Introduction: The Iceland Most Visitors Never See
Beyond the Ring Road, past the last paved junction, lies a version of Iceland that the average visitor never reaches: the highlands. This vast, largely uninhabited interior is crossed only by F-roads, a category of unpaved mountain tracks that require a genuine 4x4 and a driver willing to ford the occasional river. For travellers ready to go beyond the coastal route, a properly equipped vehicle from Hertz Iceland is the starting point for exploring this dramatic, empty landscape.
This guide is written specifically for that more adventurous traveller. It covers what F-roads actually involve, which vehicle categories are suitable, the routes worth prioritising, and the precautions that separate a memorable highland trip from a genuinely risky one.
What Makes an F-Road Different
Any road in Iceland marked with an F prefix, such as F208 or F35, is officially classified as requiring four-wheel drive, and rental agreements are explicit that standard two-wheel-drive vehicles are not permitted on these routes. Renting a dedicated highland-capable 4x4 through Hertz Iceland is not simply a recommendation here, it is the only way to legally and safely access these roads in the first place.
F-roads are typically unpaved, often rutted, and frequently interrupted by unbridged river crossings that must be forded directly. Water depth and current strength can change day to day depending on glacial melt and recent rainfall, which is why local knowledge from a company with decades of experience navigating these exact conditions carries real weight. Staff at Hertz Iceland can advise on which crossings are currently considered safe and which routes have opened for the season, since most F-roads are closed entirely through the winter and only become passable from around June onward.
Choosing the Right Highland Vehicle
Not every 4x4 is built equally for highland use. A larger, full-size 4x4 SUV with genuine ground clearance and low-range gearing is the appropriate choice for serious F-road routes, rather than a smaller crossover that technically has four-wheel drive but lacks the clearance to handle deep ruts or river fords safely. Booking this category specifically through Hertz Iceland, rather than assuming any 4x4 label is sufficient, avoids a mismatch between the vehicle and the terrain you actually intend to drive.
Travellers planning multi-day highland routes should also consider a vehicle with strong ground clearance paired with all-terrain tyres, both of which come standard on the higher-capability SUVs in the fleet. This is one area where paying slightly more for the right category is a safety decision rather than simply a comfort upgrade.
Popular Highland Routes Worth Considering
Landmannalaugar, reached via the F208 route, is one of the most accessible highland destinations for a first F-road trip, known for its multicoloured rhyolite mountains and natural geothermal bathing spots. Further into the interior, the Kjolur route connects the south and north of the country through a stark, glacier-flanked landscape, and while parts of it are more forgiving than other F-roads, it still demands a capable 4x4 secured through Hertz Iceland rather than a standard rental car.
For more experienced highland drivers, the Sprengisandur route cuts directly through the island's uninhabited centre, offering a genuinely remote experience with almost no services along the way. Routes at this level of remoteness are best approached only after building confidence on shorter, more accessible F-roads first, and ideally not attempted solo without informing someone of your planned route and timing.
Highland Vehicle Requirements
| Route Type | Minimum Vehicle | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Paved Ring Road | Standard sedan or SUV | Year-round |
| Gravel connector roads | Mid-size SUV | Spring through autumn |
| F-roads with river fords | Full-size 4x4 with high clearance | June to September only |
Reviewing this breakdown before booking through Hertz Iceland helps avoid the common mistake of underestimating what a highland itinerary actually requires from the vehicle.
River Crossings and Safety Judgement
River fords are the single biggest hazard on F-roads, and even experienced highland drivers regularly stop, get out, and walk a crossing before attempting it with the vehicle. Water that looks shallow can hide a soft riverbed or a much stronger current beneath the surface, and conditions can change significantly within the same day as glacial melt increases through the afternoon.
Insurance terms for highland driving through Hertz Iceland are worth reviewing carefully before setting out, since damage caused by driving through water deeper than recommended is treated differently to standard wear and tear. When in doubt about a crossing, waiting for another vehicle to pass first, or turning back entirely, is always the safer decision over pushing ahead on a guess.
Packing and Planning for Remote Driving
Highland routes often pass through areas with no fuel stations, no mobile signal, and no other traffic for extended stretches, so preparation matters more here than almost anywhere else in the country. Carrying extra fuel, warm layers even in summer, and basic supplies is standard practice, and registering your travel plan with the Icelandic Travel Safe app before setting out is strongly recommended by local authorities.
A vehicle from Hertz Iceland equipped for highland use typically comes with a full-size spare tyre and recovery points, both of which matter far more on an F-road than on a paved Ring Road stretch where help is rarely more than an hour away. Asking about these highland-specific extras when you book with Hertz Iceland ensures the vehicle actually arrives ready for the route you intend to drive.
Why the Right Rental Partner Matters Most Here
Highland driving is the one part of an Iceland trip where the gap between an adequate rental and the right rental becomes genuinely consequential. Choosing Hertz Iceland for this kind of trip means access to a fleet specifically built for these conditions, staff who can speak knowledgeably about current route status, and 24/7 emergency support that becomes far more valuable once you are hours from the nearest town.
For travellers who have already done a standard Ring Road trip and are looking for something more remote on a return visit, the highlands represent a genuinely different side of the country, and having the right vehicle underneath you changes the entire experience from stressful to genuinely exhilarating. Confirming route conditions with Hertz Iceland the morning of departure is a small habit that consistently pays off on interior routes.
Conclusion
Iceland's highlands reward the well-prepared traveller with landscapes that feel almost otherworldly, precisely because so few visitors make it there. Getting there safely depends entirely on matching the right 4x4 to the route, respecting river crossings, and travelling with a rental partner who understands the terrain. With a properly equipped vehicle from Hertz Iceland, the interior stops being an intimidating idea and becomes a realistic, unforgettable extension of your trip.
Call to Action
Ready to go beyond the Ring Road? Explore highland-ready 4x4 options and current seasonal F-road availability with Hertz Iceland and start planning the interior route you have been reading about for years.