Iceland F-Roads and Highland Interior: The Complete Guide

What Are F-Roads?

F-roads (fjallvegir, meaning "mountain roads") are Iceland's network of unpaved highland tracks that cross the vast, uninhabited interior plateau between the coastal settlements. They are numbered with an "F" prefix (F26, F35, F88, etc.) and are dramatically different from the smooth Ring Road.

These roads traverse river crossings, loose gravel, volcanic ash, and terrain that looks more like Mars than Earth. They require a 4WD vehicle (it is illegal to drive a 2WD on F-roads), careful preparation, and respect for the environment.

When Are F-Roads Open?

Most F-roads open between mid-June and mid-September, depending on snow melt and river levels. The opening dates vary each year, and you must check road.is before setting out. Driving on closed roads is illegal and damages fragile highland vegetation that can take decades to recover.

River Crossings

River crossings are the most dangerous aspect of highland driving. There are no bridges on many F-roads, and you must ford glacial rivers that can rise dramatically in warm weather or after rain.

Essential river crossing rules:

Never cross alone. Wait for other vehicles.
Walk the crossing first to check depth and current.
Cross in the widest, shallowest section (usually upstream of the main current).
Drive slowly in low gear. Keep engine revs steady.
If the water reaches above the wheel hubs, turn back.
F-roads with major river crossings (like F26 Sprengisandur) are for experienced drivers with modified super jeeps, not standard 4WD rentals.

Top Highland Routes

F35 Kjölur: The easiest highland route, with no major river crossings. Connects Gullfoss (Golden Circle) to Blönduós in the north. Passes Hveravellir, a stunning geothermal oasis with a natural hot pool. Suitable for standard 4WD vehicles.
F26 Sprengisandur: The longest highland route (200 km of interior desert). Multiple river crossings. Only for experienced highland drivers with super jeeps. Passes Nýidalur hut.
F208 to Landmannalaugar: One of Iceland's most colourful destinations, with rhyolite mountains in reds, yellows, greens, and blues. The final river crossing before Landmannalaugar is the deciding factor: impassable without a properly capable 4WD.
F88 to Askja: Leads to the Askja caldera and the vivid blue Víti crater lake. Remote and demanding, with multiple river crossings. Allow a full day.

What You Need

A proper 4WD vehicle (not a compact SUV). Modified super jeeps for the more demanding routes.
Extra fuel (highland petrol stations are nonexistent).
Food, water, and warm clothing for emergencies.
A detailed offline map (phone signal is absent in the highlands).
Notification to someone of your route and expected return.

Alternatives to Self-Driving

If F-roads sound intimidating, several operators run scheduled bus services and super jeep tours into the highlands. The Highland Bus to Landmannalaugar operates daily in summer and removes the stress of river crossings entirely. Guided super jeep tours to Askja and Thorsmork are also excellent options.