Ultimate Guide to Driving to Mælifell in Iceland

Mælifell is located in the southern Highlands, close to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. There are three primary F-road routes to reach Mælifell, each with unique challenges and river crossings:

1. Route via F210 (Fjallabaksleið Syðri)

2. Route via F261 (Emstruleið) and then F210

3. Route via F232 and then F210

Each of these routes requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle due to the rugged terrain and river crossings. Let's go through each route in detail.

1. Route via F210 (Fjallabaksleið Syðri) from the West

Starting Point: Near the town of Hvolsvöllur, follow Road 261 until it turns into F261.

Route Details:

• From Hvolsvöllur, head east on Road 261 (Emstruleið) until it transitions to F261.

• Continue on F261, passing through scenic highland landscapes and sparse river crossings, until you reach the junction with F210.

• Turn onto F210 (Fjallabaksleið Syðri) and head east towards Mælifell.

Points of Interest:

• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier: Views of the glacier accompany much of the journey, creating a dramatic backdrop.

• Hvanngil Valley: The journey passes through striking valleys with black sand deserts and moss-covered hills.

River Crossings:

• Hólmsá River: A significant river crossing on F210 that can be challenging, especially after rainfall. The depth varies, but it can reach around 1 meter deep during high water levels. Check depth with a stick before crossing.

• Smaller Streams: There are a few additional smaller river crossings on F210, typically shallow, but still requiring caution.

Route Considerations:

• Vehicle Needed: A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is essential. The F210 is rugged and narrow, with volcanic sand and loose gravel.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging due to river crossings and changing terrain.

• Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours from Hvolsvöllur to Mælifell, depending on conditions.

2. Route via F261 (Emstruleið) and then F210 from the North

Starting Point: Access via Road 1 (Ring Road) near the town of Hella, turning onto Road 261.

Route Details:

• Start by driving east from Hella on Road 261, which becomes F261 (Emstruleið) as you enter the Highlands.

• Follow F261 southward until it connects with F210 (Fjallabaksleið Syðri).

• Turn east on F210 and follow it toward Mælifell.

Points of Interest:

• Emstrur Area: An area of breathtaking contrasts with black sands and stark lava fields.

• Hvanngil and Álftavatn: These areas are popular stops for hiking trails and highland huts, where you’ll experience Iceland’s stark, desolate beauty.

River Crossings:

• Krossá River: A challenging river crossing on F261. This river is known for its depth and strong current, so assess it carefully before crossing.

• Hólmsá River on F210: Another key crossing that varies in depth; avoid it if the water is too high.

• Multiple Streams: Along F210, you’ll encounter additional streams, but they are generally shallower than the Krossá and Hólmsá.

Route Considerations:

• Vehicle Needed: High-clearance 4x4 with a snorkel is recommended, as river levels can fluctuate significantly.

• Difficulty Level: High due to river crossings and very rough terrain.

• Travel Time: Approximately 3-5 hours from Hella to Mælifell, depending on river conditions and stops.

3. Route via F232 (Mýrdalssandur) and F210 from the South

Starting Point: Accessed from the southern Ring Road (Road 1), near the town of Vík.

Route Details:

• Head east from Vík on the Ring Road and turn onto Road 221, which becomes F232 (Mýrdalssandur).

• Follow F232 until it intersects with F210. From here, turn north onto F210 toward Mælifell.

• This route is more direct but traverses particularly challenging sand plains and river crossings.

Points of Interest:

• Mýrdalssandur Plains: Vast black sand plains that are surreal and hauntingly beautiful.

• Katla Geopark: Surrounding views of the Katla volcano under Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

• Volcanic Formations: Scattered lava fields and craters create a dramatic landscape unique to this route.

River Crossings:

• Hólmsá River: This crossing is unavoidable on F210 and requires careful assessment of the depth and flow.

• Smaller River Crossings on F232: Several smaller rivers cross this route, especially near the end of F232 as it connects with F210.

• Mýrdalssandur Flood Plain: After heavy rain, water can accumulate on the sand plains, creating unexpected crossings or muddy sections.

Route Considerations:

• Vehicle Needed: High-clearance 4x4 with all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. A snorkel is also beneficial.

• Difficulty Level: Challenging due to shifting sands, potential for flooding, and several river crossings.

• Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours from Vík to Mælifell, with variability based on weather and river levels.

Important Tips for Driving to Mælifell

1. Choose the Right Vehicle:

   • 4x4 with High Ground Clearance: This is mandatory on F-roads. Vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, or Toyota Hilux are ideal.

   • Snorkel: This is not mandatory but highly recommended for river crossings, especially after heavy rain.

   • All-Terrain Tires: Essential for handling Iceland's gravel roads and riverbeds.

2. Check River Depth and Flow:

   • Safety First: If in doubt, don’t cross. Iceland’s rivers can be deceptively fast and deep.

   • Gauge the Depth: Use a stick to measure depth, and avoid crossing if water is above your wheel hubs.

   • Morning Crossings: River levels are generally lower in the morning, so try to plan river crossings early in the day.

3. Check Road and Weather Conditions:

   • Road.is: The Icelandic Road Administration provides real-time road and F-road conditions.

   • Vedur.is: Iceland’s weather service offers up-to-date weather alerts. Rain or glacial melt can raise river levels quickly, so check both sources before setting out.

4. Plan for Emergencies:

   • Bring an Emergency Kit: Include blankets, food, water, first aid, and a GPS or map in case you lose cell signal.

   • Drive Slowly: The terrain is rugged, and sudden obstacles, like loose rocks or sand patches, are common.

5. Time Your Journey:

   • Daylight: Plan to travel during Iceland’s extended daylight hours in summer, as navigating these routes in the dark is dangerous.

   • Fuel and Supplies: Highland roads have no fuel stations, so fill up before you begin, and carry extra supplies.

6. Travel with Another Vehicle if Possible:

   • Solo Travel Precaution: These routes are remote, with minimal traffic. If you’re traveling alone, make sure someone knows your itinerary or consider joining a group for added safety.

The F210 (West) route is a moderately challenging route with a few river crossings, including the Hólmsá River and several smaller streams. This route offers scenic views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and passes through the beautiful Hvanngil Valley. Travel time from the western access point is approximately 3-4 hours. The F261 + F210 (North) routeis more difficult, primarily due to the Krossá River crossing, known for its depth and strong currents. This route provides access to the Emstrur and Álftavatn areas, popular for their stunning highland landscapes. The journey from the north takes roughly 3-5 hours. Lastly, the F232 + F210 (South) route is one of the most challenging due to its crossing of the Hólmsá River and the Mýrdalssandur sand plains, where flooding can occur after rainfall. This route highlights the dramatic scenery of Mýrdalssandur and the Katla Geopark. Travel time from the southern access point is about 3-4 hours. Each route requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and comes with unique challenges and scenic highlights, so choose based on your driving experience, preferred scenery, and current road conditions.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Mælifell is an unforgettable experience for those who want to explore Iceland’s remote and surreal landscapes. The journey requires respect for Iceland’s unpredictable nature, river-cross