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 4x4 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.