Two roads significant to photographers travelling Iceland’s south and east have been closed following flood damage, according to RÚV English, reporting on 2 October 2026. Þórsmerkurvegur (route 249), which gives access to the Þórsmörk highland valley, and the road across Breiðdalsheiði (route 95) in the east were both washed out after heavy rainfall left the ground saturated across the southeast and east. Continued wet weather is forecast through the coming days, particularly in the south and west.
Why this matters for photographers
Route 249 is the primary access road to Þórsmörk, a popular autumn destination for highland colour and dramatic mountain scenery. Route 95 across Breiðdalsheiði is a key link for photographers moving between east Iceland locations. With further substantial rainfall forecast and ground already saturated, conditions on these and surrounding roads are unlikely to improve quickly. Photographers planning itineraries in the south or east should factor in significant delays or the need to reroute entirely.
What photographers should do
- Check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) at road.is before departing, and again each morning, as closures may extend or new ones may be added as rainfall continues.
- Do not attempt to drive around barriers or cross washed-out sections — flood damage can make roads unstable beyond what is visible, and river crossings change rapidly after heavy rain.
- Build flexibility into your schedule: the east and south offer alternative locations that do not require the affected roads, and conditions may shift as the week progresses.
For full guidance, see our Iceland F-Roads for Photographers: Access, Safety & Seasons.
Source: RÚV English — https://www.ruv.is/english/2026-10-02-expect-a-wet-weekend-488643/