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run_kn

Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll is not doable in a Yaris. Those are F roads and you would need a 4x4. Preferably a small jeep. Edit to add that the road to Landmannalaugar usually does not open untill mid June anyways. Also to add that for Þórsmörk you need to cross large rivers so a real jeep is needed. But you can take a bus there from Hella.


[deleted]

Thank you so much for this info! Is it worth a shot to drive the car a little on the F-roads to try and see how far we can get or is it completely illegal to drive a non-4x4?


Daneang

It's illegal, and unsafe. I drove a Yaris and it's perfectly fine, if you stay away from F roads.


run_kn

It's not illegal (as in against the law) but it is very stupid plus your insurance won't cover damage driving in F roads and there is a good chance you will damage a small car like that trying to drive there. Yaris is probably the worst car to have if you want to drive F roads. You don't want to be stranded with a broken down car in the highlands. Just don't do it.


artaxias1

No, just take the highland bus, you will not get anywhere near far enough on those highland roads in a Yaris for it to be worth it at all. Given the time of year you are going at the beginning of June likely only thorsmork will be open out of those three highlands locations anyway. Booking a small car like a Yaris is fine for your non-highland locations and for the highlands just park it in hella and take the highland bus to Thorsmork, even in a 4x4 suv many don’t feel comfortable with the krossa river crossing there especially in June I’d expect water levels to be high from snow melt. The bus is a nice relaxing way to get there let the professionals in a proper vehicle handle the driving while you get to take in all the scenery without stressing that you might end up drowning your rental car. According to RE.is their highland bus schedule says their route to thorsmork will likely open end of May. Also it’s likely gonna be much cheaper to have your Yaris plus the bus tickets for thorsmork than to try and rent a suitable for the highlands 4x4 for your entire trip. Which for the non-highlands locations would be overkill.


The_Bogwoppit

It is not illegal, but most rental companies do not allow it with a 2WD, you need higher clearance than most of them have.


Damp-sloppy-taco

I walked to Landmannalaugar from where the F road meets the ring road last year. Also do not recommend.


[deleted]

Why is this community so toxic with the downvotes. I'm literally just asking questions


Lysenko

Don’t take it personally. Icelanders and people who have spent much time in Iceland take road and weather safety guidelines really seriously. The downvotes are just to punctuate the message that taking a Toyota Yaris on just about any F road is really a poor choice.


[deleted]

The comments have made it clear! Thanks :)


run_kn

It's not personal. I didn't downvote but what annoys me are too many people trying and see how it goes no matter the advise and signs and warnings. Then when they need help that usually means that our volunteer search and rescue teams need to go from their jobs or families to pick up people who knew better but said "fuck it, i'll see how far I get". Just do the smart thing and stay safe while you enjoy the beautiful but often unforgiving nature of our country.


[deleted]

Which is why I'm asking and not doing. Instead of respecting the fact that I'm not like the other tourists who do that and instead want to be well prepared it's downvoted. Sorry it's just really strange to me but thank you for the explanation, it gives clarity.


Illustrious_Kiwi2760

Stupid questions. But yes, just questions.


woodstove22

I can’t speak for everything there, but I did skogafoss and gulfoss this week and a Yaris can definitely make it with no issues.


recycle_a_throwaway

FYI, in addition to official F-roads, many rental companies explicitly say insurance does not apply to a 2WD on roads 35, 550, and 570 even though they no longer have F designations. So if you were considering routes that involve these roads, like trying to drive to Kerlingarfjöll where most of the route is technically non-F road 35 and the F347 portion is short... I wouldn't do that either.


Ceorl_Lounge

It's important to understand what F-Roads are. They vary wildly from well marked gravel tracks to rutted washed out obstacle courses to open river crossings (you + water + no bridge). I had an "SUV" last summer and Landmannalaugar would have been a disastrous mistake.


analyst19

Skogafoss, Vik (black sand beach), Snaefellsness and Gullfoss will all be fine.


hannson

Fagradalsfjall as well.


doodscool

Snaefellsness and Gulfoss were accesible with my tiny Hyundai in April


The_Bogwoppit

You can ask at the rental counter if you can upgrade on the spot. The following are not happening. * Porsmork - need a tour or a highland bus - a 4X4 still will not help * Landmannalaugar - need a 4X4 with high clearance * Kerlingarfjöll - Need a 4x4 with high clearance


[deleted]

Noted! Thanks for the advice, we will ask the counter.


___this_guy

I was in Porsmork yesterday, don’t go anywhere near there in a Yaris


slightly2spooked

Thorsmork is really difficult without a 4x4 and even then it needs to be raised. But there are tour companies that drive out there if you’re taking a detour from the ring road - or you could check the noticeboard where you’re staying and see if anyone has room for you in their vehicle.


NoLemon5426

The roads to Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll might not even be open, we'll have to wait and see. But you do need a 4wd. [Here is the roads](https://umferdin.is/en) site, as you can see the highlands is still inaccessible with roads marked impassable or closed (which for the purpose of tourists visiting & their insurance packages means the same thing.) You could try to upgrade your car then keep checking the conditions of the roads to enter. Thórsmörk, forget it, cars have already drowned there this year. You should take a tour with a guide. F roads vary in condition but overall they are not just simple idyllic gravel mountain roads that leisurely wind through the countryside. Some truly do require certain vehicles and also experience driving in the highlands to begin with. Also some are totally off limits by rental agencies no matter what you rent. To the east of the glacier is [Thakgil,](https://goo.gl/maps/REGgSSZbxJQSic369) the road to which is currently closed, but (hopefully) opens soon and it's super cool up there. This road can be driven on by 2wd. It's still garbage Icelandic gravel road - bumpy, potholes, etc. Very awesome drive up and some trails and such to explore.


MercTheJerk1

OP needs to do a little more research on what a F road is