Here’s the thing: you can’t just roll up in any car. These routes need a proper 4x4, and honestly, a camper makes the whole experience way more comfortable when you’re out there for days.
What Are F-Roads Anyway?
F-roads are basically unpaved mountain tracks that cut through Iceland’s interior. That “F” comes from “fjall,” which means mountain in Icelandic. Makes sense, right?
These aren’t your typical roads. You’re talking about river crossings, volcanic deserts, and terrain that’ll shake your teeth loose if you’re not careful. Most of them only open from June to September, and even then, the weather can flip on you fast. Snow in July? Yeah, it happens.
The conditions change constantly, too. One day you might hit smooth gravel, the next you’re crawling through deep sand or bouncing over loose rocks.
You Need the Right Vehicle (No Exceptions)
Here’s where it gets serious: only 4x4s are allowed on F-roads. Period. Try to take a regular car out there, and your insurance won’t cover the damage when things go wrong.
RV Rental Iceland has 4x4 models that are actually built for this stuff:
- High clearance so you don’t scrape your undercarriage on rocks.
- Proper four-wheel drive for when you hit rivers.
- Reinforced everything because these roads are brutal.
- Tires that can actually grip loose surfaces.
Getting Ready (Don’t Wing It)
Look, successful F-road trips don’t happen by accident. Check the Icelandic Road Administration website for current conditions. Some routes stay closed way longer than others because of snow or flooding.
Stock up on extra food and water before you head out. Once you’re in the highlands, there’s literally nothing for hundreds of kilometers. And fuel stations? Good luck finding one.
Download offline maps to your phone, but don’t rely on them completely. Cell coverage is basically non-existent out there, and GPS can get weird between mountains. Old-school paper maps are still your best friend.
River Crossings (This Is Where It Gets Real)
Many F-roads cross rivers with no bridges. The water levels change throughout the day, as glacial melt means rivers run lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon. So cross early if you can.
Never just drive into water without checking first. Get out, look at the depth, and how fast it’s moving. If the water’s higher than your door bottoms, think twice. Fast currents can sweep away vehicles way heavier than yours.
When you do cross, keep it slow and steady. Don’t stop halfway through, keep the engine running, and maintain momentum.
Where to Sleep (Follow the Rules)
Camper Van Rental Iceland vehicles let you camp in the highlands, but there are strict rules. You can’t just park anywhere; stick to designated camping areas or spots where signs say overnight stays are okay.
Pack out everything. And we mean everything, even food scraps. The highland environment takes forever to recover from damage, so stay on established tracks and use existing camping spots.
The weather can change crazy fast up there. Even in summer, nights get seriously cold. Make sure you’ve got proper sleeping gear and warm clothes.
Where to Go (The Good Stuff)
Landmannalaugar is famous for its colorful mountains and hot springs. The F208 route has several river crossings, but the scenery is worth it.
Thorsmork sits in this valley between glaciers with amazing hiking trails. The F249 road crosses multiple rivers, including one called Krossa that can be pretty challenging.
Askja caldera shows you just how volcanic Iceland really is. The F88 route is long and remote, though this one really needs careful planning.
Why 4x4 Campers Make Sense
The Hilux Camper from Hertz Iceland is built specifically for F-road adventures. You get sleeping space, a kitchen setup, storage, basically everything you need packed into a vehicle that can actually handle river crossings and rough mountain tracks. After bouncing around all day on volcanic gravel, cooking a proper meal and sleeping in an actual bed beats setting up a tent in the wind.
The Dacia Duster with a rooftop tent gives you another option. It’s a 4x4 SUV approved for F-roads with a pop-up tent on top. Sleeps two adults comfortably and keeps your gear dry underneath. Less space than the Hilux, but it still gives you the freedom to camp wherever you end up without hauling traditional camping equipment.
Both options mean you don’t have to pack separate camping gear, cooking stuff, or worry about organizing everything. It’s all right there when you need it.
Bottom Line
F-road exploration opens up Iceland’s wild interior, but only if you do it right. Get a proper 4x4, plan thoroughly, and respect the environment. The highlands reward careful drivers with landscapes and wilderness experiences that’ll stick with you forever.
Just remember this isn’t a theme park. It’s genuine wilderness where things can go wrong fast. But if you’re prepared and respectful with a reliable vehicle from Hertz Iceland, you’ll see part of Iceland that most people only dream about.
