As of 5 October 2026, the highland road section known as Öskjuleið, leading to Askja and Herðubreið in the central highlands, has been marked as “Vegur ekki í þjónustu” (road not in service) by Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road Administration. The status was previously listed as passable for 4×4 and larger vehicles. No reopening date has been given.
Why this matters for photographers
The Askja caldera and Herðubreið — the so-called Queen of Icelandic Mountains — are among the most photographically rewarding highland destinations in the country, but access depends entirely on the F-road network remaining open. October closures on Öskjuleið are typical as winter conditions arrive in the highlands, and this season’s closure marks the effective end of the 2026 access window for this region. Photographers planning a late-season visit should treat access as finished until summer 2027.
What photographers should do
- Check the current status of all highland roads directly on road.is before departing for any F-road destination.
- Do not attempt to drive a closed highland road — “not in service” means the route is unpatrolled and rescue services cannot be guaranteed.
- Adjust your autumn itinerary towards accessible lowland and coastal locations, which remain reachable throughout October.
For full guidance, see our Iceland F-Roads for Photographers: Access, Safety & Seasons.
Source: Vegagerðin — https://www.road.is/travel-info/road-conditions-and-weather/