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 |
| Official sources | fi.is |
| 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
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted 4Runner or Land Cruiser handle F249, or does this trail demand more?
A stock or mildly lifted rig will get you killed on this one — not figuratively. F249 requires a purpose-built modified 4WD with a snorkel, lockers, and serious ground clearance. Glacial river crossings can run axle-deep or higher depending on the day, and the highland terrain punishes anything underprepared.
When does F249 actually open, and is there a hard cutoff date?
July through September is your window — full stop. The Icelandic Environment Agency controls Highland F-road access and gates them shut until snowmelt and river levels are safe, which rarely happens before late June and sometimes pushes into July. Don't gamble on early or late season; the roads close without warning and conditions deteriorate fast.
Do I need a permit to drive F249, and is there an entry fee?
No specific permit is required to drive F249, but access falls under Icelandic Environment Agency jurisdiction and Highland road rules apply — meaning F-road-rated vehicles only, enforced. Some camping areas along the route between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk charge a nightly fee collected on-site; carry Icelandic krónur or a card.
What's the hardest section of F249 and what should I actually expect?
The glacial river crossings are where this trail separates the prepared from the stranded. Water levels change daily based on glacial melt and overnight temps, so a crossing that was knee-deep yesterday can be door-panel deep by afternoon. Current is strong, the bottom is loose volcanic gravel, and there's no bridge — probe crossings on foot before you commit.
Is there any fuel between Selfoss and the far end of F249, and how much range do I need?
There is zero fuel on F249 — nothing between Selfoss and Þórsmörk once you're in the highlands. The full route is roughly 32km of trail, but factor in your access roads from Selfoss and exit toward Þórsmörk; total fuel commitment is well over 150km round trip from a reliable pump. Carry a jerry can, not a prayer.
Trail track
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