I'm planning a road trip to Iceland with my teenage grandsons for this summer. I've purchased RS' Iceland guidebook, and after looking at the maps provided, I am wondering about driving on Roads 821 and F26 in a 4-wheel drive from Akureyri to the south Coast. We don't have enough time to make the entire Ring Road but want to do the South Coast, Snaefelsesnes Peninsula and Akureyri. Need advice.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3760 posts
I personally would not do this and we have been to Iceland many times and been on other F roads. This past summer we were on the first part of F26 after 842 as that is where our guesthouse was so we went down to Aldeyjarfoss which is on the F road. Both of these roads have river crossings and very steep grades. Most roads in Iceland do not have guardrails and are very narrow. On a prior trip, we were on a very remote road I in the north and the fog set in very quickly, and unexpectedly, and it was NOT a fun drive to say the least. IF you attempted this, you would want something like a Land Cruiser, not just any 4WD. You would need something with some serious clearance.
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
850 posts
Most of the F roads are for serious, experienced drivers with specially equipped vehicles. You can find plenty to do on the south coast, Reykjanes Peninsula, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
In your planning, be aware of the solar eclipse happening in August. There will be a lot of people coming to Iceland for that event, and many places may already be sold out.