Landmannalaugar Loop (F208)

The F208 to Landmannalaugar delivers you to Iceland’s most colorful mountains, where rhyolite peaks glow in impossible reds, yellows, and greens above steaming hot springs. The route involves serious river crossings — the Markarfljót ford has claimed vehicles when glacial melt turns it into a raging torrent. Once there, you can soak in natural geothermal pools while surrounded by mountains that look like they’ve been painted by aliens.

This is a difficult route demanding experienced river crossing skills and modified 4WD with snorkel, diff locks, and aggressive tires. The Markarfljót crossing can be waist-deep with strong current — scout carefully and travel in convoy. Open July to early September only. What you get: access to Iceland’s geological crown jewel and the satisfaction of conquering one of the island’s most technical F-roads. The hot springs alone are worth the white-knuckle river crossings.