys. Driving Iceland’s highland F-roads is a thrilling experience for well-prepared travelers. By choosing the right vehicle, timing your trip for summer, and heeding safety guidelines, you can safely explore these wild backroads. The journey on F-roads is not easy, but it reveals a side of Iceland – vast, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful – that is truly worth the effort