Landmannalaugar F224 Rhyolite Mountain Access
Technical backdoor to rainbow rhyolite peaks
F224 is the more challenging backdoor route into Landmannalaugar’s famous rhyolite mountains, avoiding the tourist buses on F208 by threading through unmarked lava fields and the treacherous Jökulgil river system. The track deteriorates past Ljótipollur crater, becoming a maze of boulder fields and ash where GPS coordinates matter more than any visible path — locals call this section ‘the washing machine’ for good reason.
Difficult rating demands experienced drivers with modified 4WDs, winch recovery gear, and detailed topographic maps since trail markers disappear in the volcanic moonscape. Season runs late June to early September only, with river levels fluctuating wildly. Fuel up in Hella — nothing available for 200+ kilometers. The reward is accessing Landmannalaugar’s backside camping areas without the F208 crowds, plus those therapeutic geothermal pools surrounded by mountains that look like God spilled paint.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Technical, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 78 mi / 126 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2600 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Hella, Iceland |
| Land manager | Environment Agency of Iceland |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ust.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 stock Land Cruiser or lifted Defender handle the F224, or do I need serious suspension mods?
A stock Land Cruiser 200 or Defender 110 with decent all-terrain tires can manage, but you're pushing the limits on the deeper glacial crossings. Minimum 8–10 inches of clearance is realistic, and a snorkel is strongly advised — several crossings run thigh-deep and water entry into the air intake will end your trip fast.
Is the F224 actually open in June or do I need to wait until July?
Early June is risky — glacial melt keeps several crossings dangerously high and unpredictable. Late June through August is the reliable window; September can work but early snow and rising water return. Check the Icelandic Road Administration (road.is) for real-time F-road status before you leave Hella.
Do I need a permit to drive the F224 or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the F224, but it is restricted to 4WD vehicles — driving it in a 2WD or standard rental voids your insurance and is illegal. Dispersed camping is allowed in most areas outside designated highland reserves, but fires are prohibited across Iceland's interior highlands.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what actually makes it technical?
The glacial river crossings mid-route are the crux — they're unbridged, current-driven, and the bottom is loose volcanic rock that shifts under your tires. The approach through the lava fields also throws sharp, irregular rock that will punish sidewalls; go slow, pick your line, and don't rush. There's no winch point if you get sideways in a crossing, so a recovery rope and a spotter matter here.
How far is the nearest fuel stop from the trail, and is 78 miles realistic on one tank?
Hella is your last reliable fuel stop before heading into the highlands — fill completely there. The 78-mile trail plus approach and exit easily pushes 120+ miles of actual driving in low range, so bring a jerry can with at least 5 gallons extra. There is zero fuel, zero cell service, and no assistance on the F224 itself.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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