Meet Iceland's Wildest Roads
Iceland is a country of extremes. Towering glaciers, rumbling volcanoes, and powerful waterfalls make it one of the most exhilarating destinations in the world. But these natural wonders also bring with them some of the most dangerous roads in Europe. If you're planning to explore Iceland beyond the urban comforts of Reykjavik, you need more than just a car. You need confidence, knowledge, and a rental company that backs you up—every kilometer of the way. Enter Zero Car Rental.
Meet the Roads That Keep Locals Awake at Night
From avalanche-prone cliff routes to deep gravel Highland trails, Iceland's road network is not for the faint-hearted. These roads are not merely scenic detours—they’re full-blown challenges that demand focus, experience, and a well-equipped vehicle. Here are just a few of the most notorious stretches that even locals respect—and sometimes fear:
Óshlíð Road: Carved into the steep cliffs of the Westfjords near Bolungarvík, this vertigo-inducing path hugs the mountainside with no guardrails. It’s unpaved, exposed, and particularly susceptible to landslides and avalanches. In winter, it’s completely shut down, and in summer, it still tests the bravest drivers. Wind gusts and rockfalls are common, and there are no second chances for errors.
F208: Revered and feared in equal measure, the F208 is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking—and perilous—F-roads. Stretching through the Southern Highlands, this trail demands multiple river crossings, and its narrow, twisting gravel stretches mean constant alertness. Rain can swell rivers within hours, so what looks passable in the morning may be treacherous by the afternoon.
Route 939 ("The Öxi Pass"): This winding mountain road connects the eastern fjords to the south with a steep shortcut through wild terrain. With dramatic elevation changes, sheer drop-offs, and minimal barriers, the Öxi Pass is stunningly scenic but unforgiving for those unfamiliar with mountain driving.
Kaldidalur Valley (F550): One of Iceland’s oldest Highland routes, F550 slices through desolate lava plains and glacial foothills. With few landmarks and even fewer travelers, it can feel like you’re the last person on Earth. The lack of phone reception and roadside services means preparation is absolutely essential.
F35 (Kjölur Route): Though not quite as brutal as the F26 or F88, the F35 spans the interior between Gullfoss and the north coast, offering a long, remote journey across Iceland’s raw core. Washboard gravel, strong crosswinds, and a total lack of gas stations make this route a logistical challenge.
Many of these routes are only open in summer and strictly require a 4x4 vehicle. Sudden storms, unmarked obstacles, and shifting roadbeds are the norm. Cell service can be spotty at best, and travelers should be equipped with proper maps, full tanks, and real-time weather data. When tackling Iceland’s most dangerous roads, preparation isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Zero Car Rental: Built for the Icelandic Wild
Zero Car Rental isn’t just about handing you the keys. We prepare you for the journey. Here's why Zero is the smart choice for tackling Iceland's wildest roads:
1. A Rugged Fleet for Rugged Roads
Our lineup includes robust 4x4 SUVs like the Dacia Duster, Toyota Land Cruiser, and other high-clearance models ready to take on F-roads and more. Whether it’s a river crossing or a gravel mountain pass, we’ve got a vehicle that fits the job.
2. Full Insurance with Zero Excess
All rentals include full insurance with no deductible. Gravel, ash, and sand damage? Covered. No security deposit. No hidden fees. Just full peace of mind.
3. Seamless Airport Pickup
No more waiting in lines or dealing with paperwork. Our keybox pickup system at Keflavík International Airport means your Iceland adventure starts the moment you land.
4. Roadside Assistance Included
Iceland’s isolation is part of its charm—but it can be stressful if things go wrong. We include 24/7 roadside assistance with every rental, free of charge.
Pro Tips for Tackling Dangerous Icelandic Roads
Ready to get behind the wheel? Read this first:
Check Road Conditions Before You Drive: Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable. Always verify road closures and conditions before heading out.
Monitor the Weather: This is essential when venturing into remote regions.
Drive Slow on Gravel: Speed limits may be 80 km/h on gravel roads, but slow down—especially on blind hills and tight curves.
Never Off-Road: Off-roading is illegal in Iceland and damages fragile moss ecosystems. Stick to marked tracks.
River Crossings? Know Before You Go: Many F-roads require fording rivers. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it.
Where to Go: Dangerous but Worth It
Askja Volcano (F88/F910): Not for beginners. This haunting caldera feels like something out of a sci-fi film, with its surreal, lunar landscape and bright blue crater lake. The drive to Askja is one of the most remote in Iceland, involving long stretches of rough gravel, multiple river crossings, and zero cell service. You’ll need to prepare extensively, bring food and supplies, and check conditions daily. But for those who make it, the isolation and stark beauty of Askja is unforgettable.
Laki Craters (F206): The Laki eruption of 1783 reshaped Iceland—and even impacted global climate. Today, what remains is a vast line of volcanic craters surrounded by moss-covered lava fields, accessible only by 4x4 via a rugged Highland trail. Visiting Laki means crossing streams and navigating unpredictable gravel paths, often with no one else in sight. It’s a dramatic history lesson wrapped in an off-grid adventure.
Thakgil Canyon: Tucked near the southern town of Vík, Thakgil is one of the country’s lesser-known treasures. Getting there requires braving a twisty, narrow gravel road that winds through steep cliffs and unpredictable weather. But the payoff is immense—hidden campsites, dramatic basalt formations, and some of the best hiking routes outside the Highlands. It’s one of the few places in Iceland where you can feel totally off-grid without venturing far from the Ring Road.
Strandir Coast: The Westfjords are already remote, but Strandir takes isolation to another level. This wild, rugged coastline stretches along the eastern edge of the region and is only accessible via tight cliffside roads with little margin for error. Few travelers make it this far, but those who do are rewarded with geothermal pools overlooking the Arctic, abandoned herring stations, and a profound sense of solitude. You won’t find gas stations or grocery stores here—just raw nature at its best.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range: Nestled between glaciers on the F347 spur off the Kjölur Route, Kerlingarfjöll offers otherworldly geothermal landscapes with boiling mud pots, steaming vents, and vividly colored hills. Getting there involves crossing central Iceland’s interior via rough gravel roads, but the surreal vistas and highland trails are well worth the effort.
Hveravellir Nature Reserve: Located in the heart of the Highlands, this geothermal oasis sits along the F35 and offers a mix of bubbling hot springs, lava fields, and hiking paths. Though easier to access than some F-roads, it still requires preparation, a capable 4x4, and a tolerance for long, bumpy drives. It’s also one of the best places for a mid-adventure soak in natural hot water before pushing onward.
Why Iceland Is Best Explored by Car
Iceland lacks a comprehensive public transport system. Tours are great, but they stick to the tourist trail. Renting a car gives you complete freedom: linger at that fjord, stop at every waterfall, find your own hot spring. With Zero Car Rental, you do it on your terms—safely.
Book Early, Book Smart
Dangerous roads in Iceland may be thrilling, but they’re also popular with adventurous travelers. Our rugged 4x4s get reserved quickly, especially in summer. Book early to secure your ride.
Summary: Zero Car Rental Is for Road Warriors
Iceland's roads are stunning, surreal, and at times, terrifying. But they reward the bold. With Zero Car rental, you don’t have to choose between safety and adventure. We give you both.
Full insurance with no excess
Top-tier 4x4 fleet
24/7 roadside help
No deposit, no hidden fees
Pickup at KEF airport via keybox
Book your next wild Icelandic journey with Zero Car Rental. The roads may be dangerous, but you won’t be unprepared.
Image credit: Depositphotos