F-Roads in Iceland: Complete 4x4 Driving Guide

Driving F-roads in Iceland? Learn what F-roads are, when they open, vehicle requirements, and safety tips for Highlands travel.

First time visitors to Iceland, understandably, have a lot of questions about driving around the countryside and into the highlands, especially about traveling on the F-roads. What are F-roads in Iceland? Are they open all year round? What car is suitable for F-roads in Iceland? In this blog we’ll go over all you need to know about F-roads and more.

What are F-roads in Iceland? 

F-roads are Iceland’s highland roads. Understanding what F-roads are is as easy as learning a little Icelandic. In Icelandic, mountain is fjall and road is vegur thus fjallvegur means mountain road. F-road = mountain road. 

F-roads are the mountain roads used to access the highlands and more remote areas of Iceland. They are gravel roads that can be challenging and dangerous but you will have amazing views along the way. The scenery in the highlands is often breathtaking and consists of glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, rivers, colorful hot springs, rock formations of various types, and much more.

By law, only 4x4 vehicles are allowed on F-roads. This is because these gravel and dirt roads are as different as they are numerous and not all of them are created equal. Each road is used and maintained to different levels of drivability, making some relatively safe and others somewhat treacherous with difficult driving conditions. A number of F-roads also have river crossings–including some that you should only cross with another 4x4 vehicle on standby should you need help. 

Map of Iceland F-Roads

Here is a handy map to help you identify the many F-roads, their routes and how to access them from the Ring Road.

Driving on F-Roads in Iceland

There are a few things to consider before you set off on one of Iceland's F-roads:

• Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed to drive on F-roads.
• Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. Only drive on roads marked with a number, even if you see tire tracks leading off the road, DO NOT follow them. If you drive off-road, you will not only be contributing to the damage of an otherwise pristine landscape but also face a hefty fine.
• No insurance in Iceland covers water damage, so please carefully assess any river before crossing it. When in doubt, don’t.
• F-roads/highland roads are only open in summer and can be opened at different times based on seasonal conditions, so make sure the road you plan to drive on is open.
• Drive slower than you normally would on a regular paved road. Some gravel roads can turn very bad rather quickly, and large rocks may suddenly appear on the road that can cause damage to the undercarriage.
• Keep in mind the emergency number in Iceland: 112. Phone signals in the highlands are not very stable, and you may find yourself driving for a long time without a signal. However, you will always be able to call the emergency number in Iceland even if you have no signal.
• Be sure to fill up your tank before heading into the highlands, as there is only one gas station there. The gas station is located in Hveravellir.

Are F-Roads Open All Year Round?

No, F-roads are only open in the summer and there are no specific opening or closing dates.

When are F-Roads open in Iceland? The exact opening dates of F-roads vary, with some opening in early June and others opening no earlier than the end of June. However, they can also open later depending on how well the road has recovered after the winter.

When Do F-Roads Open in 2026?

Below is a list of F-road opening dates from recent years to give you an idea of the estimated opening period. While exact dates vary depending on weather conditions, they usually tend to follow the same pattern each year.

For information on road conditions and the latest traffic updates, we recommend checking the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration maps.

When is the Best Time to Drive Iceland’s F-Roads?

Iceland’s F-roads start opening up in June making summer the best time to drive the mountain roads. Depending on how the winter has been some roads will be in worse condition than others and may not be drivable until late June.

What Type of Car Do You Need for F-Roads?

Only 4x4 vehicles are permitted on Iceland’s F-roads. If a car does not have 4WD and sufficient ground clearance it is not only likely to suffer significant damage to the undercarriage but could also put the safety of the driver and passengers at risk.

What to Look for When Crossing a River in the Highlands of Iceland

There are a few things to keep in mind when crossing a river in Iceland.

• Keep in mind that no insurance covers water damage. Any water damage sustained by the vehicle is the sole responsibility of the driver. Water damage can easily cost over 10.000 EUR / 11.000 USD.
• Always assess the river before crossing it. Stop the vehicle, go outside and look at the conditions.
• After entering the river, do NOT stop and do not turn around.
• Drive slowly and steadily through the river, do not shift gears.
• Always travel downstream when entering the river.
• Do not drive across a part of the river where the water is still. This can be the deepest part of the river.
• It is very important to inspect the river before you go through it. If the river is deeper than your knee, we recommend not taking the risk.
• If you are unsure whether or not the river is safe to cross, do not enter the river. Turn around and find another route.

What is the Best Vehicle for F-Roads?

You must have a 4x4 vehicle to drive on F-roads as 2WD vehicles are not allowed on any F-roads.

Choosing the most suitable rental car for your Iceland adventure is something you need to think about. It is important to know where you want to go and what you want to see before you make your decision. If you don’t yet have a concrete plan of exactly what you want to do or where you want to go, then choosing a 4x4 vehicle is the safest choice as nothing should be holding you back from going where you want to go. Whether you are visiting Iceland in the winter or summer months, choosing a 4x4 vehicle keeps your options open as 4WD vehicles are safer for driving in winter.

Here are Some of the Cars We Recommend for Driving on F-Roads in Iceland:

Dacia Duster – The Dacia Duster has been one of our most popular choices for driving the highlands over the past few years. It is a 4x4 vehicle and you can lock the differential if needed. It has room for 4 people as well as luggage, is very economical for a 4x4 vehicle, and has good ground clearance. 

Suzuki Vitara – Perfect for up to 5 passengers, it offers a comfortable interior with ample space for luggage, making it a great choice for small groups or families. The Suzuki Vitara is available with 4WD, providing sufficient power and stability for Iceland's scenic roads and gravel tracks

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Great for up to 5 passengers, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross features 4WD, offering excellent handling and stability on both smooth highways and rugged terrains. Its sleek design and efficient engine ensure a comfortable ride, making it perfect for navigating Iceland's scenic routes, with a great balance of performance, comfort, and versatility.

Subaru XV - Perfect for up to 5 passengers, the Subaru XV's compact size, along with its efficient engine, ensures a smooth ride while navigating Iceland's diverse landscapes, offering both comfort and capability. Equipped with 4WD, it provides excellent traction and stability on Iceland's rugged roads and gravel tracks.

Ford Kuga - The Ford Kuga is a great vehicle for the F-roads. It has a powerful diesel engine that allows you to explore the highlands in great comfort. It has 4x4 and is a 2022-2023 model. 

Our Camping Cars – We have a variety of 4x4 campers suitable for a trip around the Icelandic Highlands. They are all available from the 1st of May until the end of September. We have the Suzuki Jimny, Dacia Duster, Suzuki Grand Vitara all fitted with our roof tents and then we also have the Dodge Durango which is fitted with an XL roof tent suitable for 3-4 persons.

You can find out more about our rooftop tent campers here and see our camping equipment here.

Are F-Roads Hard to Drive in Iceland?

That depends on which road you want to drive. Some are easier than others but we would say that all require concentration. You have to be very aware of what´s in front of you and navigate rocks in the road, rivers, and sand.

Road conditions on F-roads can also change from day today. The river you crossed yesterday may be stronger or weaker the very next day. If you know that you will encounter a river on your journey on an F-Road, take into account the weather conditions in the area in the days before as heavy rain can cause the rivers to be deeper and the current to be stronger than when there is no rain.

Best F-Roads in Iceland

The best F-roads to drive in Iceland are the ones most frequently used but this can change depending on the time of year, the weather and location of the F-road. 

Some popular and scenic mountain roads include:

• The Kjölur road (F35) is a scenic route connecting the south and the north of Iceland. This road is about 168 km long and has no river crossings. There are many must-see attractions along route F35, including Gullfoss, Hvítárvatn, and Kerlingafjöll.

• Route F208 North is one of the most popular ways to drive to Landmannalaugar. This road offers an incredible experience with landscapes that shift from dark volcanic deserts to colorful mountains in just a few kilometres.

• Route F905 to get to Askja offers incredible views and an authentic highland experience. However, this route is a challenging drive with rough terrain and several river crossings.

Below you will find a table that includes, for example, the road F208 and F210. It shows the estimated opening times for each F-road. We estimate how difficult the route is based on how rough the road itself is and whether there are any river crossings along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

There are many factors to keep in mind when considering driving on Iceland’s F-roads. We have a lot of experience in navigating F-roads and have gotten a lot of questions in our many years of business. Here are some of our most commonly asked questions and answers.  

Final Words: Are Iceland’s F-Roads Worth it?

If you want to see the Iceland that exists off the paved road, then yes, the F-roads are definitely worth it. 

What makes Iceland such a fun place to explore is the accessibility of awe inspiring nature, however that also means that a lot of people will most likely be visiting the same beautiful places at the same time. Fewer people take that extra step to acquire a capable 4x4 vehicle and plan trips deeper into the Icelandic highlands where they can see the kinds of sights most people only glimpse on social media. So if you’re up to planning and preparing, we highly recommend traveling Iceland’s F-roads and we have plenty of vehicles for you to choose from in our vehicle fleet.