Iceland Gravel Roads: Map, Driving Tips, and Car Rental Advice

By Johanna Georgsdóttir Verified Expert

Most people look at Iceland as either paved routes like the Golden Circle and Ring Road or rough gravel roads like the F-roads, but the truth is, there are some roads in between the two. If you want the best of nature, venturing off the main roads is the perfect way to do it. Iceland’s gravel roads will take you to amazing places that will take your breath away.

One of the most common mistakes we see renters make is underestimating how often they will end up on gravel roads, even when they plan to stick to the main routes. As you plan your journey, cross-check your itinerary with the Iceland Road Administration gravel road map. If your route will take you on some of these roads, there are some critical things you need to know.

What Are Gravel Roads in Iceland?

First, let’s take a look at what gravel roads in Iceland are like. These unpaved roads can be rough with potholes, ruts, and larger stones in the road. Some of them consist of loose gravel that can be slippery, while others are packed gravel and offer a smoother drive. However, they all have lower speed limits and can be risky, especially if weather conditions are poor.

As long as a gravel road isn’t an F-road, it can be driven with most vehicles, but you will need to use caution and be prepared to turn back if it becomes too difficult. Keep a firm grip on the wheel, don’t brake hard, and don’t make sharp turns or movements. Most of all, enjoy the landscape!

Where You’ll Find Gravel Roads in Iceland

The Ring Road and most of the primary routes, such as the Golden Circle, are fully paved. However, secondary roads are often unpaved gravel roads. The F-roads are even rougher, but you don’t have to venture into the Highlands to encounter gravel driving conditions. The good news is that secondary roads are still generally in good shape, but you still need to be careful.

Here’s where you may encounter gravel roads in Iceland:

Gravel Roads Along the Ring Road

The Ring Road itself, which covers 1,332 km (828 miles), is entirely paved, but this doesn’t mean you won’t encounter gravel sections. If roadwork is ongoing, some parts may consist of a well-maintained gravel surface. However, you still need to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles to minimize the risk of damage. 

Rural and Secondary Roads

The most common area where tourists encounter Iceland’s gravel roads is in rural areas and on secondary roads. Many of the roads that lead away from the Ring Road are gravel, rather than paved. These roads are typically maintained well, but they are much rougher than the paved surfaces. 

Driving on these roads requires caution, but you won’t necessarily need a 4x4, especially in the summer months when road conditions and weather are generally good. Keep in mind that not all gravel roads are created equal. If the road becomes too rough for the vehicle you have, don’t hesitate to turn around.

Highland Roads and F-Roads

The other common place to encounter gravel roads in Iceland is the F-roads leading into the Highlands. These roads are not maintained and typically only open in the summer months, between mid- to late June and September. The rough condition of these roads often includes washboarding, potholes, large rocks, standing water, and unbridged river crossings, which feel more like off-road driving. Driving them requires a 4x4 with good clearance.

Types of Gravel Roads: Standard Roads vs F-Roads

Not all gravel roads are created equal. Some are not much different from your standard paved road, while others are uneven and rough, requiring a 4x4 with higher clearance to navigate them safely. Let’s look more closely at the differences between the two types.

Standard Gravel Roads

Standard gravel roads are secondary and rural roads that will take you to some of the amazing sights on your itinerary. They lead to farms, family homes, and many popular attractions. For example, many roads leading to famous waterfalls along the South Coast or scenic detours on Snæfellsnes Peninsula are gravel, despite being popular tourist routes. These roads are well-maintained and easily accessible by most vehicles, even 2WD if the weather is good. 

Iceland’s standard gravel roads are typically made from compacted gravel, but conditions can vary depending on the weather. They are often relatively smooth, but can be bumpy or dusty with ruts and potholes present. Use slower speeds, brake gently, and pay close attention to other vehicles. Maintaining distance is key to preventing damage.

F-Roads and Mountain Tracks

The F-roads and mountain tracks in the Highlands are also gravel roads, but these roads tend to be primarily loose gravel with deep ruts, potholes, washboarding, and other obstacles that require good ground clearance. They are not maintained and are only open during the summer. Routes like those to Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk are classic examples where a 4x4 is necessary.

Driving on F-roads and mountain tracks often requires unbridged river crossings, which means you must feel comfortable and confident. These roads lead through some of the most remote regions of Iceland, so preparation is also vital. Take plenty of food and water, and know where you are going and how to reach out for assistance, if needed.

In short, standard gravel roads are part of everyday driving in Iceland, while F-roads and mountain tracks take you to more remote regions.

Iceland Gravel Roads Map: How to Check Road Conditions

When driving in Iceland, you will likely come across many types of roads, including gravel roads that lead to many of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. One of the most important things to know is how to check the road conditions to determine if it’s safe to proceed. 

Using the Icelandic Road Administration Map

There are two primary maps released by the Icelandic Road Administration to help you safely navigate the country. The gravel road map clearly marks which roads are paved and which ones are gravel. However, it doesn’t differentiate between secondary, rural roads and F-roads. The other important map to have in your arsenal is road.is, which is regularly updated with the latest road conditions and closures.

The gravel road map is an excellent resource to complement your preferred navigation app as you plan your route. Knowing when and where you will encounter gravel roads on your trip will help you choose the ideal car rental from our fleet based on routes our customers typically drive. While you don’t need a 4x4 for standard gravel roads, having one can prevent damage and make the ride more comfortable.

The road condition website is more useful during your trip. Many travelers check once when planning, but in reality, conditions change so quickly that it’s best to check every morning and again before long drives.

Understanding Colors, Symbols, and Road Status

Understanding the gravel road map is simple. On this map, roads are either gray when they are paved or brown when they are gravel. This map also has clickable icons to take you to live webcams and arrows that indicate current wind speeds and direction. These features make the map useful during your trip, too.

As you drive around the country, the road conditions map is more important for daily use. Even in May and September, the shoulder seasons, conditions can be unpredictable. This color-coded map offers a clear overview of current road conditions to help you decide whether you should take your planned route or make adjustments.

The color-coded system is as follows:

• Green: Easily Passable

• Light Blue: Spots of Ice

• Dark Blue: Slippery

• Purple: Extremely Slippery

• Light Gray: Wet Snow

• White: Snow

• Yellow: Difficult Driving

• Orange: Difficult Road Conditions

• Red: Impassable/Closed

• Red with a Yellow Circle: No Motor Traffic Allowed

• Dotted Green: Mountain Vehicles Only

• Black: No Winter Service

• Dark Gray: Unknown

You will notice other symbols on the map as well:

• Crossed Arrows: Blowing Snow

• Asterisk: Snowfall

• Three Wavy Lines: Fog

• Arrow with a Triangle: Storm Conditions

• Arrow with a Triangle over an Asterisk: Blizzard Conditions

• Arrow with an ‘S’: Blowing Sand

• Asterisk over a Triangle: Snow Showers

• Snowplow: Active Winter Service

• Question Mark: Unknown

When specific hazards are present, they will be marked by a warning triangle with an icon that indicates what type of hazard, such as animals in the road, holes in the road, avalanche risk, loose gravel, or uneven roadways.

Speed Limits and Safe Driving on Gravel Roads

Speed limits in Iceland are lower than many people expect, but it’s for a good reason. The roads are narrow, and animals often cross the roadway. What many visitors don’t realize is that speeding is taken seriously, and getting caught results in high fines. With speed cameras in many places, you must pay close attention to your speed.

Official Speed Limits in Iceland

Iceland’s speed limits are straightforward, based on the location and type of road. While speed limits are generally well-marked, knowing which roads have certain speed limits can help.

Watch for speed limit signs that may indicate a speed other than the typical. In addition, be ready to adjust your speed for the current conditions. All posted speed limits are based on perfect conditions. With Iceland’s fast-changing weather and road conditions, slower speeds are often necessary.

Why Driving Slower Than the Limit Matters

Driving the posted speed limit on all roads is common when weather and road conditions allow. However, gravel roads are often rougher, and their conditions frequently require slower speeds than 80 km/h. Driving slower on these roads may be necessary due to:

• Reduced traction on loose surfaces
• Washboarding and potholes
• Flying rocks or gravel
• Blind hills and curves
• One-lane bridges or narrow roadways
• Changing weather conditions

Speed limits should be treated as a maximum, not a guaranteed speed. In many cases, driving comfortably on a gravel road will mean going no more than 50-70 km/h (30-45 mph). If the road is rougher or unfamiliar, you may even find yourself going slower.

Common Hazards on Icelandic Gravel Roads

Driving on Iceland’s gravel roads comes with common hazards that can easily damage your vehicle if you aren’t careful. Most travelers underestimate these hazards, but learning about them before you go will help you prepare for your journey and reduce your risks.

Loose Gravel and Windshield Damage

While some gravel roads are compacted to reduce the amount of loose stones, many of them still have enough loose gravel to become an issue. As cars drive down the road, they kick up gravel, which can hit the vehicles behind them. 

The most common damage we see when people return their cars after driving on gravel roads is windshield damage. Paint and headlight damage can also occur. These types of damage are so common that there’s a separate insurance add-on for it called gravel protection.

To avoid these damages, slow down and keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you. 

Livestock on the Road

During the summer months, Icelandic sheep roam freely throughout the country. This means there’s a real risk of encountering sheep on the roadways as you drive. Because stopping distances are generally longer on loose gravel, stay alert for sheep in or near the road. They are known to dart across with little to no warning. 

If you see animals near the road:

• Slow down
• Expect sudden movements
• Avoid honking because it can make them behave erratically

If you hit a sheep despite taking precautions, please report it to the nearest farm. 

Weather, Wind, and Visibility

The weather, wind, and visibility can be factors on all types of roads, but on gravel roads, they deserve more diligence. Weather changes rapidly and can have a significant impact on your safety when driving on gravel roads. Even the easiest roads can become dangerous fast. Don’t underestimate the power of weather.

Keep an eye out for:

• Strong winds that can push your vehicle off the road
• Heavy rain that turns the road into slippery mud
• Dust storms that can damage your vehicle and reduce visibility
• Fog or low clouds that reduce visibility

Staying cautious, driving carefully, adjusting to current conditions, and expecting the unexpected are vital for a safe driving experience, even on gravel roads.

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Gravel Roads in Iceland

Choosing the best rental car from our fleet will give you the confidence you need to drive gravel roads in Iceland. Which types of gravel roads are on your itinerary play a role in which type of vehicle you should consider.

When a 2WD Car Is Enough

For many travelers, a 2WD is all you’ll need, especially in the summer months. You can safely consider a 2WD if your itinerary includes:

• The Ring Road and other primary routes
• The most popular sights
• Well-maintained gravel roads

A 2WD works well if you’re visiting in the summer months, are comfortable driving on gravel roads, and are not planning to drive the F-roads. In these situations, you can save money on your car rental and fuel costs. However, it’s still important to approach gravel roads with caution and drive carefully.

When You Need a 4x4

While not strictly required for all routes, a 4x4 can mean the difference between a stressful drive and a comfortable one. We frequently see travelers wishing they had upgraded to a 4x4 after they actually experience gravel roads. We recommend upgrading to a 4x4 if you:

• Plan to explore more remote regions
• Visit outside the peak summer months
• Want extra stability, comfort, and clearance
• Expect to drive tougher gravel roads

Renting a 4x4 for gravel roads means:

• Better traction on loose gravel
• Higher ground clearance to clear obstacles like potholes and larger stones
• More confidence in unpredictable weather conditions

You may not absolutely need one for standard gravel roads, but having one can give you peace of mind.

Driving F-Roads: Legal and Rental Requirements

If your summer itinerary includes heading into the Highlands on the F-roads, you absolutely need a 4x4 with good ground clearance for the journey. These roads are only open in the summer and are not maintained. Without the proper vehicle, you can void your insurance and end up with costly repairs and towing bills.

When you rent a 4x4 from us, check for clearance for driving F-roads. We will provide you with a list of F-roads that are allowed with our vehicles to help you plan your route. Some roads are too rough or have dangerous river crossings that aren’t allowed with your rental car.

Gravel Road Insurance in Iceland: What You Really Need

A common mistake visitors make is not having enough insurance. At Reykjavik Cars, all of our rentals include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), including third-party liability insurance, but extra insurance is recommended due to Iceland’s varying conditions. Our premium and platinum insurance packages both include gravel protection insurance, among other add-ons.

What Gravel Protection Covers

So what does gravel protection cover? Gravel damage is one of the most common types of damage we see on returned vehicles. These common damages occur due to passing cars, driving too closely to the car in front of you, or even wind blowing loose stones into your vehicle. When you have gravel protection insurance, you get coverage for:

• Windshield chips and cracks
• Headlight damage
• Paint damage on the hood and front end

Gravel protection insurance does not cover:

• Undercarriage damage
• Tire punctures
• Water damage from river crossings
• Sand and ash damage (also included in our premium and platinum packages)

Is Gravel Insurance Worth It?

Should you upgrade to the premium or platinum packages, particularly for the gravel insurance? In our experience, most travelers who skip gravel protection insurance regret it later, especially when they see how easily things can happen. We recommend upgrading because:

• Gravel roads are unavoidable
• Windshield damage happens fast
• Repairs are expensive
• Peace of mind

You may not need the insurance if you’re only taking short drives, or you are sure your route is fully paved, and conditions will be good.

Practical Tips for First-Time Drivers on Gravel Roads

Driving on gravel roads may feel uncomfortable at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll feel confident in no time. Here are some practical tips to keep you safe on gravel roads:

• Start slow and get a feel for the road. Driving on gravel feels different, and your vehicle will respond differently.
• Maintain a steady speed and avoid fast, sudden movements, including fast braking. 
• Slow down when approaching other vehicles to reduce the amount of gravel you kick up.
• Pay close attention to the road surface. Watch for potholes, washboarding, loose patches, and other obstacles.
• Increase your following distance. 
• Keep an eye out for sheep in or near the road.
• Always check the weather and road conditions before you drive.

Final Advice for Driving Gravel Roads with a Rental Car in Iceland

Iceland’s gravel roads aren’t something to fear, but they should be respected. They take you to beautiful locations around the country, even some of the most popular sights. However, you need to know how to handle them and be properly prepared with the right rental car for your journey.

From our experience, renting the right car and choosing the proper insurance upfront sets a stress-free trip apart from a costly one. Know your limits, plan ahead, and be flexible to enjoy gravel roads with less stress. You’ll be amazed at the places they will take you.