What counts as an F-road

F-roads are the highland mountain tracks that lead into the interior. Safe Travel Iceland says that highland driving is very different from other driving: conditions change quickly, the roads are rough and driving slowly is important. Gravel roads are different. Visit Iceland says gravel roads are drivable in a normal car without four-wheel drive, and it advises reducing speed before the pavement turns to gravel, since many accidents happen at that transition. For the wider car decision, see car rental in Iceland and Iceland 4x4 rental.

Which vehicle

Not all four-wheel-drive vehicles suit F-roads, and the vehicle must match the road. According to Safe Travel Iceland some F-roads are passable in a Dacia Duster-type vehicle, others need a Toyota Land Cruiser-type or bigger, and some need a modified "superjeep". Visit Iceland advises asking your rental company which vehicle to choose. Read the contract: ask what the company allows you to drive on, before you reserve.

Opening dates

The roads are usually closed from mid-September until June or July. Visit Iceland says highland F-roads typically open from mid-to-late June depending on snowmelt, and its summer overview gives late June to early July in the highlands; a separate regional page gives late June to early September for North Iceland. Spring pages say the F-roads remain closed in March, April and May. Always check whether the F-roads in your area are open at umferdin.is/en before setting out. During the closed season they are impassable for anyone not in a modified vehicle, so you would have to book a modified vehicle with an experienced driver. See the month pages for June, July and September.

River crossings

Rivers on F-roads are unbridged, and their depth and current change constantly, so they often become impassable. Safe Travel Iceland's rules are short:

  • If you are unsure, do not cross. Turn around, or wait for other travellers.
  • Plan your route before entering the water.
  • Drive very slowly in the lowest gear with low drive, at a steady pace, and do not change gears in the water.
  • Go downstream; going against the current raises the risk of water entering the engine and of getting stuck.
  • Look for where the path exits on the far side, and watch for large rocks hidden under the surface.
  • Know that no insurance covers any damage to a vehicle while crossing a river: you bear the full risk, and damage can cost thousands of euros or dollars.

Off-road driving is forbidden

Off-road driving is strictly forbidden. F-roads and gravel roads are not off-road, but leaving them is. Stay on marked roads and designated parking areas to protect fragile vegetation. Before you go, gather as much information as possible about your area from Safe Travel, local information centers, rangers and hut wardens, and register your travel plan before self-driving in remote or highland areas.

Without an F-road vehicle

Some highland places can be reached on guided tours instead. In October, Visit Iceland says Þórsmörk is accessible on guided Super Jeep tours year-round, and access to Landmannalaugar is more limited. A guided super jeep day is covered in Iceland super jeep tour. Hikers can also cover the 55 km Laugavegur Trail between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk on foot in July.

Renting for the highlands

We link the Discover Cars page for Iceland in the box at the top of this page so that you can compare 4x4 vehicles for your dates; check the F-road conditions in the rental terms and ask the company which roads it permits. For route planning see the Ring Road tour and how to get around Iceland.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Taking a regular car, or any vehicle the company forbids, onto an F-road.
  • Crossing a river you are unsure about instead of turning around.
  • Assuming insurance covers water damage: it does not.
  • Driving in the highlands in early June: check umferdin.is first.

FAQ

What does F-road mean in Iceland?

It is a highland mountain road, open only for a short time in summer and requiring a 4x4.

When do the F-roads open?

Typically mid-to-late June, depending on snowmelt, and they are usually closed from mid-September until June or July.

Does insurance cover river crossings?

No. Safe Travel Iceland says no insurance covers any damage to a vehicle while crossing a river.

Can I use a normal 4x4 on an F-road?

Not all 4x4 vehicles suit every F-road: match the vehicle to the road and ask your rental company.

Is off-road driving allowed?

No, it is strictly forbidden.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.