Westman Islands Highland Access (F249)
Expert highland connector between volcanic legends
The F249 connects two of Iceland’s most famous destinations through 32 kilometers of raw highland terrain, crossing multiple glacial rivers including the notorious Krossá. This route threads between Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers — yes, the one that shut down European air traffic in 2010. The Krossá crossing is the crux, a broad glacial river that can change from ankle-deep to axle-deep in hours depending on weather and ice melt.
This is an expert-level route requiring extensive river crossing experience and heavily modified 4WD with snorkel, differential locks, and aggressive mud tires. Travel only in convoy with recovery gear and satellite communication. Open mid-July to early September in good weather only. Your reward is connecting two highland gems via one of Iceland’s most challenging F-roads, earning serious respect from Icelandic 4WD community. Not for weekend warriors.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 20 mi / 32 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1837 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with snorkel and lockers |
| Nearest town | Selfoss, Iceland |
| Land manager | Icelandic Environment Agency |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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