Important safety notice

Zero Car Rental does not recommend river crossings at all. The renter is solely responsible for any decision that comes from going into the river with the car rental. If you are unsure, do not cross. If you still choose to ford, use the largest, highest-clearance 4x4 and proceed with extreme caution.

Table: Vehicle recommendations by route 

Why this guide

We at Zero Car Rental Iceland get a LOT of questions regarding the highlands each summer - it is a magical place, but not as accessible as my other locations. The number one rule is to exercise caution. Water flow, experience, weather, even the hour of the day matters and if you have no experience, we recommend you avoid this.

Know the rules before you go

F-roads are mountain tracks that are rough, remote and may include unbridged rivers. A 4x4 is legally required on F-roads. Openings are seasonal, usually from late June into early autumn depending on snow and weather. Always check road conditions on the day you travel and adapt your plan.

Glacial rivers change during the day and after rain. Water is typically lower early in the morning and levels can spike fast with melt or rain. If in doubt, do not cross.

The two practical car categories of F-roads. Big vs Small.

Think of F-roads not just as “4x4 required” but as small-4x4 friendly versus big-4x4 necessary.

Zero Car groups the cars in 2 major categories:

• Small-4x4 friendly means shallow or no fords, plus rough gravel. - Examples of cars that we include in this category are  the Dacia Duster, Suzuki Vitara, Kia Sportage, Toyota Rav4 and other 4WD cars  not included in the next segment.
   
• Big-4x4 necessarily means deeper or fast-flowing fords, soft or bouldery beds and higher ground-clearance needs. These include the Toyota Landcruiser 150, Toyota Landcruiser 250, Toyota Landcruiser 35 Adventure and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Route by route: real-world advice

• Þórsmörk via F261 and F249: why turning back is often the smart move
  • Approaches to Þórsmörk involve multiple fords, including Krossá, widely described as one of Iceland’s most dangerous crossings for drivers because it is deep, swift and constantly shifting. Many experienced drivers avoid it, and the conservative advice is to use the highland buses or guided super-jeeps when levels are up.
  • Expect a long day from Reykjavík. Allow 4 to 6 hours one way, more if you need to wait or reroute because of river conditions. Most visitors park before the biggest crossings and continue by mountain bus.
  • Car choice: large, high-clearance 4x4 only, plus genuine river-crossing experience. A small 4x4 is not appropriate here when water is up.
  • Why caution matters: water damage is typically excluded by rental insurance in Iceland, which means river mistakes can be very expensive.
     
• Landmannalaugar via F208: north is the no-ford option, south is the scenic ford route
  • F208 north approach reaches Landmannalaugar without fords until the very end. A signed P1 car park sits before the streams and there is a pedestrian bridge to the campsite and hut. This is the recommended choice for smaller SUVs or anyone who wants to avoid fording. Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar typically takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on conditions.
  • F208 south includes several fords and needs more clearance and experience. If you are unsure, choose the north.
  • Car choice: small 4x4 SUV is fine via F208 north to P1 and on foot over the bridge. For F208 south and the last ford to the hut area, choose a larger 4x4 and cross only if conditions are favorable.
     
• Askja via F88: Lindaá is the limiting factor
  • The F88 to Askja includes the Lindaá river, which can be challenging and is not suitable for small 4x4s in many conditions. A common, safer alternative for smaller vehicles is to use F905 and F910 when they are open and in good shape.
  • Car choice: large, high-clearance 4x4 for F88. With a small 4x4, prefer F905 + F910 when open and conditions are good.
     
• Hveravellir via F756 or F734 vs the F35 Kjölur detour
  • From Varmahlíð, F756 and F734 are rougher and slower options with sections that can be awkward in poor conditions. The conservative detour is F35 Kjölur, a long gravel highland route that passes Hveravellir. Major water crossings on F35 are bridged, which makes it one of the more accessible F-roads when open.
  • From Varmahlíð to Hveravellir via F35 is roughly 94 km and about 3 hours in typical conditions. The full F35 between the south near Gullfoss and the north near Blönduós is about 168 km.
  • Car choice: small 4x4 SUV is usually fine for F35 with patient, conservative driving. Choose a larger 4x4 if heavily loaded or seeking extra comfort on rough sections.
     

How to assess a ford when there is no easy bypass

•  Stop and inspect. Get out, read the flow, look for the widest, shallowest braid. If it is thigh-deep on you or fast and opaque, do not attempt it. When in doubt, opt out.
•  Cross at a wide section in a slight downstream diagonal. Engage low gear, steady momentum, no shifting in the water.
•  Time it right. Rivers often run lower early in the day and rise after rain or warm afternoons. If levels look unsafe, turn back
•  Never tailgate another car into a ford. Wait, watch their line, then choose your own safest route and pace.
•  ONE MORE TIME - We do not recommend river crossings/fording at all and only for experienced drivers.

Quick picker: route vs recommended vehicle and safer plan

• Landmannalaugar via F208 north. Suitable for small 4x4 to P1, then walk the bridge. Large 4x4 only if you insist on crossing to the hut car park.
• Landmannalaugar via F208 south. Large 4x4 with experience. Avoid after heavy rain.
• Askja via F88. Large 4x4. With small 4x4, reroute using F905 + F910 if open.
• Þórsmörk via F249, F261. Large, high-clearance 4x4 and only in safe conditions; otherwise park before the biggest fords and take the highland bus.
• Hveravellir via F35. Small 4x4 acceptable with care. Long gravel, no major unbridged fords.
   

Essential planning links

• Road openings and live conditions: Vegagerðin 
• Safety alerts and travel plan: Safetravel (ICE-SAR).

Why renting with Zero makes highland trips simpler

• Coverage that makes sense for Iceland. Zero’s pricing includes zero-excess protection for gravel, sand and ash, unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance included in the price.
• A fast, stress-free pickup. Do online check-in, use the keybox 24/7 at KEF, and remember there is always staff on site if you need help with the keyboxes or have questions.
• The right car for the right plan. From efficient small 4x4 SUVs to taller, high-clearance 4x4s, our team will help you match the route to the vehicle.
   

Final safety reminder

Highland conditions change hour by hour. Check Vegagerðin for openings and updates, study Safetravel alerts, ask local rangers and other drivers on the day, and do not hesitate to turn around. Your schedule should bend to the river, not the other way around.