A campaign against off-road driving in the Icelandic Highlands

by Hugues Thiebault

Ökum slóðann (Let’s Drive the Trail) is a new campaign launched in Iceland to raise awareness and protect the country’s fragile highland landscape from the harmful effects of illegal off-road driving, an issue that regularly comes up in the news, despite the practice being prohibited by the Nature Conservation Act.

Experts warn that tire tracks in sensitive areas may take decades to disappear, underscoring the importance of adhering to designated routes. Just to mention one example, Eldhraun, in the south of the Icelandic highlands, is a vast moss-covered lava field on the country’s southern coast. The moss, which blankets the terrain formed by the 18th-century Laki eruption, is exceptionally fragile. Even minimal disturbance—whether by vehicle or foot—can cause damage that may take decades or even centuries to heal.

But off-road driving not only damages fragile ecosystems, it can cause soil erosion and disrupt wildlife habitats and nesting sites. 

Despite a notable rise in public awareness about environmental conservation in recent years, authorities report that illegal off-road driving continues to be a persistent problem in Iceland. The reason is a combination of recklessness and inexperience, as some drivers knowingly flout the rules, while others are simply unaware of how to navigate difficult terrain or the limitations of their vehicles.

The practice is common especially around heavily visited natural attractions. Authorities report that smaller, poorly equipped vehicles are frequently seen straying from designated routes, posing serious environmental and logistical challenges. Tourists caught flouting the law can face steep penalties.

Mountain Wilderness advocates for environmentally responsible travel that preserves the environment and minimises negative impact, and hopes this campaign will deter illegal off-road driving across Icelands fragile landscapes.

Reference:

Vísir – 2025, July 27