Comprehensive Guide to Iceland’s F-roads

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.

What are the F-Roads in Iceland?

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.

Where are Iceland’s F-Roads?

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).

Access to the F-roads

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.

Iceland’s F-roads Opening Dates

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.

Driving Iceland’s F-Roads

When driving Iceland’s F-roads, there are a few things to consider:

The Condition of the Road

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.

The Speed Limits

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.

The Type of Car Allowed

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.

Insurance

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.

Helpful Tips When Driving Iceland’s F-roads

If this is your first time driving Iceland’s F-roads, the following tips will help make your trip a safe and enjoyable one:

• Keep a slow and consistent pace. This is no place to rush or suddenly go full throttle. It will only get you a one-way ticket to roadside assistance.
• Pack a little extra. You are driving in the most remote regions of the country. If anything should happen, the cavalry isn’t going to show up in an hour or two. That’s why it’s always recommended that you pack some extra water and snacks just in case.
• Keep an eye on the weather and road conditions. There is a way to be prepared or avoid certain situations on the road. Simply keeping an eye on the Icelandic weather forecast and the Icelandic road conditions.
• Be sure to fill up. You won’t be finding gas stations next to the F-roads and in these remote regions of Iceland, gas stations in general are few and far between. So, if you don’t want to end up stranded next to the road without gas, you need to fill up whenever possible. You can even keep an auxiliary tank filled with gas with you too (just in case).
• Stick to the road. This is not just because of safety reasons (you can ask Ed Sheeran and his burnt foot about that one), but also to protect the Icelandic ecosystem. The ecosystem is easily damaged, especially in places where Icelandic moss grows, and it can take decades to recover, if at all.
• Never travel alone. You should never take the F-roads on as a solo traveler and it’s also recommended that you travel in a convoy of 2+ vehicles. This way help is always just a couple of meters away.

Iceland’s F-roads; the Adventure of a Lifetime

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!