F-roads open in Iceland during summer 2025

F208

Tourists with their eye on Landmannalaugar often choose to drive to it via the F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri. The northern section of this road is an easier route than its southern counterpart – don’t be fooled by the part that’s simply the 208. This spectacular road teases with landforms such as Sigöldugljúfur Canyon and Ljòtipollur Crater before depositing you at Landmannalaugar. With its rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs, and endless possibilities for scenic hikes, this is a must for any wannabe F-road driver.

F225

Landmannaleið cuts through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and is popular as it is one of the routes that lead to Landmannalaugar. Though thanks to multiple river crossings it’s not the easiest drive, it is one of the most scenic and as such recommended for those with the driving skills and experience to tackle it. Some travelers like to combine this with the F208 and create a looping circuit that enables them to access some of the most remarkable landscapes found anywhere in the Icelandic highlands.

F235 Langisjór

Connecting the F208 to Langisjór, a remote but stunning glacial lake, the F235 is also worth checking out. This bumpy mountain road traverses what some describe as a barren lunar landscape, but there’s a hypnotic beauty to its starkness. The destination is worth the effort: long and remarkably clear, it’s fed by underwater springs and features a handful of little islands. The silica-rich water is a gorgeous blue, which is set off by the contrasting tones of the surrounding mountains.

F26 Sprengisandsleið

This is one of the longest F-roads in Iceland. It stretches from the junction with the 842 near Aldeyjarfoss in the north to the junction with route 26 to the south close to Þórisvatn. Much of the scenery is stark and desolate, which only accentuates the sense of adventure among those who follow it. At altitudes as high as this, the weather can be severe; coupled with a number of very challenging river crossings, it’s important to be prepared and understand how to cross rivers safely. it’s not hard to see why this F-road is feared as much as it is revered.  

F88 Öskjuleið

The F88 is another demanding F-road. Though it is daunting for those with limited experience of driving over such rough terrain, the prize for those who brave it is Askja, the remote volcanic caldera from which the road gets its Icelandic name. It’s notoriously difficult to conquer: though on the map it may look like a shortcut to this breathtaking location, in fact, the river crossings are exceptionally difficult, especially that over the River Lindaá. After significant rainfall, it can be easier to reach the F910 and Askja via the F905 instead.

F249 Þórsmerkurvegur

Even in a country as breathtakingly beautiful as Iceland, Þórsmörk (the Valley of Thor) is a standout region. The area boasts verdant canyons and tumbling waterfalls. Its lush valleys are interspersed with glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand plains, and it’s this variety that makes the place so captivating. It’s ironic, therefore, that to reach it on a self-drive you’ll need to be up for one of the most challenging river crossings in Iceland, taming the Krossá when water levels permit. 

F821 Eyjafjarðarleið

The F821 is often one of the last F-roads to open up for a brief summer season. This highland road is incredibly steep in places. If you plan to drive it, watch the weather carefully as rainfall can make the ascent and descent frighteningly slippery. Time it right and the views from the top are nothing short of extraordinary. You’ll also be rewarded with a dip in one of the most remote geothermal hot springs in Iceland, at Laugafell.

F66 Kollafjarðarheiði

While most of Iceland’s F-roads are located in the Central Highlands region, unusually this one is found in the Westfjords. Linking roads 60 and 61, this steep north-south route is also seasonal. The mountain pass is a delight, but to take in the extraordinary views you’ll need to find a safe place to pull over to admire them. The weather can change quickly up here, so be prepared for snow, the heavily potholed road surface, and river crossings. 

FAQs

How do you know when the F-roads open?

Because they are weather dependent, you can’t guarantee an opening date for each F-road – and for the same reason, they don’t all come on-stream at once. Interactive maps such as the one on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website can tell you the current situation before you set out. 

But what if you’re keen to plan in advance?

However, if you wish to get a rough idea of when you might expect the road to open, it’s worth looking at historical data. The IRCA publishes statistics based on five years’ worth of data and you can use it to figure out whether your trip dates are in the right ballpark. For instance, the F208 has been at least partially open as early as the second half of May, while the F821 has sometimes not been clear until July.

When do the F-roads shut?

Iceland’s F-roads are seasonal which means that at some point they close for the winter except for specially modified vehicles such as super jeeps. As with the opening dates, the exact time this happens varies from year to year. Weather can bring the date forward with very little notice; snowfalls need to be gone so there’s no risk of damage to fragile environments from drivers who would perhaps be forced to drive around blockages. 

What else do you need to know if you’re hoping to drive Iceland’s F-roads?

Preparation is crucial when you’re up in the mountains as you’re far less likely to come across essential services. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel and perhaps a couple of spare cans if you plan a longer journey. Don’t rely on others for maintenance-related matters such as changing a tire, so check the spare has sufficient tread and you have all the tools you might need. It’s also a good idea to have supplies of food and drink in case you are unexpectedly stranded, plus paper maps you can use if you have no mobile signal or your phone battery dies. 

What kind of vehicle do you need to rent?

Rental cars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. If you’re keen to self-drive at least one F-road, then you’ll need a high-clearance 4x4 with plenty of traction. Stability is also a factor, particularly when winds pick up in exposed stretches. For the most challenging F-roads, it’s wise to leave the driving to someone else and join a super jeep tour. Get in touch and we’ll happily offer advice about which vehicle best suits the itinerary you’re hoping to follow.