Iceland’s Highlands are a remote, mountainous area within the heart of the island. Think rugged, untouched, wild, and unbelievably gorgeous. Venturing into the Highlands will take you to some of the most pristine scenic locations and some of the most prime hiking locations Iceland has to offer. But getting there isn’t for the faint of heart - to explore the Highlands, you’ll need to rent a car and navigate Iceland’s F Roads. 

What are Iceland’s F Roads?

The Highlands are cut through by a network of remote, unpaved, and difficult-to-navigate mountainous roads: the F Roads. These mountainous dirt roads can only be tackled with a 4x4 vehicle and are closed during the winter due to harsh weather conditions making them wholly impassable. The rugged nature of these roads, including un-bridged river crossings can make them dangerous for travelers who haven’t prepared properly. Read on for our top tips for safely tackling the F Roads in Iceland, making for an unforgettable experience. 

When are the F Roads Open? 

The rule of thumb for anyone wanting to visit the Icelandic Highlands is to come during the summer. Generally speaking, the F Roads are only open during the summer months, most commonly between June and September. 

It’s important to check which F Roads you’ll be traveling on your journey because some of them have different opening and closing dates, all of which will be affected by snow, rain, wind, and ice conditions which could alter the date. The official ICRA website gives you live updates on the status of all roads in Iceland and will tell you whether or not the F Road of your choice is open and able to be traveled. 

What Kind of Car do I need to Travel on F Roads?

Legally and practically speaking, you need a 4x4 vehicle to drive on F Roads in Iceland. This is both a practical necessity (a non-4x4 vehicle simply wouldn’t get you far at all in the Highlands) and for your own safety. 

At Reykjavik Rent a Car, we have an excellent fleet of 4x4s that will get you through the Highlands safely without sacrificing the adventure. Choose from trusted 4x4 manufacturers like Dacia, Suzuki, and Jeep. 

Most Commonly Used F Roads in Iceland

While there are many different F Roads in Iceland, you’re unlikely to travel on all of them. The most popular attractions in the Highlands can be pinpointed to just a few of the F Roads. 

Route F26

This is the longest F Road through the Icelandic Highlands, at roughly 125 mi (200 km). There are a number of captivating sights to see along this route, which has an otherworldly, desolate, and volcanic landscape. 

Attractions on the route include:

• Mount Trölladyngja - Iceland’s largest shield volcano 
• Ódáðahraun - A vast lava field covering more than 2,300 sq mi (6,000 sq km)

Route F208

F Road 208 is a popular route to the famous Landmannalaugar and has recently actually been reclassified due to considerable improvements. Landmannalaugar is known across the world for its multicolored rhyolite mountains, caused by high mineral content in the soil and rock. The area is also known for its generally outstanding beauty, popular amongst hikers. There are also a number of natural hot springs which are ideal for soaking in after a long day of adventuring. 

Other attractions on the route include:

• Sigalda Power Station - The largest reservoir in Iceland, complete with multiple waterfalls and lots of opportunities to practice your photography skills. 
• Eldgjá - A canyon and volcano located in the Highlands, part of the Katla volcano. Outstanding hiking and scenery are on offer in the area. 

Route F249

This route will take you to the jaw-dropping Thorsmork Nature Reserve, where you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Iceland. This valley is overlooked by glaciers and craggy mountains. The route does include one of the most notorious river crossings in the Highlands, and therefore should only be tackled by extremely experienced and confident drivers. But the journey is well worth it - once you get to Thorsmork, you’ll be rewarded with a veritable playground for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Other attractions on the route include:

• Gígjökull Glacier - This outlet of the much larger Eyjafjallajökull glacier offers amazing views. Make sure to plan for a stop here to do a bit of exploring and take in the scenery. 
• Valahnukur Mountain - This area offers excellent hiking options for enthusiasts. At the peak, you’ll find breathtaking views of the Thorsmork Valley.

Route F88

Another of the most popular, and definitely one of the most dangerous, Highland routes is Route F88. This stunning and remote road takes you to the beautiful Askja caldera. The caldera is all that’s left after a devastating volcanic eruption in the 1800s, and is now filled with aquamarine water. It is worth the visit, but be aware that there are multiple river crossings, making the journey a considerably treacherous one. 

Other attractions on the route include:

• Víti Crater - A crater in an active volcano that is full of milky-blue water. In fact, it’s actually a geothermal lake full of mineral-rich water, making it a popular bathing destination.
• Herðubreiðarlindir Oasis - This lush green area in the Highlands plays a stark contrast against the typical landscapes of the area - barren and moonlike. 

Safety Tips for Driving Iceland’s F Roads

The Icelandic Highlands aren’t for everybody. Hopefully, we’ve made it quite clear throughout this blog that extreme caution should always be practiced when traveling in this part of the country. While an amazing adventure awaits, that should never be undertaken without careful preparation and common sense. We’ve compiled our top safety tips for driving the F Roads to help keep you safe. 

1. Choose the Right Vehicle - As previously stated, you cannot travel on the F Roads without a reliable 4x4. This is not only a practical requirement but a legal one put in place to keep you safe. 
2. Plan Around Weather and Road Conditions - Check for live updates on both weather and road conditions when traveling in the Highlands. Things can change quickly in Iceland, so it’s important that you always have the latest information to help keep yourself safe. 
3. Be Cautious of River Crossings - Many F Roads include unabridged river crossings, meaning that you will have to ford the river by driving your 4x4 through flowing water. Sometimes the water will be deep and moving fast, in which case you should always turn back to avoid risking fatal outcomes. In instances where it is safe to cross, always drive slowly and steadily at a consistent speed and do not rush through the crossing. Try and follow any visible tracks from others who have crossed successfully before you. 
4. Plan Ahead and Fuel Up - Gas stations are essentially non-existent in the Highlands, so ensure that you fill up your tank at the last stop before traversing onto the F Roads. Carry extra fuel with you if you plan to tackle the longer routes. The Highlands are not a place where you want to find yourself stranded. 
5. Carry Emergency Supplies - In the event that you do get stranded or encounter trouble, you need to remember that help might be hours away. As a precaution, always pack items like extra warm clothing, water, and food. A first aid kit and a fully charged phone with an additional power bank are also advisable. Basic tools and a spare tire for any flats can also be a lifesaver in the Highlands. 
6. Drive Slowly and Carefully - The F Roads are not a network of roads that you can rush along. They are unpaved and full of potholes, uneven surfaces, and loose gravel. As a result, always drive slowly and keep a close eye on the terrain, while looking out for sharp turns and blind hills. Driving slowly can help to avoid skidding or causing any damage to your rental car. 
7. Be Realistic - Driving the F Roads requires patience and a lot of skill. Don’t be too proud to turn around if you encounter terrain that you don’t feel you can safely get through. If you’re not confident about your ability to take on these mountain roads, it might be worth researching organized tours you can join. This way, you can experience the astonishing area with the safety of an experienced guide to lead your way and do the driving. 

The F Roads of Iceland might be for the adventure-minded daredevils, but the scenery to be found there is tranquil and remote, offering you a chance to see the true depths of Iceland’s wilderness. Our team members are experts when it comes to all things related to driving in Iceland, so when it comes to booking your rental car for a Highland escape, don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions. We’d be happy to help!