The roads you will use
From Reykjavik you take Route 1 north, then Route 54 around the peninsula and Route 574 to Arnarstapi. These are paved. Some stretches have gravel or damaged edges, so slow down.
F-roads
F-roads are mountain tracks. The high road across the glacier area is an F-road, open for short summer windows. Rental agreements usually ban normal cars from F-roads and insurance may not cover damage. Read our Snæfellsjökull page before you try it.
Safety checklist
- Check road.is for road status and safetravel.is for alerts every morning.
- Check the wind forecast on vedur.is. Hold car doors with both hands.
- Fill the tank before the peninsula, and keep it above half.
- Slow down for single-lane bridges and blind hills.
- Do not stop on the road to take photos; use pull-outs.
- Emergency number in Iceland: 112.
Winter: short days, ice and sudden storms. If you are not confident, take a guided tour instead.
No driving?
A day tour removes all of this. See day tours from Reykjavik.
Frequently asked questions
What is an F-road?
A mountain road in Iceland, marked with an F, that is usually unpaved, may cross rivers and is open only part of the year. Normal rental cars are not allowed on them.
Do I need a 4x4 for Arnarstapi?
Not in summer: the main roads are paved. In winter a 4x4 helps with snow and ice. For the mountain road to Ólafsvík you need a suitable vehicle and an open road.
What is the biggest danger?
Wind and ice. Gusts can push a car sideways or take a door off its hinges, and winter roads can be icy.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It funds the research behind this site.
