July 4, 2025
Guide to the Tunnels in Iceland
If you are planning to visit Iceland for the first time, you’re in for a treat because driving there is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Iceland’s roads are unlike any you’ll find across the world. But not all interesting things are seen above ground, and nestled beneath the surface, you will find some very interesting tunnels in Iceland, and one of them even features a crossroad in its depths! These make getting around Iceland that much easier, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into with each one.
There are currently 14 operating road tunnels in Iceland, with 10 major ones forming key parts of the country’s road network. Notable tunnels include the Hvalfjörður Tunnel, Norðfjarðargöng, and Fáskrúðsfjarðargöng, each offering drivers a unique way to experience Iceland’s landscapes.
As you travel around Iceland, these tunnels provide safe and efficient routes through otherwise challenging terrain. To help you navigate, we’ve put together a guide to Iceland’s tunnels, complete with maps showing their locations and important details to keep in mind for each.
Map of Tunnels in Iceland
If you’re planning a road trip around Iceland, it’s helpful to know if you’ll encounter any tunnels on your route. This map of Iceland’s tunnels should help you get an idea of whether or not your planned route will lead you through any of these tunnels.
1. Héðinsfjarðargöng – The Longest Tunnel in Iceland
Iceland’s longest tunnel offers an easy drive from Ólafsfjörður to Siglufjörður. It was finished in 2010 and is 11,000 meters long (6.83 miles). You can find it north of Akureyri in North Iceland. The tunnel opens up in Héðinsfjörður after 7.1 kilometers (4.4 miles) and then continues another 3.9 kilometers (2.4 miles) to Siglufjörður.
Driving through the tunnel is toll-free, like all tunnels in Iceland (except for Hvalfjarðagöngurinn and the new tunnel north of Akureyri).
2. Breiðadals and Botnsheiði Tunnels – The Crossroads Wonder
Officially opened in 1996, the Breiðadals tunnel is 9,120 meters long (5.66 miles). Only 2 kilometers of the tunnel have two lanes going in each direction. The rest is only one lane wide.
Located west of Ísafjörður in the Westfjords, this is the Icelandic tunnel with a crossroad set inside it. You might encounter traffic going south from Suðureyri while driving through this magnificent tunnel. It’s a well-lit tunnel and paved all the way, so just enjoy the ride in your Iceland rental car.
When meeting oncoming traffic in a one-lane tunnel, don’t worry - passing places are provided. If the passing place is on your side, you are required to pull in and allow oncoming vehicles to pass safely. Please observe the speed limits within the tunnels, as well-marked cameras are in place to enforce them and prevent speeding offenses.
3. Bolungarvíkurgöng – The Fjord Connector
This tunnel north of Ísafjörður opened in 2010 and is 5.400 meters long (3.36 miles). It is a two-lane tunnel with traffic going both ways. It’s well-lit and easy to drive. If you are in Ísafjörður, you can drive north to Hnífsdal, where you enter the tunnel to Bolungarvík.
4. Arnardalshamar – Iceland’s Oldest Tunnel
The first tunnel ever built in Iceland, Arnardalshamar, is 30 meters (98 feet) long and has two lanes. You will pass through it when you drive between Ísafjörður and Súðavíkur, which will allow you to enjoy a stunning journey.
5. Strákagöng – The Short Sprint
Strákagöng lies in the north of Iceland. This tunnel opened in 1967 and is 800 meters long (1/2 mile). It is a single-lane tunnel, and the same rules apply as in all single-lane tunnels in Iceland; if you meet oncoming traffic and the passing place is on your side (your right), you are required by law to stop and let the oncoming traffic pass by.
6. Múlagöng – The Arctic Gateway
Múlagöng is located north of Akureyri. It’s the tunnel connecting Dalvík to Ólafsfjörður. It opened in 1990 and is 3,400 meters long (2.11 miles). This is a one–lane tunnel with passing places.
7. Hvalfjarðargöng – The Seabed Serpent
Hvalfjarðargöng, just north of Reykjavík, is a tunnel that goes under the fjord Hvalfjörður. It’s 5,770 meters long (3.59 miles), with 3,750 meters (2.33 miles) of the tunnel lying beneath the seabed. There are two lanes on the south side (closer to Reykjavík) and three lanes going north. The deepest part of the tunnel reaches a depth of 165 meters (541 feet).
The tunnel has been toll-free since September 28, 2018. Before then, a toll was charged, but since management transferred to the Icelandic Road Administration (Vegagerðin), toll collection has been discontinued.
There are lay-bys in the tunnel, but those are only for emergencies. There are also speed cameras in the tunnel to catch any speeding offenses, so make sure to drive carefully at all times.
The tunnel is monitored around the clock by over 80 cameras. Additionally, you have both FM radio reception (RÚV on 93.5 & 90.1, Bylgjan on 98.9) and mobile phone coverage throughout the tunnel. To highlight a few more safety features:
- There are fire extinguishers and emergency phones every 125 m (410 ft).
- The tunnel has 40 powerful fans to blow out exhaust gases.
- The staff in the toll booths guard all aspects of the tunnel at all times.
- There are safety lights on the ceiling every 50 meters (164 feet).
- There are emergency lights every 62.5 meters (205 feet) that turn on if there is a blackout.
8. Oddsskarð – The Mountain Tunnel
Oddsskarð tunnel lay north of Eskifjörður and led to Norðfjörður. It was 640 meters (0.4 miles) long and had only one lane. The tunnel was free of charge and featured plenty of passing places. It opened in 1977 and sat 600 meters above sea level. The tunnel has since been decommissioned for day-to-day use and replaced by a new tunnel just northwest of Eskifjörður.
8b. Norðfjarðargöng – The New Frontier
Norðfjarðargöng is 7.5 kilometers (4.66 miles) long. It is taking over the traffic that previously passed through Oddsgarð. It is very well-lit, has lanes in both directions, and the feeling while driving it is something unique.
9. Fáskrúðsfjarðargöng – The Eastern Artery
Fáskrúðsfjarðargöng is 5,900 meters (3.67 miles) long and opened in 2005. The tunnel features two lanes, allowing traffic to flow safely in both directions. It was built to improve connectivity in the region, significantly reducing travel time and providing a safer alternative to the winding mountain roads. Well-lit and equipped with modern safety systems, the tunnel offers a comfortable and secure driving experience.
10. Almannaskarðsgöng – The Southern Connector
Almannaskarð tunnel opened in 2005 and is 1.300 meters (0.8 miles) long. This one also has lanes going in both directions. This tunnel connects the south side of Iceland with the East side. There used to be a difficult connecting road, but since the tunnel opened, driving to the east side has become easier and safer. The south entrance is located 39 meters (128 feet) above sea level, whilst the north entrance is 82 meters (269 feet) above sea level, giving the tunnel an incline of 4.6%.
When you rent a car with GO Iceland, each vehicle comes equipped with a map showing the locations of these tunnels. We also offer a more detailed map available for purchase at our offices. Our friendly staff are always happy to help with any questions you have about driving around Iceland - from travel recommendations to directions.
Safe travels around Iceland! #GoIceland
