Highlands and shores of Iceland driving a jeep or a 4×4 minibus
With your soul mate, your family, your friends, exploring the highlands in a jeep is an extraordinary adventure and a rare change of scenery
But first of all it is important to read the following recommendations:
One of the last great unspoiled spaces in Europe
The network of tracks in the uninhabited highlands (90% of the total surface area of the country) allows you to get lost far from everything, in a practically untouched and protected world.
Off-piste is strictly forbidden for obvious reasons of nature protection, but the tracks themselves represent an extraordinary adventure, sometimes sporty. The rangers ensure that these rules are respected.
Condition and opening of mountain roads
The first tracks begin to open in June and then gradually until mid-July. The opening dates are not fixed. They vary from one year to another because they depend on their condition: The disappearance of the last snowdrifts and the complete drying of the track. If these rules were not respected, it would mean the destruction of the track transforming it into muddy plowing, indelible off-track traces in the tundra to bypass an old snowdrift that blocks the track.
At the entrance to the largest tracks, a sign across the path clearly indicates that a track is still closed and prohibited. When the track is officially open, another fixed sign remains in place which clearly indicates that this track is reserved only for jeeps and other strong 4wd vehicles.
Condition and opening of mountain roads
The first tracks begin to open in June and then gradually until mid-July. The opening dates are not fixed. They vary from one year to another because they depend on their condition: The disappearance of the last snowdrifts and the complete drying of the track. If these rules were not respected, it would mean the destruction of the track transforming it into muddy ploughing, indelible off-track traces in the tundra to bypass an old snowdrift that blocks the track.
At the entrance to the largest tracks, a sign across the path clearly indicates that a track is still closed and prohibited. When the track is officially open, another fixed sign remains in place which clearly indicates that this track is reserved only for jeeps and large 4×4 vehicles.
During the first weeks of summer, Vegagerðin or IRCA (Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration) publish an online map regularly updated with precise information on the condition of the mountain roads. Mountain roads (marked F) open at very different times in different places and at very different times each year. There can be a difference of more than a whole month depending on the weather and how quickly the snow disappears and, more importantly, how quickly the roads dry out and can therefore be used without being damaged by traffic.
In summer, to find out the state of the mountain roads, open the two links below.
Please note that they will not be activated until the last week of May *
State of the mountain tracks (gif)*
State of the mountain tracks (pdf)*
Road Conditions and Weather
All year round by clicking on this link Road Conditions and Weather you get the precise information on the road conditions are listed and updated almost immediately every day.
A map showing the road conditions in different regions can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate place on the map of Iceland; a map of the whole country can be obtained by clicking on the center of the map. The maps contain general and detailed explanations in English.
The weather information comes from automatic weather stations and is therefore updated 24 hours a day. The weather forecast is available on the homepage of the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
Quote for a 4wd Self-drive adventure in Summer and Early Fall
Depending on the length of your vacation and your budget, we offer to help you build a great trip with you, to define an ideal itinerary with you, then provide you with the vehicle of your choice, the best accommodation around and inside the country, as well as our expert advice.
- Choice between different categories of 4×4 jeeps or minibuses.
- Choice between several categories of accommodation ranging from the most rustic to the most comfortable (We recommend mixing these different categories in order to create the ideal itinerary)
- Or without reserved accommodation if you travel with a 4×4 camper (Jeep pickup with rigid camping cabin) or jeep with a roof tent
To establish a tailor-made program and a detailed quote, we will first have to talk together about your itinerary, your wishes and what is feasible or not