Sofia Jennings
F-roads in Iceland are mountain roads that lead to the interior of the country. They are often challenging to drive on, with conditions including mud, potholes, steep slopes, and even river crossings. These roads are not regularly maintained, so they are not smooth, well-ploughed, or well-kept. F-roads are only open during the summer, and even then, the opening and closing dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.
To drive on F-roads, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is neither safe nor legal to attempt these roads with only a two-wheel-drive vehicle. When renting a car, be sure to discuss your plans with the rental company to ensure you get a suitable vehicle. Certain F-roads will require a higher vehicle clearance, so it is important to know your route in advance.
- Landmannalaugar
- Thórsmörk
- Maelifell Volcano
- Askja
- Thórsmörk
- Kerlingarfjöll
- Sprengisandur
- Kaldidalur Valley (road 550)
- Jökulhálsleið (road 570)
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-Roads in Iceland | Unpaved gravel roads leading to the inner part of Iceland – the highlands |
| When are F-Roads open? | F-Roads are only open during the summer months and are only accessible in 4x4 vehicles |
| Vehicles allowed on F-Roads | Only 4-wheel drive vehicles (sometimes called AWD or 4WD) |
| How difficult are F-Roads to drive? | Different F-roads present different challenges. Some are smooth gravel tracks, others have massive boulders to dodge. Some require driving through rivers. |
| Where can you get to on the F-Roads? | The majority of the F-roads in Iceland connect the popular Ring Road (Highway 1 or Þjóðvegur 1) route with the mountainous central highlands area of the country. |
| How to cross rivers? | Assess the river crossing, choose your route across the river, and keep a slow and steady pace. |
What You'll Learn
F-Roads Explained
F-Roads are Iceland's mountain roads that take you to the interior of the country. They are challenging, adventurous, and breathtaking routes. F-Roads are mostly gravel roads with rocky and muddy surfaces, and they are not regularly maintained. These roads are only accessible by 4x4 vehicles and are open only during the summer.
F-Roads are the mountain roads that lead to the interior of Iceland. They are challenging, adventurous, and breathtaking routes. F-Roads are mostly gravel roads with rocky and muddy surfaces, and they are not regularly maintained. These roads are only accessible by 4x4 vehicles and are open only during the summer.
F-Roads are open only during the summer, usually from mid-June to the end of August. The opening and closing dates depend on the weather conditions and vary every year. The snowmelt and the arrival of snow in the highlands are the biggest factors that affect the opening and closing dates.
Where Are the F-Roads?
Most of the F-Roads serve as a link between the Ring Road and the scenic central highlands region of Iceland.
Yes, absolutely! F-Roads allow you to access some of the most beautiful and remote places in Iceland. They are less crowded and perfect for those who want to ignite their adventurous spirit.
Given the challenging nature of these roads, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is a necessity. It is neither safe nor legal to drive on F-Roads with a two-wheel-drive vehicle. You will need a bigger 4x4 vehicle with high clearance for the roads with river crossings.
Tips for Safe Driving on F-Roads
- Always check the road and weather conditions before your trip.
- Leave a travel plan with someone or log your route on the website Safetravel.is.
- Write down emergency numbers, including your rental car company's number and Iceland's emergency number, 112.
- Leave early in the morning to avoid high water levels in the rivers.
- Fill up your tank and pack food and water, as there are very few gas stations and dining options in the highlands.
- Pack warm clothes, as it can get chilly in the highlands.
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When are F-Roads Open?
F-roads are only open during the summer months, typically from mid-June to the end of August. However, the exact dates vary each year, depending on the weather conditions. The opening of the roads is determined by the amount of snow cover and the damage the roads have sustained during the winter. F-roads are usually closed by mid-to-late September, but this can be extended to early October if the weather remains good.
The best time to drive on F-roads is in July, as you'll get plenty of sunshine and warm weather. However, this also depends on the weather, which can be unpredictable in Iceland.
It's important to note that winter F-road trips are not permitted for the average adventurer. These roads are only accessible with a guided tour conducted by a licensed operator driving a well-equipped 4x4 super jeep.
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What Vehicles Can Drive on F-Roads?
F-roads are challenging and often dangerous, with loose gravel, potholes, rocks, and river crossings. They are only accessible via a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and it is illegal to drive on them with a two-wheel-drive car.
The type of four-wheel-drive vehicle required depends on the F-road in question. Some roads are suitable for small four-wheel-drive cars, while others require a medium-sized or large four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Small four-wheel-drive cars are suitable for F-roads with no river crossings, such as the F208 from the North to Landmannalaugar, and the 35 Kjölur Road.
Medium-sized four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed for F-roads with small to medium-sized river crossings, such as the F910 to Askja, the F225 West of Landmannalaugar, and the F26 to Sprengisandur.
Large four-wheel-drive vehicles are required for F-roads with large river crossings, such as the F88 to Askja, the F249 to Þórsmörk, and the F578 to Arnarvatnsvegur.
It is important to note that insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by river crossings, so it is essential to assess the river before attempting to cross and only do so if you are confident in your abilities and your vehicle's capabilities.
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Driving Tips
F-Roads are Iceland's mountain roads that take you to the country's interior. They are challenging to drive on and are often unpaved, filled with gravel, and may even require you to cross rivers. These roads are not regularly maintained, so they are not smooth or well-kept. They are only open during the summer months and can be closed due to weather conditions and safety concerns.
- Check road and weather conditions in advance and be prepared for unpredictable weather changes. You can check road conditions on websites like road.is, en.vedur.is, and vegasja.vegagerdin.is.
- Inform someone of your travel plans and leave a travel plan on safetravel.is.
- Travel in a group of at least two vehicles in case any trouble arises.
- Ensure you have the right vehicle for F-Roads. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed, and it is illegal and unsafe to drive on these roads with a 2-wheel drive car. You can rent a suitable 4x4 vehicle from car rental companies.
- Get appropriate insurance for your vehicle. Standard car insurance policies do not cover damage caused by driving on F-Roads, such as chassis and undercarriage damage, and water damage from river crossings. Consider getting additional insurance for F-Roads and river crossings.
- Be cautious when crossing rivers. Assess the river before attempting to cross and do not cross if the water level is higher than three-quarters of your vehicle's wheel height. Choose the best route across the river, which is usually marked by tire tracks from other vehicles. Enter the river in a low gear and drive slowly and steadily without changing gears.
- Be prepared with a full tank of fuel, extra food and water, warm clothes, and appropriate gear for potential recovery and repairs.
- Do not drive off-road or go beyond marked trails.
- Obey traffic rules and drive slowly and steadily, especially on sharp turns and blind spots.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be prepared to wait or pass other cars on one-lane bridges.
- Be aware of limited connectivity in certain areas, and save an emergency contact number, such as 112, which works even without a mobile signal.
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River Crossings
Rivers are a common feature in Iceland, and you will encounter them as you explore the country. There are two things that ensure Iceland has an abundance of freshwater: huge glaciers and high snow and rainfall. The first thing to note is that F-roads are only open from June to September. This is because heavy snow in the highlands, among other weather conditions, makes F-roads essentially inaccessible in winter. Even in summer, it’s a good idea to only venture into the highlands when the weather forecast is clear.
F-roads are not paved; they are gravel roads and not regularly maintained like Iceland’s highways. Because of this, Icelandic laws only allow 4WD vehicles to travel on F-roads, and you'll have to rent a 4x4 in Iceland if you plan to visit the more remote areas of the country. It’s wise to follow this rule, as conditions in Iceland’s interior can be dangerous and help is far away.
The website Road.is provides you with up-to-date information on each road in Iceland. If there has been heavy rainfall or snowfall near to the F-road on your route, fording may be impossible. Additionally, Iceland’s slowly melting glaciers mean that at times, rivers passing over F-roads may shift. If you know that your route requires river fording, it’s best to rent a Jeep for your Iceland road trip or get some other raised car. Also, basic insurance with many rental car companies in Iceland doesn’t cover water damage, so you may want to purchase extra.
So, what is the safest way to cross a river? Firstly, you should only cross where directed. These crossing points have been carefully selected, so don’t think you can find a better place to cross. Driving off-road is illegal in Iceland, so stick to the path. Also, don’t drive too fast. If the water splashes over your bonnet or windscreen, you need to slow down. Use a low gear and don’t change gears while you are in the water. It’s recommended to cross at a slight angle, with the front of your vehicle facing downstream.
A rule is that if the river is too dangerous to wade in, it’s too dangerous to drive across. The water should not reach the top of the tires. If it does, or if you have a feeling that trying to cross is not a good idea, turn back. Rivers that were safe to cross yesterday may not be safe to cross today.
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Frequently asked questions
F-roads are roads that lead to the highlands of Iceland. They are often unpaved, gravel roads that can be challenging and sometimes dangerous. They are usually only open during the summer months and can only be accessed with a 4x4 vehicle.
F-roads are often unmaintained and can be filled with loose gravel, potholes, and boulders. Some F-roads even require you to cross rivers!
F-roads are typically only open during the summer months, from around mid-June to the end of August or early September. The opening and closing dates depend on the weather conditions and can vary from year to year.
