When does F88 (Öskjuleið (Askja)) open?

F88 Öskjuleið (Askja) opened on average around 30 Jun (range 14 Jun – 2 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.

F88 Öskjuleið (Askja)

NE Highlands · Highland mountain road · 4x4 only · updated Nov 1, 19:56 UTC

Closed

Current conditions

Closed.

Impassable

Updated Nov 1, 19:56 UTC · from Vegagerðin.

Typical opening

Opens around 30 Jun

14 Jun

Earliest

2 Jul

Latest

30 Jun

Average

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)

~78 km78 km49 mi one-way · roughly 2h 37m - 4h 22m 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 F88 can easily take longer. Always confirm the live status above and budget significant extra time.

Nearby weather

4°C4°C39°F8 m/s30 km/h19 mph wind

From Mývatn, ~39 km39 km24 mi away

Nearest reporting weather station - may not reflect conditions on the highland road itself.

Along the way

Curated destinations near F88's route.

Herðubreið

Table mountain rising 1682m above the highland desert. Symmetrical flat top. Surrounded by lava fields. 4x4 required.

- 4h 5m (40 km) drive from Askja

Get notified when F88 opens

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Recorded status changes

Currently Impassable for 5 days · since 26 Oct 2026

Impassable26 Oct 2026
Impassable8 Oct 2026
Impassable8 Oct 2026
Impassable8 Oct 2026
Impassable8 Oct 2026
Impassable8 Oct 2026
Impassable8 Oct 2026
Impassable6 Oct 2026
Closed5 Oct 2026
Open31 Aug 2026
Open21 Aug 2026
Open13 Aug 2026
Open2 Aug 2026
Open - 4×4 only30 Jul 2026
Open - 4×4 only11 Jul 2026
Open - 4×4 only26 Jun 2026
Closed22 Jun 2026

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

A 4x4 is legally required on this road, and a 2WD rental’s insurance is void the moment it turns onto it. What that means for your rental →