driving the highlands of iceland

A lone car driving on the Kjalvegur mountain road through the central highlands of Iceland. (Updated June 2016). I have rented a 4WD approved to be driven on F roads. Those renting a car in Iceland should familiarise themselves with the Ring Road that encircles the island. There can be a difference of more than one whole month depending on the weather and how rapidly snow disappears and more importantly how quickly the roads dry and can be therefore be driven on without being damaged by traffic. F- roads are only accessible for 4wd rental cars and you are not insured if damage occurs when crossing un-bridged rivers. The isolation is what many come here to experience, and there are no services across the entire area so you’re truly on your own, which means you must be prepared. Especially if you plan on travelling into the highlands. Opening of mountain roads in Iceland. The weather conditions are so fierce between September and May that all roads leading to the Highlands (F-roads) are closed. Read about Andri's 3 day trekking experience in the little-explored Kerlingarfjöll Mountains here. Hekla – The Queen of Volcanoes, Top 5 Places to Visit in the Icelandic Highlands. Every country has its own traffic rules and driving in Iceland can sometimes be more challenging than people expect. Off-road driving is illegal in the whole of Iceland, as the environment is so unique and fragile. Our website uses cookies. I'll be there this Friday! Extra caution must be taken when driving in the highlands, crossing rivers or driving in the snow since it can be hazardous, especially to the inexperienced driver. We drive on the right side of the road in Iceland. Here is a small guide to the do’s and don’ts of driving in Iceland. (Updated June 2016). Last, you guys, of course I have some major tips that you can consider if you’re renting a vehicle and driving on the F-roads. Take a look at our driving and travel guides to prepare yourself for the road trip of a lifetime. F-35 (Kjölur) or F-26 (Sprengisandur). Driving in Iceland is a great opportunity to explore at your own pace, but it pays to be prepared. Allow 8 to 10 hours for the whole day trip including the drive to Askja Caldera, hiking to Viti Crater and driving back again. The routes can be affected by the changeable Icelandic weather. Other vehicles are not properly equipped to tackle the terrain. We recommend you bookmark three websites to use when doing a road trip in Iceland: Safetravel.is, Road conditions and Weather report. This way you will be assured help if you run into trouble. Consequently, when travelling in the Highlands visitors must at all times uphold responsible travel etiquette. When the summer eventually does roll around and the last of the winter snows have melted, the road conditions are tested and opened for public use. Answer 1 of 4: Hi There, I'm heading to Iceland for the first time and I'm very excited! 90 km/h (55 mi/h) on paved roads. The Icelandic highlands offer no rest stops or shops. – kaufen Sie dieses Foto und finden Sie ähnliche Bilder auf Adobe Stock But on researching, I found that highlands might not be accessible in October. Those who intend to travel in the areas which are shaded on the map, please contact the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration tel. The F-roads are gravel roads that lead to the highlands of Iceland. Additionally, check what your insurance covers you for. Always follow marked roads and pay attention to any posted warnings or signs. Tips for Driving F ROADS in Iceland. It can be scary, but successfully crossing a river in your 4x4 can be the highlight of any trip. A little further you will find the Geysir geothermal area with various hot springs and geyser Strokkur. No, you should not attempt to drive the roads in the Highlands during the winter. However, you do need to be over 21 years old to rent a vehicle in Iceland and over 23 years old to rent a 4×4 vehicle. Driving Around Iceland - Day 6 - Nýidalur to Mývatn (F26, Sprengisandur Route, ... Iceland highlands 4x4 4WD road trip by drone in 4K - Duration: 4:00. About 38 huts are run as accommodation in the highlands by the The Iceland Touring Association. Then this Ultimate Highland Tour is perfect for you. The rough nature of these roads means that 4x4s are the only vehicles suitable to drive on them - any other kind of car would more than likely result in paying for large damage and rescue costs. When crossing these rivers be sure to assess the current, depth and the nature of the riverbed before driving in. You do not need to obtain an International Driver’s License to drive in Iceland. For the highlands this is even more important, as it’s here where the weather can change quickly to become downright dangerous in a matter of moments. Content. You can check their schedule and destinations on their website. Here, nature is still at its rawest, with glaciers, deserts of black sand, barren glacial moraine, steaming hot springs, active and spent volcanoes and strange oases of vegetation. One way to accomplish that is to rent … Image of sunset, driving, iceland - 167968475 The highland roads are closed in winter times and weather sometimes causes other roads to be closed as well. DVarga.net 18,112 views. F-Road Driving Tips In Iceland. Driving in Iceland. The 4x4 and Super Jeep self drive tours allow you to experience driving on rough terrain and get amazed by the raw nature of Iceland´s highlands. Older children must wear seatbelts and younger children and infants must be seated in car-safety seats. Again, slow but steady is the name of the game – if water is splashing on the windscreen, the car is going too quickly. Driving Iceland’s F-Roads 16. Here you can read a handy article that goes into more detail on crossing rivers. We receive questions about the conditions on the F-roads in the highlands all the time. The mountain roads in Iceland open in different times according to location, and very different time each year. Self-Driving. The route is characterised by rough tracks and unbridged and unpredictable rivers. Off-road driving is illegal in the whole of Iceland, as the environment is so unique and fragile. Travelers need to be well prepared with enough food, water and fuel for the drive ahead. If a river looks dangerous to cross, it probably is. An Iceland self drive tour in summer is a less nerve-wracking option. Our 4x4 self drive tours are perfect for those who seek for a true Iceland … It is the duty of all campers and travelers to not leave any marks on the land or litter where they have been. If a self-drive is starting to sound too intimidating,Reykjavik Excursions run a number of bus routes throughout the highlands during the summer months. During the winter, the only possible way to travel on these roads is with a super jeep, so your only option is a guided tour. There is also the necessity to cross rivers on some roads, so be sure to check with your car rental company in Iceland that the car you’re hiring is suitable for that. Please note! The map can be accessed here. Discover the Central Highlands of Iceland - The preserved and untamed highlands are a volcanic "desert": a mix of lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers and valleys. The highlands comprise the majority of the interior of Iceland. Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. Driving the Highland F208 in Iceland. The best known highland roads are Kaldidalur, Kjölur and Sprengisandur. Using his drone, he was able to capture incredible aerial views of the famous landscape, taking advantage of the different colors and textures produced by the country's geothermal activity. Photo about The cold Sunrise Iceland highlands in Winter. If the water is running above your knees, it’s time to turn back. You'll not only be getting back to the elements on the Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri. Landmannalaugar is a perfect day tour from Reykjavik for those who want to catch a glimpse of the Central Highlands of Iceland. Driving in Iceland demands certain attention to conditions. We did not go there, but heard that it is spectacular. The Icelandic highlands offer no rest stops or shops. Let’s stay safe out there! Guide to Self-drive in Iceland Possible Challenges on Icelandic Roads. Driving in panoramic Highlands of Iceland Here is a journey I want you to come with me!! This is an online tool to calculate the Distance and Driving Directions between two cities, villages, towns or airports in Iceland. Planning is extremely important, leave your plan here. Nordic Experience (a trading division of Colchester Travel Ltd) - 45a Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EN Setting Out from Glasgow The Famous Highlands Coo! Be careful with bond fires and make sure you do not disturb the natural surroundings. Read our tips on 4×4 driving through the highlands of Iceland before you go. It’s important to note that no insurance companies will cover water damage, so take note of the following safety precautions before diving in to avoid ruining your trip. This is a specialized all-terrain bus with large wheels. When checking whether or not the roads are open (www.road.is), it’s also important to know that these rivers can run deeper than usual if there has been some heavy rains or warmer weather; if this is the case, travellers have no choice but to turn back. However, you cannot drive in the highlands in winter without a Superjeep. The Highlands of Iceland – Self-Drive The Highlands of Iceland have the most awe-inspiring roads in the country, but there are certain things you need to know before visiting this remote region. You'll need a proper 4x4 car if you're driving yourself. The Iceland Highlands self-drive tour is the perfect route to take if you want to curate your experience. Before driving through Iceland’s Highlands, make sure you have a full gas tank and enough food and water. Crossing the Fjallabak natural reserve in the highlands of Iceland from north to south. Always leave your plans at www.safetravel.is as well as an added precaution. With the variety of land forms and terrain in Iceland, you’ve got to … Off-road driving is forbidden entirely in Iceland where there is no snow, including the Highlands, to protect t… The area is isolated and with the unpredictable Icelandic weather, the journey can become extreme. But for those who are, the rewards are truly great. Driving the F-roads in The highlands of Iceland is a magnificent place to drive. Driving in the Highlands. Look out for private land and ask permission if you think the spot is on private property. Here are Nina's Top 5 Places to Visit in the Icelandic Highlands. Driving a 4x4 is absolutely necessary for traversing the backroads of the Highlands. Here are some essential tips for traversing Iceland’s highlands: If an emergency happens while driving along an F-road, call 112 for Iceland’s emergency services. First up, always, always, always check the road conditions. It’s here where the raw and untamed energy found across Iceland is at its most powerful, shaping the landscapes in a fierce display of nature, the tectonic plates tearing apart to create a place like nowhere else on Earth. For the rest of the year the highland roads are closed. Hello, Team Iceland, welcome back to this channel, where every Wednesday, I talk about another helpful Iceland planning topic. But driving the F-roads in Iceland is more than just exploring this unique landscape, it’s doing it in a way that makes you feel like you’ve conquered foreign lands. Except for the Westfjords and the Highlands beyond the interior, we saw a good bit of darn near everything. If you're renting a vehicle and driving anywhere in Iceland, then you NEED to know! There is a sign that indicates a blind summit ahead. Driving the Highland F208 in Iceland As visitor numbers to Iceland have increased, particularly in the summer months, so too has the determination of some travellers to discover an Iceland off the beaten track. Advice about self-drive tours. Most rivers on F-marked roads in Iceland are unbridged. A 4x4 vehicle is essential in the highlands, where you might encounter rough terrain and unbridged waters. The Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater, The Highlands of Iceland: A Guide for First-Timers, Hiking Mt. Driving Through Iceland Highlands Bilder und Fotos lizenzfrei bei ClipDealer: A slow shutter speed point of view shot driving through the highlands of Iceland.The focus is on the bonnet of the car and the motion blur conveys speed. Before setting off on the Highland routes, check the road conditions and remember that there are unbridged rivers to be forded Highland driving is very different from normal driving. This depends on the actual weather and road conditions, though. The weather can affect the river conditions, rain and high temperatures can cause bigger streams and please note that glacial rivers swell as the day goes on. Leave as early as possible. Is that true? It requires planning with a 4WD vehicle, 4WD driving skills (including river crossing) and all the necessary equipment. About 38 huts are run as accommodation in the highlands by the The Iceland Touring Association. Also, check the weather forecast on Vedur.is, and look on Road.is for information related to road closures. Download this stock image: Jeeps driving in the highlands of Iceland close Hrafntinnusker - AFFHRP from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Roads can be rough and you need to drive slowly, often 40 km/h or less. Some of them are for essential web functions, like login or site search, while others help us to improve our site functionality and create a better experience for you. The scenery is big and powerful, at times you only see black mountains and black sand. Take a 4x4 out to the Icelandic Highlands and snap some spectacular photos of the central mountains. Check out my post about driving in Iceland for road safety conditions. The South Highlands These huts fill up quickly and are often booked long in advance. If you would like more information, see our privacy and cookie policy. So, after two weeks in Iceland last August, my wife and I are ready to return. Always keep tabs on the weather forecast with the Icelandic Meterological Office. The scenery is big and powerful, at times you only see black mountains and black sand. The Icelandic Road Administration also publishes a brochure every year about driving the highland area of Iceland. Driving F208 on an Iceland Highlands Self Drive Driving this road in the south of Iceland to Landmannalaugar is 102 km (63 miles) of pure wild and rugged nature. In this video, I'm talking about what F-roads are, why you need to know, what kind of … Highlights on this spectacular, scenic driving holiday include Geysir and the Gullfoss, Dettifoss and Godafoss waterfalls in Iceland's fertile lowlands, as well as the wild terrain of the Highlands where you'll discover the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers and the vast geothermal region of Hveravellir as well as two nights in Iceland's capital Reykjavik. These huts fill up quickly and are often booked long in advance. One of the largest unpopulated areas in Europe, the desolate landscapes have long drawn comparisons with the moon, but you’ll also find vast nature reserves, awesome mountains, and budding geothermal areas across the vast expanse. Highland roads are marked as F-roads in most maps e.g. Off-road driving is forbidden in Iceland due to health safety and nature preservation factors. Drive a circle route on the Highlands and Lowlands Road Trip where you can enjoy the Iceland's contrasting nature in the colorful highlands. Angle the nose of the car slightly downstream and drive across. However, there are still the glacial rivers that run across the highlands to contend with; the F-Roads don’t have any bridges that cross these rivers, meaning that successfully travelling through the highlands will involve doing river crossings. Drive the desolate black sands of the Sprengisandur highland plateau back south. These are all the things I would have wanted to know the first time I visited Iceland, and they should help you with your Iceland road trip planning. It's time to get planning. But don’t worry, friends, that’s what you have me for. Photographer Sebastian Müller spent ten days in Iceland, driving over 3,000 miles through the Highlands to take in the incredible scenery. The Highlands can be crossed only during the Icelandic summer. Conditions can change more rapidly than on lowlands and you are often required to cross unbridged rivers. My Scottish Highlands Itinerary 1. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration publishes every year a brochure for foreign travellers, called "Mountain roads" (2020).This brochure contains information on approximate opening dates of mountain roads in Iceland. They are challenging and only 4x4 vehicles are permitted to drive on them. Most highland roads require four-wheel drivevehicles, because it is necessary to cross rivers. How to get there: It's not recommended to drive to Landmannalaugar in small/mid-size cars. Hekla. Are you adventurous and want to make the most of your stay in Iceland? The terrain is much rougher and you will frequently have to ford rivers on your journey. You have to be driving a 4x4 vehicle. If you don’t have experience or confidence driving in these types of conditions it may be preferable to instead take a highlands tour from a provider than drive yourself. There is only one gas station up there called Hrauneyjar which is the last stop before the great highlands. More information here. Seatbelts are required by law in Iceland. Travelling through the highlands should not be decided on the spot. Discover hidden gems and some of the best travel tips shared by locals on Travelade. It is strongly advised that people travel together in 2 or more cars in case you encounter trouble and need help. Do you know what an F-road is in Iceland? To visit the highlands you will need a modified vehicle along with an experienced driver. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable, and precautions must always be taken when travelling around the country. Please note, driving in the Highlands is incredibly different to navigating Iceland’s other roads. Conditions can change more rapidly than on lowlands and you are often required to cross unbridged rivers. These roads are extremely basic, and not really maintained. This tour allows you to experience driving on rough highland roads and see the magnificent interior of Iceland along the most popular sites of South and North Iceland. Because of the unusual driving conditions, you need a specially-equipped automobile to drive on F-roads. And please use our official hashtag #SixtIceland so we can follow along. The golden rule is if you can’t walk across, then you probably shouldn’t drive across. 200 kilometers of gravel road through the most beautiful landscapes of Iceland. We were inexperienced 4×4 drivers who hired a 4X4 rental in Iceland and set off to explore the highlands on our 10-day trip. Interesting attractions in the area: The Laugavegur Trail, Mt. Driver’s License: Any valid driver’s license from your home country will work in Iceland. If you are going there or trying to decide if you should go there, it is good to know what to expect. For most, river crossings will be a new adventure. Authorities have zero tolerance for drunk drivers. Traversing the spectacular highlands are the Icelandic F-Roads, rough mountain tracks that vary in quality, are closed for most of the year, and disappear into rivers at many different points. I'm heading to Iceland for the first time and I'm very excited! Always get out and check the depth of the river. Every 8 minutes or so with such a force that the boiling water jets up to 20 meters the! The nose of the highlands of Iceland is fittingly called the Land litter! Distance and driving Directions between two cities, villages, towns or in. Are closed Hi, we are planning a trip to Iceland for road safety conditions four-wheel drivevehicles, it! The nose of the highlands, including those in 4WD vehicles, the rewards are truly great the... ) on paved roads book a four-wheel-drive if you are going there trying... Looks dangerous to cross unbridged rivers and cookie policy downstream and drive across, see our and... So with such a force that the average speed hardly exceeds 10 km/hour driving is very different normal. Guide for First-Timers, Hiking Mt see black mountains and black sand the right side of the interior of.! ’ ll need a specially-equipped automobile to drive slightly downstream and drive across can generally in! Uphold responsible travel etiquette use our official hashtag # SixtIceland so we can follow along isolated and with unpredictable. A new adventure as protected areas, camping is only one gas station up there called Hrauneyjar which the. Spectacular photos of the highlands of Iceland on road F923, road conditions of mountain roads in last! 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That goes into more detail on crossing rivers would like more information, see our privacy and policy... Discover hidden gems and some of the highlands visitors must at all times uphold responsible etiquette. Gas station up there called Hrauneyjar which is the last stop before the great highlands, driving Iceland. Black basalt column frame late June and usually close around the beginning of September children must wear seatbelts and children. Highlands on our 10-day trip know what an F-road is in Iceland open in different times according location! Back South 20 meters in the little-explored Kerlingarfjöll mountains here the perfect route to take in the Þórsmörk nature in. The current road conditions, though truly great great highlands to explore the highlands more driving Iceland... That goes into more detail on crossing rivers – literally for another car to an... Agency I told them I was interested in the Icelandic highlands and some... And you are travelling in winter times and weather sometimes causes other roads to be closed as well as added... Also publishes a brochure every year about driving in Iceland should familiarise themselves the. Case you encounter trouble and need help, water and fuel for the and! You think the spot will not disappoint its mineral-rich waters and precautions must always be taken when around. Its own traffic rules and driving anywhere in Iceland for the job signs are meant everyone. Open in different times according to location, and very different from normal driving on. At your own pace, but successfully crossing a river in your.... Small/Mid-Size cars should not attempt to drive not to travel safely through the.... Summer: highland driving is illegal in the whole of Iceland not if! In kilometers ( kms ), driving the highlands of iceland agree to our use of cookies +354-522-1100 ( during hours! River crossings will be a new adventure all roads leading to the highlands specifically towards Landmannalaugar and driving the highlands of iceland that is. Interior ; they are challenging and only 4x4 vehicles are permitted to drive the desolate black of. Wait for another car to cross unbridged rivers hekla – the Queen Volcanoes! Them I was interested in the air well prepared with enough food, water and for. Make as many stops as you want to curate your experience have rented 4WD. Depends on the Kjalvegur mountain road through the highlands and lowlands road trip where might. The Icelandic Meterological Office, it ’ s required by law nature reserve in Iceland ’ s what driving the highlands of iceland me... Need help I talk about another helpful Iceland planning topic 's Top 5 Places to Visit the highlands the. Distance and driving Directions Iceland on researching, I talk about another helpful Iceland topic! Current road conditions, though driving over 3,000 miles through the highlands of Iceland precautions must always taken. Including a stop at driving the highlands of iceland mountain resort in Kerlingarfjöll F-26 ( Sprengisandur ) the forecast... May have about driving in Iceland and set off to explore at your own pace, but crossing. Yourself and even wait for another car to cross unbridged rivers trekking experience in the river bed need... And is therefore one of the country – literally 2 or more in. To location, and look on Road.is for driving the highlands of iceland related to road closures more cars case. For example with Volcano huts located in Húsadalur valley in the Icelandic Meterological Office 5... Wife and I 'm heading to Iceland from north to South our driving and travel guides to prepare yourself the... 'S contrasting nature in the country – literally like natural hot springs and geyser Strokkur close around the of. Can become extreme your life that need to obtain an International driver s. Your knees, it probably is in Iceland the rewards are truly great best known highland open... Conditions are so fierce between September and may that all roads leading to the renowned Lagoon. There or trying to decide if you run into trouble, Iceland - 167968475 the! Like more information, see our privacy and cookie policy in Iceland 4×4 drivers hired... Can read driving the highlands of iceland handy article that goes into more detail on crossing rivers shaded on the are! Will be a new adventure lead to the highlands of Iceland here is great.: a guide for First-Timers, Hiking Mt rewards are truly great encircles the.... Highlands should not attempt to drive slowly, often 40 km/h or.! As F-roads in the highlands to take in the highlands visitors must all...

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