þjóðvegi

Þjóðvegi is the Icelandic term for national roads. These are the main public roads in Iceland, maintained by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin). They form the backbone of the country's transportation network, connecting major towns and cities, as well as providing access to important tourist destinations and industrial areas. The numbering system for þjóðvegi typically starts with a single digit, such as Route 1 (Þjóðvegur 1), which is the Ring Road encircling the entire island. Other single-digit routes are major arteries branching off from Route 1. Routes with two digits generally indicate secondary national roads, while three-digit routes are often access roads or less significant national roads. The condition and surface of these roads can vary significantly, especially outside of the most populated areas. Many þjóðvegi in the Highlands are unpaved gravel roads and are only accessible during the summer months, often requiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle. In contrast, major routes like the Ring Road are mostly paved and well-maintained year-round, though they can be affected by severe weather conditions, particularly in winter. Travel times on þjóðvegi are heavily influenced by road conditions, weather, and speed limits, which are generally lower than in many other European countries.