When does F26 (Sprengisandur) open?

F26 Sprengisandur opened on average around 6 Jul (range 21 Jun – 13 Jul) over 2021–2025, per Vegagerðin's record. The exact date is set each year by Vegagerðin after a physical inspection and depends on snowpack and spring weather - even within the open season, status can change day to day with weather. See the live status above for whether it's open right now.

F26 Sprengisandur

Central Highlands · Highland mountain road · 4x4 only · updated Aug 3, 15:00 UTC

Open

Current conditions

Open.

4x4 vehicles only

Updated Aug 3, 15:00 UTC · from Vegagerðin.

Typical opening

Opens around 6 Jul

21 Jun

Earliest

13 Jul

Latest

6 Jul

Average

Long remote interior crossing; opens late.

From Vegagerðin's 2021–2025 opening record (source) - not a guarantee. Each year's date is set after inspection and shifts with snowpack. Always confirm the live status before you drive.

Route length (estimate)

~158 km one-way · roughly 5h 15m - 8h 46m driving time

A rough planning range only, from the road's real length at two flat reference speeds - it does not account for weather, the road surface on the day (potholes, washboard, mud), time spent scouting and crossing rivers (each can add 15-60+ minutes), or pulling aside for oncoming traffic on single-lane stretches. Real trips on F26 can easily take longer. Always confirm the live status above and budget significant extra time.

Recorded status changes

Currently Open for 1 day · since 2 Aug 2026

Open2 Aug 2026
Open - 4×4 only30 Jul 2026
Open - 4×4 only11 Jul 2026
Open - 4×4 only3 Jul 2026
Closed22 Jun 2026

Sources: umferdin.is (Vegagerðin) and SafeTravel.is. All F-road statuses → Compare opening dates → Plan a route to Lakagígar→