Driving on Iceland’s Mountain Tracks

Mountain tracks in Iceland are raised embankments with a lose gravel surface. In winter most are impassable, in fact most don’t open again till July. Even in summer many can only be negotiated in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. If you are the adventurous sort and plan a trip on a mountain track, ensure you go with someone who is familiar with the route, that you have a detailed map, check the weather and road conditions, and if possible travel with other vehicles in a convoy.

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You should note, many mountain tracks are marked as prohibited. If you drive on these you are breaking the law. The safest roads are those with route numbers beginning with “F”.

Below are the approximate opening dates for some mountain tracks:

Check weather and road conditions on the Public Roads Administration website or, tel. 1777

Check the weather forecast on the Icelandic Meteorological Office website or, tel. 902-0600

For further information, see our series of articles on driving in Iceland below.

Driving in Iceland:

• Renting a Car in Iceland
• Essential Tips for Driving in Iceland
• Driving Regulations Iceland
• Iceland Traffic Signs
• Driving on Mountain Tracks
• The Joys of Driving in Iceland

Drive Safely!

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