The road section leading to Öxi pass in East Iceland changed status from passable (Greiðfært) to impassable (Ófært) on 21 October 2026 at 17:56 local time, according to Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road Administration. No further comment was issued by the road authority. The route is not classified as a highland F-road.
Why this matters for photographers
Öxi is a mountain pass road connecting the Berufjörður and Fljótsdalshérað areas of East Iceland, and it is used by photographers travelling between the east fjords and the interior of the east region. Late October brings rapidly changing conditions at altitude, and a closure at this time of year can affect access to viewpoints along and beyond the pass. Photographers with plans in East Iceland should not assume the road will reopen quickly.
What photographers should do
- Check the current road status on road.is immediately before any planned journey, as conditions can change without notice.
- Plan an alternative route — the Ring Road (Route 1) coastal option via Breiðdalsvík remains available and avoids the pass entirely.
- Allow extra time in your schedule; autumn closures at Öxi can persist for days depending on snowfall and treatment conditions.
For full guidance, see our Iceland in Autumn for Photographers: September & October.
Source: Vegagerðin — https://www.road.is/travel-info/road-conditions-and-weather/