- F-roads open
- Late Jun–early Sep
- Laugavegur trail
- 55 km
- Required by law
- 4x4
- Towns
- 0
When can you visit the Highlands?
The Highlands are only accessible in summer. Most mountain roads (F-roads) open between mid-June and early July, depending on snow and the condition of the roads, and close again in September. Check the opening map on umferdin.is before you go. Outside the season the interior is closed to normal traffic.
Driving F-roads
F-roads are unpaved mountain tracks, often with unbridged rivers. By law you must drive them in a 4x4, and rental contracts usually do not cover damage from river crossings. Never cross a river you are unsure of; wait for another vehicle or walk it first to check depth and current. Off-road driving is illegal everywhere in Iceland and heavily fined. Read our Iceland driving guide.
Landmannalaugar
The most visited spot in the Highlands, about 3.5 hours from Reykjavík. Hike the Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnúkur trails for views over rainbow-coloured rhyolite hills, then soak in the natural hot river next to the hut. The F208 from the north is passable in a small 4x4 without major river crossings; the final ford to the hut can be avoided by parking before it.
Super-jeep and highland-bus tours from Reykjavík run from late June to early September.
See Landmannalaugar tours ↗The Laugavegur trail
Iceland's most famous multi-day hike runs 55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, usually in four days, with huts at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur (book through Ferðafélag Íslands months in advance). Many hikers add the 24 km Fimmvörðuháls trail from Þórsmörk over the pass to Skógar. The season runs from about late June to early September.
Other Highland routes
- Kjölur (F35): between Gullfoss and the north, past Kerlingarfjöll and Hveravellir. The easiest crossing.
- Sprengisandur (F26): a long, desolate route between glaciers, with bigger river crossings.
- Askja (F88/F905/F910): from Mývatn to the caldera of Askja; most visitors join a super-jeep tour.
Plan your trip to the Highlands
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Þórsmörk
Day trips by highland bus or super-jeep into the valley between the glaciers.
Þórsmörk tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
When do the F-roads open in Iceland?
Most F-roads open between mid-June and early July and close in September. Exact dates depend on snow and road conditions each year; check umferdin.is.
Can I drive to Landmannalaugar in a normal car?
No. All routes to Landmannalaugar are F-roads, which by law require a 4x4. Summer buses and tours run from Reykjavík.
How long is the Laugavegur trail?
The trail is 55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and normally takes four days, staying in mountain huts or campsites.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.