There’s a good reason why Iceland is so beloved by anyone who visits. It didn’t just give the world Bjork, the northern lights, and natural hot springs, but it’s also a veritable volcanic wonderland with terrain that’s ideally suited to off-road fun.
The landscape is written large with swirling lava and mighty glaciers but it’s the scarred volcanic earth and glistening green mountains that really catch the eye. And the only way to get up close and personal with that majesty is with a decent 4×4.
If you’re even slightly adventurous by nature then there are few vacations as enticing as an off-road adventure in Iceland. But once you’re there, what are the best locations for seasoned off-roaders and what should all potential vacationers know before they book that holiday of a lifetime?
The F roads
These are unpaved mountain roads and gravel tracks that are not regularly maintained by the government. They vary between decent gravel roads, pothole-ridden death traps and barren paths weaving into rivers and across steep inclines.
These roads are scattered across the country and explore some incredible remote scenery that you’d never get to see if you stayed on the ring roads. Some famous locations are also only accessible via the F roads such as the Kerlingarfjöl mountains and the Pórsmörk ice rivers. Note, however, that most F roads will be closed in the winter months as they are only safe to drive when the snow melts. If you want to experience them, book your trip between June and September.
Getting the right car
The mountain roads are not easy and will require concentration, skill and a very sturdy suspension. Visibility might be an issue at times and weather conditions will vary wildly. So, you’ll need the best possible rig to keep you safe and comfortable. Good ground clearance is an absolute must and you’ll also want to enquire about a vehicle with a winch in case you get stuck.
Obeying the law
As of 2021, you’re not legally allowed to drive off-road unless a region has been clearly marked. This is because many tourists have been known to ruin the natural beauty of Iceland and lots of the natural fauna can take years or even decades to regrow. However, the F roads are more than enough for most 4×4 enthusiasts to cope with, trust us!
The best off-road adventure
Given that 85% of the country is uninhabited, there are almost endless opportunities for an off-road adventure in Iceland. But for our money, here are a few of the very best.
Thórsmörk Glacial Valley – Drive through a gorgeous valley formed by thousands of years of glacial meltwater. The mossy rocks and untouched hills offer the kind of sights and off-road challenges you’ll be savouring for the rest of your lives.
The Jökulsárlón Lagoon – Situated on the south coast, this is just about as beautiful as nature gets. Dry black dunes, cascading waterfalls and varied wildlife is just for starters.
Extreme Iceland – Remember the episode of Top Gear where they drove to an active volcano? Well, now you can follow in their footsteps. A relatively short drive from the capital city of Reykjavik, this is a trip we’d recommend hiring a professional to help you navigate but the drive is more than worth the extra expense.
Image: 1tomm / Shutterstock.com
