What are the most spectacular roads in Iceland?
Iceland, a land where fire and ice coexist in harmony, promises an unparalleled road trip experience that lingers in memory. As you navigate its roads, you'll find vast lava fields brushing against ice-capped mountains, while geysers burst forth amidst tranquil hot springs.
The iconic Route 1, or the Ring Road, encapsulates the essence of this land, running 830 miles and weaving a tapestry of diverse landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to serene fjords. Yet, for those who dare, venturing off this beaten path reveals even more treasures. The Askja Road, for instance, unfolds as one of Earth's most scenic expeditions, every mile narrating tales of geology and time. Road 622, however, challenges the brave with its hazardous paths below sea level, especially when the tide rises. While Öxi Pass, elevated at 539m, is a testament to Iceland's raw beauty, it demands respect, especially during the volatile weather outside of summer.
Every journey on these roads is a testament to nature's grandeur, punctuated by surreal surprises and moments of awe. So, pack your sense of adventure, and let Iceland's roads lead you on a journey where legends come alive, and landscapes redefine wonder.
Road 622 is a hazardous drive below sea level when the tide is high
Road 622 is considered one of the most challenging drives on Earth. Located on the coast of the Dýrafjörður fjord in the Westfjords of Iceland, some describe it as the most terrifying road in the country. It is an incredibly beautiful route, with the road carved into and under cliffs, offering stunning mountain views throughout. If you have a Jeep, 4x4 experience, time, and strong nerves, driving this road is possible.
Driving the wild F26 Road (Sprengisandsleið) in Iceland
F26 (Sprengisandsleið) is a highland gravel road located in the Southern Region of Iceland, featuring the most desolate terrain found in the country.
Avoid the road to Öxi Pass in Iceland outside of summer
Öxi Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 539m (1,768ft) above sea level, located in the Eastern Region of Iceland. It’s recommended to avoid this pass outside of summer and during bad weather.
Askja Road in Iceland is one of Earth's most scenic trips
Askja Road is a winding dirt track running towards Askja volcano, a stratovolcano situated in a remote part of the central highlands of northeast Iceland. The road has some challenging sections with several fords and river crossings. Keep in mind it’s a very dangerous drive.
Driving the demanding Road F35 in the Highlands of Iceland
F35 is a challenging gravel road in Iceland, running at an elevation of about 600–700 meters, from north to south, through Kjölur, a plateau in the country's highlands.
Road F208 is a rugged yet scenic drive in Iceland
F208 (Fjallabaksleið nyrðri) is one of the most challenging roads in Iceland. Expect very tough driving conditions, with potholes, rocks, uneven terrain, and even rivers to ford.
Diamond Circle Road is an epic adventure in Iceland
Diamond Circle Road is a very scenic drive running through the most incredible spots in the northeastern part of Iceland. It is an epic and unforgettable adventure.
Driving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
Road 864 (Hólsfjallavegur) is a bumpy, unsealed, and dusty road located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland. Once you’re on the road, everything inside the car will be covered in dust kicked up from the road.
Adventure along Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) in Iceland
Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) is a very scenic drive located in the Western region of Iceland, leading through some rough landscapes. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not legally required, but highly recommended. There are no river crossings.
Be prepared to drive the F910 road in the Highlands of Iceland
F910 (Austurleið) is a challenging mountain road located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland. It’s one of the famous F Roads of the country.
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Fjarðarheiði in Iceland
Fjarðarheiði is a mountain pass at an elevation of 623m (2,043ft) above sea level, located in the Eastern Region of Iceland.
How To Travel The Road F249 (Þórsmerkurvegur)
The infamous Þórsmerkurvegur (F249 Road) is a very exciting and challenging drive located in the Southern Region of Iceland. There are a lot of river crossings on the road. It’s one of the famous F Roads of the country.
Driving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Iceland
Embark on an exhilarating journey along Route 61, also known as Djúpavegur, a captivating coastal road weaving through the picturesque landscapes of Iceland.
Driving the tricky 570 Road around the Snaefellsjökull glacier
Situated on the most western part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, in western Iceland, 570 Road (Jökulshálsvegur) is one of the most scenic drives of the country. The drive can be very tricky: it is only passable by 4x4 vehicles.
Crossing rivers on the challenging Road F210
Located in the mystical landscape of southern Iceland, F210, also known as Fjallabaksleið syðri, is an enchanting journey for the adventurous. This 113km (70 miles) route unfolds amidst awe-inspiring panoramas that are undoubtedly some of the country's finest. However, a word of caution: the road is strewn with numerous unbridged rivers that can test the mettle of even the most seasoned drivers.
A 4x4 track to the scenic Haifoss waterfall
Located near the Hekla volcano, in the Southern Region of Iceland, Háifoss is a 122 meters high waterfall. Fed by the river Fossá, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the country.
Driving the stunning F225 Road through Fjallabak Reserve
Located in the Southern Region of Iceland, F225 (Landmannaleið) is one of the most beautiful drives of the country, offering breathtaking landscapes. It is one of Iceland's infamous highland roads.
What are the F Roads of Iceland?
If you are planning to drive in Iceland and having some adventure on the road, the F Roads are the starting point to some of the most stunning places in the highlands of the country.
Road F578 is a slippery as hell mudhole in Iceland
F578 (Arnarvatnsvegur) is a very dangerous drive located in the Northwestern Region of Iceland. Travelers need to be well prepared with enough food, water and fuel for the drive ahead. F578 is not a road! It is at best a track, muddy slippery and on a rainy day, a slippery as hell mudhole.
The old Djupvegur road is mostly washed away
Tucked away on the Westfjords peninsula, in Iceland, the Djúpvegur was one of the most dangerous roads in the country due to falling rocks and sudden avalanches. The road is currently closed to vehicles and accessible on foot.
How To Travel The Road 862 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
Road 862 (Dettifossvegur) is a very scenic drive located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland, leading to Dettifoss waterfall.
Ring Road: A road trip like no other, full of adventure and surprises
Route 1, commonly known as Ring Road, is 830 miles of adventure and surprises in Iceland. A road trip like no other, running the entire country and connecting the most populous parts. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world.
The Ultimate F821 Road Adventure: Navigating Iceland's Eyjafjarðarleið in Extreme Conditions
F821 (Eyjafjarðarleið) is a defiant road located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland. Travelers need to be well prepared with enough food, water and fuel for the drive ahead.
Navigating Iceland's F338 Road (Skjaldbreiðarvegur): A Journey Along Powerlines
F338, also known as Skjaldbreiðarvegur, is a formidable route situated in the Southern Region of Iceland. This road is not for the faint-hearted; it demands a 4x4 vehicle with substantial ground clearance. Along the way, drivers must navigate unbridged rivers, adding to the challenge. It’s one of the famous F Roads of the country.
Exploring the Rugged Beauty of Road 59 (Laxardalsvegur) in Iceland's Westfjords
Road 59, also known as Laxárdalsvegur, offers travelers a breathtaking journey through the mountainous landscapes of Iceland's Westfjords.
Driving the wild Road F206 (Lakagígar)
Located in the Southern Region of Iceland, the wild road F206 (Lakagígar) is a demanding drive through breathtaking landscapes interspersed with rivers. It’s one of the famous F Roads of the country.
What You Need to Know About Driving the Road F232 in Iceland
Situated in the Southern Region of Iceland, the F232 (Öldufellsleið) is a very challenging drive with breathtaking landscapes and rugged rivers. It is only suitable for 4x4 vehicles with significant fording capacity, and there are no services or networks along the way.
Driving the defiant Road F923 (Jökuldalsvegur)
Located in the Eastern Region of Iceland the F923 (Jökuldalsvegur) is a difficult journey with breathtaking landscapes. There are a couple of rivers to ford.
Driving the defiant Road F261 of Iceland
Located in south Iceland, the F261 Road (Emstruleið) offers a very challenging drive with breathtaking landscapes and potentially difficult river crossings.
Driving the wild Road F985 (Jökulvegur)
Located in the Eastern Region of Iceland, the F985 (Jökulvegur) is a very winding drive with hundreds of turns, suitable only for 4x4 vehicles. This road is practically vertical in places.
What You Need to Know About Driving the rough F66 road in Iceland?
F66 (Kollafjarðarheiði) is a challenging drive located in the West Fjords peninsula of Iceland. It's only suitable for 4x4 vehicles with very high ground clearance, as there are a few small rivers along the way.
The challenging Road 917 to the summit of Hellisheiði Eystri
Hellisheiði Eystri is a mountain pass at an elevation of 644m (2,112ft) above sea level, located in Northeast Iceland. The road is very steep, with some parts reaching gradients of up to 15%. Even though driving the road is a bit intimidating, the view from the top is astonishing.
How To Travel The Road F586 (Haukadalsskarðsvegur)
F586 (Haukadalsskarðsvegur) is a very pleasant drive located on the western coast of Iceland. 4x4 vehicles only.
The road to Bolafjall Mountain is subject to strong winds
Bolafjall mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 615m (2,017ft) above the sea level, located in the Westfjords, a large peninsula in northwestern Iceland.
Driving the Road F235 (Langisjór)
F235 (Langisjór) is a very dangerous drive located in the south of Iceland. It's only suitable for 4x4 vehicles with very high ground clearance. There are a number of small streams that need to be crossed.
Driving the scenic Road F337 over lunar-like fields
Located in the Southern Region of Iceland, the infamous F337 (Hlöðuvallavegur) is one of the steepest roads of the country, with breathtaking views.