Firstly, you’ll need a 4X4 vehicle to travel safely through the interior. 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. 90 km/h (55 mi/h) on paved roads. The area is isolated and with the unpredictable Icelandic weather, the journey can become extreme. This isn’t exactly driving around Iceland, it’s more driving into Iceland. Conditions can change more rapidly than on lowlands and you are often required to cross unbridged rivers. Roads can be rough and you need to drive slowly, often 40 km/h or less. I'm heading to Iceland for the first time and I'm very excited! 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. It is also highly recommended to book a four-wheel-drive if you are travelling in winter. Off-road driving is forbidden entirely in Iceland where there is no snow, including the Highlands, to protect t… However, the Kjölur route can easily be traversed in an ordinary car and is therefore one of the more popular highland roads. In this blog, we will show you the roads from road 1 to Landmannalaugar (F 208). The Iceland Highlands self-drive tour is the perfect route to take if you want to curate your experience. This way you will be assured help if you run into trouble. Most highland roads require four-wheel drivevehicles, because it is necessary to cross rivers. The Highlands of Iceland contain some of the most awe-inspiring nature on offer in the whole country, but there are essential driving rules and precautions to take whilst exploring the area. These roads can give a rough drive; have steep hills, narrow crossings, and unbridged rivers. Except for the Westfjords and the Highlands beyond the interior, we saw a good bit of darn near everything. It is strongly advised that people travel together in 2 or more cars in case you encounter trouble and need help. For most, river crossings will be a new adventure. We also saw Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork on a length Extreme Iceland day.. My question centers on the best way to see the Highlands? When the roads are open, Kerlingarfjöll is accessible via road F-35, also called the Kjölur Route or Kjalvegur, from both North and South Iceland. Take a look at our driving and travel guides to prepare yourself for the road trip of a lifetime. Kerlingarfjöll is a rhyolite caldera complex in the Highlands of Iceland, not far from the … Iceland’s interior highlands are where man has never made his home and is still a rare visitor. Driving in Iceland is a great opportunity to explore at your own pace, but it pays to be prepared. It is the duty of all campers and travelers to not leave any marks on the land or litter where they have been. Not only that, but it’s required by law. Travelers need to be well prepared with enough food, water and fuel for the drive ahead. 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. Although you can generally drive in the highlands in summer, most of these roads are closed in winter. To visit the highlands you will need a modified vehicle along with an experienced driver. 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. Before driving through Iceland’s Highlands, make sure you have a full gas tank and enough food and water. Travelers need to be well prepared with enough food, water and fuel for the drive ahead. The terrain is much rougher and you will frequently have to ford rivers on your journey. First, let's answer the question on how to drive on the F-roads in the highlands of Iceland. The Highlands are Iceland’s interior; they are almost completely uninhabited and only accessible in summer. You’ll also witness some of the most unspoiled and beautiful territory you'll ever see in your life. Askja is a series of calderas deep in Iceland’s highlands. Then this Ultimate Highland Tour is perfect for you. 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. Before setting off on the Highland routes, check the road conditions and remember that there are unbridged rivers to be forded Stop to view the beautiful Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall with its black basalt column frame. Iceland is fittingly called the Land of Fire and Ice because of its unique landscape. This depends on the actual weather and road conditions, though. If the water is running above your knees, it’s time to turn back. When exploring the Central Highlands, forgo more comfortable accommodation and opt for mountain huts or camping, cheaper and closer to the stunning natural sites. 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. The best known highland roads are Kaldidalur, Kjölur and Sprengisandur. 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. The highlands of Iceland are a place like no other in the world. DVarga.net 18,112 views. 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. Leave as early as possible. 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