08 September 2025
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River crossings on Iceland’s F-roads: the honest guide that still says “don’t”
Important safety notice
Zero Car Rental does not recommend river crossings at all. If you are unsure, do not cross. If you still decide to ford, the decision and the risk are yours. Choose the largest, highest-clearance 4x4 you can, use slow, careful technique, and be ready to turn back without hesitation.
What this is (and isn’t)
This is a plain-spoken guide for travellers who’ve seen a dreamy mountain hut on Instagram and forgotten that the highlands are, well, highlands. We’ll point you toward realistic plans, safer detours, and the kind of cars that make sense. What this is not is a pep talk to send a crossover into a glacial river. Mountain roads open late and close early, and conditions change fast; always verify the day’s status with road authorities and SafeTravel before you go. Vegagerdin has a wealth of information on this.
The house rules you actually need
A 4×4 is legally required on F-roads. Openings are seasonal and depend on snow, melt and surface damage—not on your itinerary. Glacial rivers usually run lower in the morning and higher after rain or warm afternoons. If the water looks fast, opaque or deeper than knee level, it’s a no from us.
Two useful buckets: small 4×4 vs tall 4×4
- For small 4×4 options, travellers often chooseDacia Duster, Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4. These are great for rough tracks and long days on gravel; they’re not intended for deep or fast fords.
- When the route demands more clearance, tall 4×4 vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 or the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon are the safer choice. Both offer the clearance and geometry required for Iceland’s tougher highland conditions.
Route cards: best plan, better plan, not today
Þórsmörk (F261/F249, Krossá area)
The safest plan is to park before the big fords and hop on the highland bus; you’ll enjoy the hikes with dry socks. Some attempt it only with a high-clearance 4×4 like the Toyota Land Cruiser 250, but even then, conditions can change quickly. Small SUVs should not be attempted here when water is up. From Reykjavík, plan at least four to six hours one way if you include scouting and waiting.
Landmannalaugar (two ways)
The northern route via F208 is the tidy option. You can drive as far as the P1 car park without any fords, then walk across the bridge to the campsite and hut. A small SUV such as the Dacia Duster, Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4 is perfect for this. The drive from Reykjavík typically takes three to four hours.
The southern F208 is more scenic but comes with several fords. If you’re in a Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and conditions are dry, it’s doable. Otherwise, stick to the north.
Askja (two philosophies)
The F88 route has Lindaá, a ford with depth and a soft, uneven bed—best left to tall 4×4s like the Toyota Land Cruiser 250.
If you’re in a smaller SUV such as the Dacia Duster, the safer detour is via F905 and F910 when open. It’s still rough and remote, so carry fuel, food and plenty of time.
Hveravellir (pools with a plan)
The F35 Kjölur is the long gravel backbone of the highlands. With major rivers bridged, it’s one of the more accessible routes. A Toyota RAV4 or Dacia Duster can handle it if driven with care, while a Toyota Land Cruiser 250 or Jeep Wrangler Rubicon adds comfort and capability over corrugations. From Varmahlíð to Hveravellir, expect roughly 94 km and around three hours.
The 10-second “should I cross?” test
Can you walk it safely? If not, don’t drive it. Is it wide, braided and slow-moving? Good. Narrow, opaque and fast? Bad. Will turning back ruin the trip? If yes, your plan needs more flexibility—not more throttle.
Technique in one paragraph (for the stubborn)
Low gear. Steady bow wave. No gear changes mid-stream. Enter where it’s widest and leave room to abort. Let the show-off go first; watch their line, then take your own. If the water climbs higher than expected, retreat at once. And again: don’t attempt this unless you’re experienced.
Quick reference (routes at a glance)
Why Zero makes highland logistics less fussy
All-inclusive pricing with zero excess already covers gravel, sand and ash. You also get unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance—built in. Online check-in and 24/7 keyboxes at KEF make pickup simple, and there’s always staff at our KEF office if you prefer face-to-face help. For a bigger picture, see 10 reasons to choose a local company. If you’re arriving late or jet-lagged, consider why you should wait to pick up your rental car.
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FAQ About river crossings and highlands
Can I reach Landmannalaugar without any river crossings?
Yes. Via F208 north you can park at the P1 lot before the streams and use the footbridge to the campsite and hut.
Is it ever safe to drive to Þórsmörk in my own rental?
Only with a large, high-clearance 4x4 and when river levels are favorable. Krossá is notorious and frequently unsafe. Many visitors park earlier and continue by highland bus or guided super-jeep.
Why does everyone warn me about F88 to Askja?
Because of Lindaá, a ford that becomes problematic for small 4x4s when levels rise. If you are not in a taller 4x4, use F905 + F910 when open.
Does the F35 Kjölur have unbridged river crossings?
The F35 is a long gravel road but one of the few F-roads with no major unbridged fords, which is why it is a popular conservative detour to Hveravellir.
What about insurance if I flood the engine in a ford?
Water damage is commonly excluded in Icelandic rental insurance, so river fording is always at the driver’s risk. Read your contract carefully and avoid risky crossings.