15-03-2023
Many would say that the F in F-roads stands for something that rhymes with “suck”. And, honestly, that is generally part of a driver’s vocabulary when taking on Iceland’s F-roads. But what is a 4x4 nightmare for some is absolute heaven for an adrenaline junkie and adventurer that enjoys the “road less traveled”.
But what exactly are the F-roads in Iceland? What are the best F-roads in Iceland? And should you take them on during your trip to Iceland? In this article, we answer all your F-road questions.
The F-roads are so far off the grid that trying to tackle them without a detailed F-roads in Iceland map will get you in trouble. The F-roads are not paved and are rarely maintained. They might be the ultimate definition of a “rocky road”, and can only be accessed with a 4x4 vehicle.
These roads are not for the faint of heart and should not be your first attempt at 4x4 driving if you’ve never done it before. But great challenges bring great rewards! Anyone who has driven the F-roads in Iceland will tell you that the landscapes and views are absolutely out of this world.
Despite what many think the F should stand for, it actually stands for Fjall (which means mountain). So, if you were thinking that the F-roads could be mountain roads, you’d be right. In the Land of Fire and Ice, there is no shortage of mountains, but you’ll find that the majority of the F-roads in Iceland are Highland F-roads. More specifically, the central-to-north Highlands.
You don’t ever need to be afraid that you will suddenly find yourself, unprepared, on an F-road. These roads are not part of any of the popular road trip routes across the island. Routes such as the Golden Circle and the Ring Road are all paved and well-maintained routes.
So, those who end up driving the F-roads are doing so because they purposefully planned an “off the grid” adventure. You should also not confuse F-roads in Iceland with some of our other gravel and unmarked roads (once again, refer to your F-roads in Iceland map).
As we’ve already mentioned, the F-roads should only be accessed with a 4x4 vehicle. But that’s not the only restriction these roads have. The F-roads are actually not open all year round. During the colder months, the F-roads are covered in snow (they’re in the mountains, remember?) and are simply impossible to traverse.
This snow also takes quite a while to melt due to the latitude of the roads, and it’s not strange to find the roads still closed due to snow in the summertime. Even when the snow has completely melted, the roads are sometimes kept closed for a little longer. This allows the environment and vegetation to “wake up” from their cold slumber.
This also means that the gap you have each year to drive the F-roads is pretty small. If driving the F-roads is on your Iceland bucket list, you’ll need to properly plan when you’ll be visiting the island.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of F-roads in Iceland along with their opening dates:
Mountain Road Routes 2017-2021 |
Earliest Opening Date |
Latest Opening Date |
Median Opening Date |
F206 – Lakagigar |
12th June |
25th June |
18th June |
F208 – Fjallabaksleid north |
|
|
|
1. Sigalda – Landmannalaugar |
24th May |
20th June |
10th June |
2. Laugar – Eldgja |
14th June |
8th July |
28th June |
3. Eldgja – Skaftatunga |
5th June |
26th June |
13th June |
F210 – Fjallabaksleid south |
|
|
|
1. Keldur – Hvanngil |
21st June |
10th July |
3rd July |
2. Hvanngil – Skaftartunga |
28th June |
14th July |
22nd June |
F225 – Landmannaleid |
28th May |
14th July |
22nd June |
F261 – Emsturleid |
21st June |
8th July |
2nd July |
35 – Kjalvegur |
|
|
|
1. Gullfoss – Hveravellir |
24th May |
15th June |
8th June |
2. Hveravellir – Blönduvirkjun |
22nd May |
12th June |
5th June |
F26 – Sprengisandur |
|
|
|
1. Hrauneyjar – Nyidalur |
20th June |
9th July |
1st July |
2. Nyidalur – Bardadalur |
20th June |
9th July |
1st July |
F752 – Skagafjardarleid |
26th June |
9th July |
5th July |
F 821 – Eyjafjardaleid |
28th June |
24th July |
10th July |
F88 – Öskjuleid |
|
|
|
1. Inn ad Herdubreidarlindum |
14th June |
1st July |
21st June |
2. Herdubreidarlindir – Dreki |
14th June |
1st July |
20th June |
F894 – Öskujuvatnsvegur |
14th June |
6th July |
21st June |
F864 – Holsfjallavegur |
2nd June |
29th June |
13th June |
F902 – Kverkfjalaleid |
14th June |
30th June |
20th June |
F905 – Arnardalsleid |
11th June |
30th June |
19th June |
F910 – Austurleid |
11th June |
17th July |
28th June |
52 – Uxahryggjavegur |
16th April |
16th May |
1st May |
550 – Kaldadalsvegur |
4th May |
19th June |
25th June |
*There really is no way of knowing exactly what Iceland’s F-roads’ closing dates and opening dates will be (who can predict snowfall or melting years ahead of time?). Still, these dates have proven to be reliable when we take a look at what has happened in the past. Except for the opening dates, most of Iceland’s F-roads close at the beginning of September.
When driving Iceland’s F-roads, there are a few things to consider:
This is not your normal road, so it can’t be driven like you would a normal road. Be mindful of sharp turns, loose rocks (even boulders!), and what could be underneath the surface of a water crossing. Since the F-roads are so rough and tough, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the road and the landscape apart. That’s why it’s incredibly important to keep the GPS or maps close by, so you don’t accidentally get lost.
Icelanders don’t look kindly on those who break the rules of the road, and you will end up with a pretty hefty fine if you do. That’s why you need to ensure that you always stick to the speed limit, and why many panic when they don’t see speed limit signs along the F-roads. The reason why the F-roads rarely have clearly marked speed limits is that the road itself requires you to drive very slow. You'll rarely exceed 30 kilometers an hour.
When we say the F-roads can only be accessed via a 4x4 in Iceland, it’s not just because of the road conditions – it is the law! So, if you attempt these roads with a normal 2-wheel drive, not only will you get stuck, but you’ll have a world of explaining to do to the authorities. Please have a chat with your rental agency and discuss your planned routes, so they can advise you on which 4x4 vehicle will work best.
There are mandatory insurance policies when you have a car here on the island. Luckily, most rental agencies already have this included in the rental price. But there are many other insurance options to choose from, and, needless to say, with roads like the F-roads they are well worth looking into. Have a chat with your rental agency, so they can guide you in the right direction.
If this is your first time driving Iceland’s F-roads, the following tips will help make your trip a safe and enjoyable one:
Iceland’s F-roads might be a bit of a challenge, but it is well worth! You'll be rewarded with spectacular views, want to avoid the crowds, and get the blood pumping. Once you’ve arrived on the island, you can rent a vehicle in Reykjavík. Just remember to book ahead of time during the busy summer season! And hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime!