Your Guide to Driving the Highland Road F208 in Iceland

What to expect and how to prepare for travel on F-roads and F208 in Iceland. F208 a highland road in the south of Iceland with many natural attractions.

Driving in the otherworldly landscape of Iceland’s highlands is an unforgettable experience and F208 is the perfect example of what makes traveling on Iceland’s F-roads a truly unique adventure.

What is the Highland Road F208?

Known as Fjallabaksleið nyrðri (Northern Mountain Road), F208 is a gravel road that runs north/south, connecting Iceland’s Route 1 (the Ring Road) in the south to F26 Sprengisandsleið (Sprengisandur Road) a bit further north in the highlands.

One of the Most Scenic of Iceland’s F-Roads

A dynamic and evolving landscape makes F208 one of the most scenic F-roads in Iceland. F-roads criss-cross the Icelandic highlands, each offering a special and rarely glimpsed view of Iceland’s interior. Using Iceland’s F-roads guide will help you navigate and explore F208 and beyond. 

Where is the Road F208 Located?

F208 begins in the south of Iceland and travels north into the highlands–from the farmlands in the south to the colorful mountains of Fjallabak Nature Reserve further north and onward toward the decidedly lunar landscape of Sprengisandur.

When is Iceland’s F208 Open?

Mountain road F208 usually opens around the middle of June but that can vary depending on the weather. There may also be road closures throughout the season due to flooding. It is very important to monitor weather conditions when planning a trip into the highlands as they can severely impact travel in the area.

Attractions & Highlights of the F208 Route

Journeying into the Icelandic highlands by way of F208 takes travelers through some of the most gorgeous natural attractions in Iceland–Landmannalaugar, Eldgjá Canyon and Tungnaá River.

Landmannalaugar

If driving to Landmannalaugar to see some of the most stunningly vibrant mountains in Iceland is part of your travel plans, F208 is the best way to go. Remarkable colors and textures make up the ethereal terrain of Landmannalaugar. Hiking trails appropriate for a variety of skill levels make exploring the area a fun experience for families and large groups and soaking in the geothermal pool after a day of hiking is a great way to relax and recharge.

Eldgjá Canyon

Although it may sound like it is just a canyon, Eldgjá is so much more. This large volcanic canyon was created by one of the largest eruptions in recent history creating a fissure stretches for at least 40km, is 600 meters wide at its broadest and over 200 meters at its deepest. Dropping into Eldgjá is Ófærufoss waterfall which cascades down two tiers into the Nyrðri-Ófæra river.

Tungnaá River

Tungnaá River flows from both a spring and the largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajökull, and is the force behind several power stations. Because it is partially fed by a glacier, the waters of Tungnaá once appeared white due to sediment from the glacier in the water, but after the construction of one of the hydroelectric power plants on the river, the water became clear.

Do I Need a 4x4 Car to Drive Road F208?

Yes, you need a car with all-wheel drive in order to drive F208. All F-roads, including F208, require 4WD vehicles. Use of other vehicles is prohibited on F-roads.

Best Vehicles for Driving F208: Our Recommendations

Getting the most out of driving F208 in Iceland requires a 4WD vehicle with high ground clearance that is reliable enough and durable enough to handle the literal ups and downs of driving on a mountain road. Of our fleet of 4x4 vehicles we recommend the following vehicles:

Toyota RAV4

There is only one gas station in the highlands of Iceland so the fuel efficient Toyota Rav4 is great for traveling on F208. Substantial luggage capacity is another notable feature of the Rav4 which means you’ll have plenty of space for camping gear and supplies. Get more information on how to hire a Toyota RAV4 from us and start planning your trip now.

Jeep Renegade

You can’t go wrong with a Jeep Renegade rental. The Jeep Renegade is well-equipped to handle Iceland's diverse environments, from the rocky trails of the highlands to the sandy shores of the coast. With its 4x4 drive, you can confidently navigate the country's infamous F-roads.

Suzuki Vitara

For those needing an automatic transmission the Suzuki Vitara 4x4 enables you to navigate Iceland’s rugged F-roads with ease. This 4-wheel drive rental can accommodate up to five passengers and five bags, so the whole family can come along for the adventure. 

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a robust and economical 4WD SUV that can handle navigating F-roads in Iceland. Offering you up to five bags worth of storage space and the ruggedness of a manual transmission this SUV is one of the most reliable and economical off-road vehicles.

The Suzuki A-Cross

When you rent a Suzuki A-Cross you get a vehicle designed to handle Iceland's diverse terrain, the Ring Road to F-roads. With its all-wheel drive system and advanced safety features, you can explore with confidence, 

What Rental Car Insurance?

Your rental comes with CDW & Theft Protection. We offer additional insurance in a variety of packages to cover other possible damage including that incurred by gravel.

How to Get Prepared for Your F208 Trip?

Preparing for your F208 adventure depends on how long you plan on traveling in the highlands. For a simple day trip you will need to fill up on fuel, bring food and water, preferably in a reusable water bottle, and a small backpack or daypack.

As a general rule of thumb for traveling in Iceland, you should always bring warm, waterproof, and windproof layers, including thermal base layers, a fleece or wool sweater, and a waterproof jacket and pants. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential, along with warm socks, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Even if the weather is predicted to be sunny–bring it all. Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable, especially in the highlands. You will also want to bring swimwear for hot springs. It is also a good idea to bring a power bank to keep your phone charged. 

If you are staying for a few days, in addition to fueling up and bringing enough food and water, you will want to bring your camping gear, map out the campsites you plan on staying at and where along the way you can access more amenities should you need to. (what to pack, gas stops, accommodations, etc)