Roads in the Central Highlands are already being opened to the public, far earlier than in previous years. Several popular roads have already been opened, ahead of schedule. Unusually light snow during the past winter is the primary reason.
Central Highlands opened unusually early
Roads in the Central Highlands are closed during the winter due to difficult conditions, and are not re-opened to traffic until early to mid summer when the Icelandic Road and Coastal Authority has determined the roads are clear of snow and safe for traffic.
Snow melt in the Central Highlands makes unbridged rivers dangerous to pass, as well as turning roads into impassable mudflats.
Light snow and an early spring have worked together to allow roads to be re-opened ahead of schedule.
Some of most popular routes already opened
Among the Central Highland roads which have already been opened are some of the most popular routes. Kjalvegur road (F35), which crosses Kjölur plateau between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers was opened last week. Fjallabaksleið nyrðri road (F208), the road into Landmannalaugar Central Highlands oasis north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier was also opened last week. The other major road into Landmannalaugar Landmannaleið road (F225) remains closed.
The most accessible of the Central Highlands roads, the road through Kaldidalur valley, Route 550, crossing the highland plateau west of Langjökull glacier has also been opened to traffic. This road was opened on June 1, which is a record. Never before has the road been opened this early in the summer.
Other major highlands routes are expected to open in coming weeks.
Only suitable for 4x4s
Travellers are advised NEVER to drive onto closed mountain or highlands roads. Roads are closed to traffic for a reason.
Travellers are also advised that highlands roads, and all roads marked with an F (The F stands for Fjallvegur, Mountain Road) are only suitable for 4x4s and larger specially equipped SUVs. There are no service stations in the Central Highlands, and you must ensure you have a full tank before heading into the highlands.
Most rental car insurance does NOT cover damages caused by driving on F-roads. No rental car insurance covers damages caused when crossing unbridged rivers.
Before heading into the Central Highlands you should ALWAYS check road conditions at the site of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Authority, as well as checking the weather with the Meteorological Office.
Roads in the Central Highlands are already being opened to the public, far earlier than in previous years. Several popular roads have already been opened, ahead of schedule. Unusually light snow during the past winter is the primary reason.
Central Highlands opened unusually early
Roads in the Central Highlands are closed during the winter due to difficult conditions, and are not re-opened to traffic until early to mid summer when the Icelandic Road and Coastal Authority has determined the roads are clear of snow and safe for traffic.
Snow melt in the Central Highlands makes unbridged rivers dangerous to pass, as well as turning roads into impassable mudflats.
Light snow and an early spring have worked together to allow roads to be re-opened ahead of schedule.
Some of most popular routes already opened
Among the Central Highland roads which have already been opened are some of the most popular routes. Kjalvegur road (F35), which crosses Kjölur plateau between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers was opened last week. Fjallabaksleið nyrðri road (F208), the road into Landmannalaugar Central Highlands oasis north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier was also opened last week. The other major road into Landmannalaugar Landmannaleið road (F225) remains closed.
The most accessible of the Central Highlands roads, the road through Kaldidalur valley, Route 550, crossing the highland plateau west of Langjökull glacier has also been opened to traffic. This road was opened on June 1, which is a record. Never before has the road been opened this early in the summer.
Other major highlands routes are expected to open in coming weeks.
Only suitable for 4x4s
Travellers are advised NEVER to drive onto closed mountain or highlands roads. Roads are closed to traffic for a reason.
Travellers are also advised that highlands roads, and all roads marked with an F (The F stands for Fjallvegur, Mountain Road) are only suitable for 4x4s and larger specially equipped SUVs. There are no service stations in the Central Highlands, and you must ensure you have a full tank before heading into the highlands.
Most rental car insurance does NOT cover damages caused by driving on F-roads. No rental car insurance covers damages caused when crossing unbridged rivers.
Before heading into the Central Highlands you should ALWAYS check road conditions at the site of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Authority, as well as checking the weather with the Meteorological Office.
