The best F-roads in Iceland for beginners

What are F-roads in Iceland?

F-roads in Iceland are the routes that cross mountainous areas. Most of them are found within the central Highlands region in the interior of the country but a handful are outside of this area, for instance in more remote parts of the coastal fjords. In addition, there are some roads that were previously classified as F-roads but thanks to upgrades to the road conditions, they are no longer prefixed as such.

F-roads in Iceland open seasonally – usually but not always between June and September – and have no winter service. If you attempt to drive them outside summer you’ll most likely find a barrier across the road impeding access. This is because the areas in which they are found are typically hard to reach, not only by visiting tourists but also by maintenance crews who would otherwise periodically be clearing snow and making repairs to the road surface.

What makes them feel daunting to those who’ve never driven on them?

F-roads traverse a variety of landscapes but what they have in common is that they are uneven and present challenges to the motorists that are brave enough to tackle them. Often the road is very uneven, sometimes with deep ruts or large potholes that require concentration and skill to navigate without causing significant damage to the bodywork and underside of the vehicle. 

Some F-roads include sections where the gradient is exceptionally steep. This coupled with the gravel surface can feel scary to those used to flat, smooth tarmac. Many have another frightening component: water crossings. As traffic is light, there’s no economic sense in building and maintaining bridges which would be costly. Instead, drivers are expected to ford these rivers. Doing so requires special care and complete attention; we’ve covered this in a separate article. 

If you’re new to driving on these roads and wondering how F-roads differ from other rugged routes, you can find out more about the difference between F-roads and off-roads in our guide.

Consider starting out on an F-road without water crossings

The good news if you’re a first-timer is that some of Iceland’s F-roads don’t have water crossings. If this is the part you’re most worried about, yet you’re keen to experience driving on F-roads in Iceland, then choosing one of these more manageable F-roads might just be the answer. They’re still no walk in the park, but they might be worth considering at the itinerary planning stage of your trip. 

Even so, to be certain you haven’t invalidated your insurance and the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, you’ll still need to make sure that you’ve chosen the right kind of vehicle. This is usually a larger 4x4, but let us know where you plan to travel and we’ll rent you what you need.

Let’s take a brief look at what potentially might be a couple of F-roads best for beginners.

F208 (north)

This is generally held to be the easiest of the roads that leads to Landmannalaugar, a popular Highlands destination for visiting tourists. Referred to as Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri, it still traverses rugged terrain but lacks the significant water crossings found on the southern stretch of the road. 

Landmannalaugar’s stunning mineral-streaked mountains, not to mention the geothermal hot springs that led it to be called the People’s Pools, are ample rewards for those who venture up here. It’s also worth noting that the Highland Bus makes its way up here in summer, so you might wish to leave your rental car in Reykjavik for the day and book an excursion instead.

F26 as far as Aldeyjarfoss

This gorgeous waterfall is one of Iceland’s hidden gems. Flanked by impressive basalt columns, the Skjálfandafljót River flows through a lava field and crashes down a twenty-metre drop to create a pool of vibrant turquoise. Though the road to its car park is classified as an F-road, this first stretch isn’t as challenging as the parts which follow. 

First, you’ll drive south from the ring road on the 824, picking up the F26 for the last 4 kilometers of the journey. If you really can’t face it once it’s right in front of you, that kind of distance is walkable of course, but unless there’s been a lot of rain, it’s a short but sweet introduction to F-road driving. However, don’t be tempted to travel beyond Aldeyjarfoss as the road is considerably worse and not suitable for F-road beginners. 

Alternatively, seek out former F-roads that have been reclassified

If you’re looking for an F-road experience but are feeling overwhelmed, you might consider roads that were previously F-roads but have been reclassified following improvements. Examples of such roads include the 35; the stretch of road that once extended beyond Gullfoss waterfall is now a much better road, though still not open year-round. There’s a bridge over the Hvitá, however, so this is a contender.

Another is the 570 in the far west of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, also known as Jökulshálsvegur. It has no river crossings and although it is steep and uneven, by F-road standards it’s relatively tame. The views of the mountainous scenery and the glacier are nothing short of extraordinary.

The 550 between Þingvellir National Park and Húsafell is another worthy of consideration. Travelling south to north, this historic route squeezes between Langjökull glacier and Ok mountain, reaching its highest point at 727 metres above sea level – one of the most impressive mountain passes in the country, boasting remarkable views on a clear day. 

The most southerly part of the F208 has also been stripped of its F road status, though the part to the north has not. However, it’s important to note that continuing along the F208 to Landmannalaugar is much harder and there are easier routes to this scenic highland area if that’s your intended destination, approaching via the F208 from the north, for instance.

Should you drive the best F-roads for beginners?

However, as you’ve seen, just because there is no water crossing involved, that doesn’t mean these roads are easy to drive, even if you’ve rented a suitable 4x4. It’s really important that you don’t overestimate your capabilities and underestimate the demands that inclement weather conditions can bring, even in summer. 

Warning

Don’t attempt the most challenging F-roads until you are a lot more experienced. Deep water crossings can be treacherous and sometimes even fatal for those who don’t understand the dangers involved. These include the F249 to Þórsmörk, but there are many more, so always discuss your itinerary with us before you make firm plans.

The golden rule is that if you aren’t 100% sure you are up to driving a particular road, you shouldn’t proceed. There’s no shame in admitting defeat and turning back if it means that you and your fellow passengers stay safe. Carrying on can be risky, which is why some travelers prefer to park up their own rental car and book a super jeep tour instead – and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

We’d recommend that you do plenty of research and make an informed decision. It’s got to be the choice that’s right for you taking into consideration the road and weather conditions at the time of your trip. Whether you decide to drive them or not, remember that the best F-roads in Iceland for beginners are still a challenging place for those behind the wheel – they wouldn’t be classed as F-roads otherwise.