I’m focusing on F-roads in this episode because they provide access to parts of the country that most visitors to Iceland never see. While that might sound appealing to most people listening, driving on these roads are often challenging and can even be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
I hit on this topic a little bit in my Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland episode. I recommend checking that episode out so you can be as prepared as possible when you go to book.
F-Road Table of Contents
- What are F-Roads?
- Is it worth it to drive on F-Roads in Iceland?
- When Can You Access F-Roads in Iceland?
- What cars are allowed to drive on F-Roads?
- Not All 4WD Cars are Created Equal
- What Type of 4×4 is Right for Your Adventure in the Highlands?
- Where to Rent a 4WD Car in Iceland
- What to Check Before Heading Out on F-Roads
- What to Keep in Mind While Driving on an F-road
- How to Cross a River in Iceland
- My Favorite Places to Visit in the Icelandic Highlands
What are F-Roads?
To start out, let’s talk about what F-roads are. The “F” stands for Fjallvegur in Icelandic, which translates to mountain road. The roads literally start with an F and are followed by a number. An example is F-910. These roads are not paved, are uneven, often have lots of potholes, and rocks (big and small). I’ve been on some F roads where it was not that challenging to drive on but later I encountered very large rocks and an uneven surface, so it required me to go much slower and maneuver carefully.
Many of these roads have rivers that you need to cross to get to your destination. I will share some tips on how to cross rivers safely in a little bit.
Is it Worth It to Drive on F-Roads in Iceland?
In my mind, it is so worth it, even if it is just a day trip into the Icelandic highlands. The raw beauty, varied landscape and lack of people make it so much fun to travel here. Of course, precaution and some planning is needed but such is life in Iceland.
When Can You Access F-Roads in Iceland?
F-roads provide access to different parts of the Icelandic highlands, a large area of Iceland that is uninhabitable and where you can find raw, untouched nature. However, the roads are only open during the warmer months. When they open and close depends on the weather and if the road is passable due to snow, ice and/or storms.
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration determines each year when it is safe to open the roads. It is normally expected that the roads will open by late June. However, if we’ve had a particularly cold winter, it could be later.
Therefore, most people who want to travel into the highlands are advised to come in July or August. While it’s not a guarantee that the roads will be open at the beginning of July, it is a much more likely than earlier.
Here is a link to a page on road.is that shows the earliest, latest, and median for opening dates for F roads in the country.
While it all depends on weather, the closing of F-roads can be in September or mid-October.
What Cars are Allowed to Drive on F-Roads?
4WD vehicles are the only things you should drive on an F-road for two reasons. The first is that 4WD are the only cars that are insured for this type of road.
If something were to happen to you in a 2WD on an F-road, you are responsible for the full cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle. The other reason is that the conditions of the road, including steep inclines, and crossing rivers require a car with 4WD.
Not All 4WD Cars Are Created Equal
Not all 4WD vehicles are created equal. First off, if you plan to cross rivers you need to a car with enough clearance underneath the car because we don’t flood the engine. Also, some 4WD cars have been modified for crossing very deep rivers like þjórsá, which you cross to get to Þórsmörk.
Some modifications you will see on 4WD are snorkels for the engine, huge tires, and sometimes even tires that can be inflated and deflated. Deflated tires allows for car to drive more smoothly over really rough surfaces.
Typically, you will find unmodified 4WD cars for rent in Iceland because modifying one is quite expensive and not necessary for everyone that wants to explore the highlands.
What’s key is finding out the amount of rivers you need to cross, if any, to get to your destination, the conditions of the rivers (sometimes they can be higher or lower due to glacial melt), and if a similar vehicle like yours can do it safely.
Your rental car company should be able to help you with any questions about that. Also, a google search of where you want to go can be great too because there are a decent number of blogs
Where to Rent a 4WD Car in Iceland
I have partnered with Go Car Rental Iceland for this episode. I wanted to partner with a local Icelandic car rental company for three reasons.
One is I like to support local businesses whenever possible. The second is that I often get asked who I recommend as a rental company here. Because I have personally used them and continue to use them when I need a car for adventures, I feel comfortable recommending them. Lastly, they have competitive rates, many cars to choose from, and great customer service.
If you plan to rent a car in Iceland, you can use my code Iceland10 to save 10% on your entire rental car cost.
What Type of 4x4 is Right for Your Adventure in the Highlands?
Small Sized 4x4
Subaru XV 4×4 automatic is a good small 4×4 is you plan to cross small or not very deep rivers or none.
Hveradalir is an example of a place that is great to use this type of car.
Medium Sized 4x4
Dacia Dustur is great for crossing a lot of rivers but not the deepest ones.
F910 to Askja, the F225 West Of Landmannalaugar are examples of places you can use a Dacia Duster to get to.
Large Sized 4x4
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
F249 to Þórsmörk is a place you can get to with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
What to Check Before Heading Out on F-Roads
- Fuel levels. You need a full tank because there are not gas stations in the highlands
- That you have food, water, spare tire, and the tools to fix the tire, if needed
- Road.is to see if the roads are open
- Vedur.is for the weather forecast
- Safetravel.is and make a travel plan
What to keep in mind while driving on an F-road
The road can often be narrow for people driving in opposite directions, so you or another driver might need to pull over to let the other pass.
It’s best not to drive too fast when passing another car because you can potentially kick up a rock and damage the other car.
Sometimes there are blind hills, blind curves and sheep who decide to cross without warning. Be mindful of them and slow down to avoid a collision.
The conditions of the road can change drastically as you drive along. You can go from a relatively easy to drive on road to being on fine black sand, to navigate around big holes and rocks to cross a river and even feeling like you’re bouncing around because the road is so rough. It’s an adventurous ride for sure.
How to Cross a River in Iceland?
- Stop to evaluate the river before trying to cross
- Look for tire marks that have entered and exited the river
- Sometimes even letting others cross first if you are not sure how high the river is
- If you don’t have a snorkel on the car, the water should not cover the top of the tires. I like to play it safe and not let the water to come above ¾ of the tires
- A general rule is that if the river is too dangerous to wade in (walk in), it’s too dangerous to drive in. Dangerous meaning the water is rushing by too quickly
- Put the vehicle in the 4×4 mode
- I’ve been in situations where it was unclear how high the water is, so one of the passengers in the car go out of the car, took off their shoes and pants, and walked across the river so we could see how deep it was. While this is an option, it is certainly not needed in most situations
- Don’t change gear and don’t stop
- Keep going but don’t rush through. Driving too fast can push the water up too high and potentially into the engine. A slow and steady pace
Some of my Favorite Places to Visit in the Icelandic Highlands
- Mælifell
If coming from Reykjavík, take the F261 to F210.
- Hveradalir/Kerlingarfjöll
Take F-35 and F-347
- Landmannalaugar
F225 West Of Landmannalaugar for not a big river crossing
- Stakkhóltsgjá
- Road F249
- Þórsmörk
F249 to Þórsmörk
Random Fact of the Episode
Highland summer only lasts a month and a half. While I have been fortunate to be in the highlands during mid-September, I was surprised at how fast the weather changed that day. It was blue skies and sunny for most of the day, but then it just started to snow.
Luckily, it didn’t last long, and I was able to enjoy the brief snow shower while soaking in a natural hot pool, but it was just a reminder that winter comes early in this part of the country.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
jeppa
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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega (Thank you for listening and see you soon.)
