Highlands

Only in summer — F-roads typically open late June to early September once the snow melts, and close again with the first autumn snows. Exact dates vary yearly; check road.is.

Yes, by law. Every Highland route is an F-road, which requires a 4x4; driving them in a 2WD is illegal, uninsured and dangerous.

A geothermal area in the Fjallabak reserve famous for rhyolite mountains in reds, greens and yellows, a natural hot bathing river, and the start of the Laugavegur trek.

Take a Highland bus or a guided Super Jeep day tour from Reykjavík or the south coast to Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk or Askja in summer.

Iceland's most famous multi-day hike, ~55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over 2–4 days, through geothermal fields, glaciers and gorges.

Some routes have unbridged river fords. Assess depth and current on foot first, cross slowly in low gear, and never attempt a river in flood.

A lush volcanic valley between three glaciers, reached by a river-heavy F-road (Super Jeep or bus recommended) — a hiking paradise and the end of the Laugavegur trek.

Yes — a remote caldera in the northeast Highlands with the Víti crater lake you can bathe in. It's a long, rugged drive best done by Super Jeep tour.

Only on organised Super Jeep or snowmobile tours — the F-roads are closed and self-driving is impossible. Independent winter travel is not permitted.

Mountain huts and campsites at Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk and Kerlingarfjöll (book huts far ahead), or base in Hella/Hvolsvöllur on the edge of the south.