A Guide to F-roads in Iceland

What are F-roads?

In this instance, the letter “f” stands for fjall, which means that these are mountain roads. Many of them traverse the interior of Iceland and though they are often accessed from major roads such as the ring road, they couldn’t be more different. It’s a good idea to research the route you plan to take very thoroughly so that you can be honest with yourself as to whether your driving skills are up to the task.

So what can you expect? Instead of a smooth tarmac surface, they’re often bumpy and uneven. You’ll be dodging potholes and coping with loose gravel. Gradients can be steep, but even on the flattest sections, these roads can be affected by challenging weather conditions such as thick fog, strong gales, and blizzards that can quickly impair visibility. Oh, and did we mention river crossings?

Additionally, many drivers often confuse F-roads and off-road driving. F-roads in Iceland are designated mountain routes that require high-clearance vehicles, often with gravel surfaces and river crossings, whereas off-road driving involves traveling on terrain outside of any official roads, which is illegal in Iceland due to its environmental fragility.

Rules, regulations, and requirements for driving on Iceland’s F-roads

Anyone who rents a car in Iceland is required to follow the rules of the road, whether that be adhering to the speed limit or ensuring no other laws are broken. Of course, some roads require their own rules and regulations, so you’ll need to be abreast of the requirements that need to be met if you are planning to drive on F-roads. 

Firstly, you can’t just rock up at any time of year and expect to access the interior. At the earliest, the F-roads open in Iceland during summer in late May– often later – and are closed for the season by the time autumn bites. Each road’s opening date is determined by local conditions and as such can vary from its neighbors and also from year to year. Averages are published online, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be accessible if you time your road trip for early or late in this short season.

Next, you need to rent the right kind of vehicle. Almost without exception, a 2WD car isn’t going to have the clearance or the traction to cope with the terrain. In fact, you’ll need to hire a particular class of vehicle in order to be insured. If you plan to travel on F-roads or similarly adventurous non-F-roads such as the 35 and the 550, then you need to make sure you have chosen a 4WD jeep or SUV that is expressly referred to in the terms and conditions as being suitable. If in doubt, double-check beforehand.

The same applies if you intend to ford streams or rivers. Many, though not all, F-roads require drivers to cross a river safely at some point during their journey. Bridges are few and far between in upland areas, not least because they’d cost a huge sum to build and maintain. However, crossing them is not permitted unless the rental company explicitly refers to this being possible for the type of vehicle you’ve chosen to hire.  

How to prepare for a road trip including F-roads

Aside from the consideration of whether you are ready for the challenge of driving on Iceland’s F-roads, there are certain other preparations you will need to undertake to ensure that you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination. This involves taking a few extra precautions that would be unnecessary if you were simply driving in downtown Reykjavik or even looping the ring road.

One of the most important things you’ll need to do is to check the conditions before embarking on the day’s drive. Even in the height of summer, inclement weather can force you to temporarily postpone your journey, or perhaps start a little earlier or later in the day than you originally intended. Pay heed to the detailed forecasts on the Icelandic Meteorological Office‘s website and don’t underestimate how many miles you will cover. Err on the side of caution and make sure you will be able to reach your overnight base in good time.

The condition of the roads themselves is also something you’ll need to be aware of. Drivers should check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s website which provides information such as temperature and wind speed at a given location as well as more fundamental data like whether the road is open or if it is impassable. If a road is blocked off by a barrier, never move it aside to continue your journey – it is there for a reason. 

Another thing you should do before setting out is to ensure you have adequate supplies. A full tank of fuel is a must, with spare cans if there is even the slightest chance that you may run short. There aren’t petrol stations in the Icelandic Highlands, so you need to carry what you need. Likewise, in many areas, you won’t find shops or cafes. Take plenty of water as well as snacks. Charge up your phone and let someone at your destination know roughly which route you plan to take and what time you expect to arrive. In these conditions, essential gear for F-roads includes a full tank, extra fuel, water, and food supplies.

Recommended routes and destinations

While no road that takes you off the beaten track in Iceland is likely to be a disappointment, some itineraries are particularly enticing. The desire to travel to Landmannalaugar is one of the most popular reasons for embarking on an F-road adventure. You might also follow routes that skirt glaciers such as Langjökull and Vatnajökull, or that lead to dramatic geothermal or volcanic areas such as Hveravellir and Askja. Remote mountain lakes, black sand deserts, striking craters, remarkable waterfalls, and hidden canyons also litter the Highlands. It’s this variety of extraordinary landscapes that makes an F-road trip so compelling and worth the extra effort to pull it off.  The top 5 scenic routes on Iceland’s F-roads should definitely be on your itinerary if you are looking for the best the country has to offer.

FAQs

Do I need a 4x4 to drive Iceland’s F-roads?

Yes, this is essential in order to comply with insurance and also for the safety of travelers. A 4WD vehicle with higher clearance will cope better with the uneven terrain and provide additional traction when conditions are slick or slippery. Ask us to recommend a suitable vehicle.

Can I drive on Iceland’s F-roads at any time of year?

No, the F-road network is seasonal; typically, they open in May or June and remain accessible until September, but this is weather-dependent. Check online if you plan to travel at the start or end of this season to make sure the F-roads are open, and even during the height of summer, always check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.

Is it dangerous to drive on Iceland’s F-roads?

Driving on Iceland’s F-roads is more challenging than on regular city streets or countryside routes. However, so long as you are sensible and well-prepared, it doesn’t have to be dangerous. It pays to be cautious, particularly when tackling river crossings, and turn back if you aren’t confident about proceeding.