Which Car Should You Rent for Iceland's F-Road Adventures?

The Icelandic Highlands are one of Europe's last true wildernesses. Rhyolite mountains at Landmannalaugar. Volcanic calderas at Askja. Black sand deserts stretching to the horizon. These places sit at the end of F roads in Iceland (mountain roads), and you can't fake your way there in the wrong vehicle.

At Hertz Iceland, we've had 50+ years to watch what the Highlands do to unprepared drivers. We've seen totaled engines from river crossings. Cracked oil pans from rocks. Stranded tourists waiting hours for a tow truck that costs more than their entire trip. Here's how to pick the right tool for the job.

The F-Road Rulebook

Before you book anything, memorize these three rules.

4x4 is mandatory by law. Driving a 2WD vehicle on F-roads is illegal. Your insurance instantly voids. You'll pay for all damage out of pocket.

F-Roads Generally Open Mid-June to September. Exact dates depend on weather and are updated on road.is. Outside this window, they're closed. Driving them in winter is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous.

Off-road means off marked tracks. Driving on marked F-roads is legal. Driving on moss, sand, or tundra beside the track? Illegal. Heavy fines. Plus, you're destroying fragile ecosystems that take decades to recover.

Not All 4x4s Are Equal

Just because a car has "4WD" doesn't mean it handles Þórsmörk river crossings. Match your vehicle to your route.

Vehicle Tier	Example Model	Capabilities	Best For
Medium 4x4 (Soft-Roader)	Dacia Duster / Kia Sportage	Good clearance, AWD. Can handle gravel.	F35 (Kjölur), F208 North section. Avoid any river deeper than ankle height.
Large 4x4 (True Off-Roader)	Toyota Land Cruiser	High clearance, low-range gear, and proven reliability.	F208 South, F26 (Sprengisandur), moderate river crossings.
Pickup 4x4	Toyota Hilux	Maximum clearance and cargo space.	Serious Highland expeditions with heavy gear and camping equipment.

Age Requirement: You must be 23 years or older to rent any 4x4 vehicle.

Our Advice: Pick the smallest 4x4 that handles your planned route. Don't rent a Land Cruiser for Kjölur just because it looks cool. Save money. Get what you actually need.

River Crossings: The No Insurance Zone

Many F-roads involve unbridged river crossings. This is where most vehicle damage happens.

The Golden Rule: No insurance in Iceland covers water damage. Not ours. Not anyone's. If you drown the engine, you may be liable for damage up to the full vehicle value (often $40,000+, depending on the vehicle).

How to Cross Safely:

1. Stop before the river. Get out. Walk across if possible to check depth.

2. If water is deeper than your knee, don't cross.

3. Shift to first gear (low range if available).

4. Enter where the river is widest and shallowest (flowing water, not still pools).

5. Drive slowly and steadily. Walking pace. Don't stop in the water.

6. Never shift gears mid-crossing.

7. Cross at a slight downstream angle.

   
   

If you're Not Sure: Wait for another vehicle to cross first. Watch their clearance. Or turn around. It's not worth the risk.

Top F-Road Recommendations

For Beginners: Kjölur (F35)

This route crosses between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. It's entirely unpaved but has no unbridged rivers, making it safe for smaller 4x4s like the Dacia Duster. Expect 6+ hours of driving on rough gravel. The scenery is barren and beautiful.

For Experienced Drivers: Landmannalaugar (F208 South)

Stunning rainbow mountains and geothermal hot springs. You'll cross multiple small rivers. A Toyota Land Cruiser is strongly recommended for clearance. Don't attempt this in a soft-roader unless you're comfortable assessing river depth.

For Experts Only: Þórsmörk (F249)

Deep, unbridged rivers that change daily. Serious clearance required. Many tourists take a Super Jeep tour or bus instead of driving themselves. Unless you have significant off-road experience and a high-clearance vehicle, skip this one.

Quick Answers

Can I drive an Electric Vehicle on F-roads?

No. Most EVs lack the ground clearance for F-roads. There's also zero charging infrastructure in the Highlands. Stick to the Ring Road with EVs.

What happens if I get stuck?

Call our 24/7 support line. Be aware: towing costs on F-roads can easily reach several hundred euros, often in the €500-1000+ range, and are your responsibility. Insurance doesn't cover towing fees.

Is the Toyota RAV4 good for F-roads?

The RAV4 is a capable medium 4x4 suitable for lighter F-roads (like F35), but it lacks the height for deep river crossings found on F88 or F249. Know your route before you book.

Do F-roads have cell phone signal?

Phone signal on F-roads is very unreliable. You can dial 112 on any available network, but in some remote areas, there may be no coverage at all. Do not rely on mobile data or calls. Download offline maps before you go.

What should I pack for F-road driving?

Water (2-3 liters per person), high-energy snacks, warm layers, rain gear, and a power bank. There are no cafés or gas stations once you're in the Highlands. There is a fuel station at Hrauneyjar near the Highlands, but opening hours and services can vary. Always fill up before leaving the Ring Road.