Roads of 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 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.

F26 (Sprengisandsleið) is a highland gravel road located in the Southern Region of Iceland, featuring the most desolate terrain found in the country.

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 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.

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.

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 a very scenic drive running through the most incredible spots in the northeastern part of Iceland. It is an epic and unforgettable adventure.

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.

Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) is a very scenic drive located in the Western region of Iceland. Four-wheel-drive vehicle is not legally required, but highly recommended.

F910 (Austurleið) is the name of a challenging mountain road located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland. It’s one of the famous F Roads of the country.

Fjarðarheiði is a mountain pass at an elevation of 623m (2,043ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Region of Iceland.

Þórsmerkurvegur (F249) 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.

Route 61 (Djúpavegur) is the name of a very exciting coastal road of Iceland.

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.

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.

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 said to be one of the tallest waterfalls of the country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Road 862 (Dettifossvegur) is a very scenic drive located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland, leading to Dettifoss waterfall.

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.

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.

Road 59, also known as Laxárdalsvegur, offers travelers a breathtaking journey through the mountainous landscapes of Iceland's Westfjords.

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.

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.

Located in south Iceland, the F261 Road (Emstruleið) offers a very challenging drive with breathtaking landscapes and potentially difficult river crossings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

F586 (Haukadalsskarðsvegur) is a very pleasant drive located on the western coast of Iceland. 4x4 vehicles only.

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.

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.

Located in the Southern Region of Iceland, the infamous F337 (Hlöðuvallavegur) is one of the steepest roads of the country, with breathtaking views.