13 Iceland Highway Journey Suggestions (Know Earlier than You Go)

Posted: 4/2/24 | April 2nd, 2024

Iceland is a magical nation. It simply feels out of this world, such as you’re on one other planet. The rugged volcanoes and black-sand seashores give the island a desolate however hanging look. Should you ask me, it’s proper up there with New Zealand and Norway when it comes to probably the most stunning nations on the planet.

And, similar to each of these locations, it’s an incredible place to take a street journey.

Due to its beautiful pure magnificence, security, and ease of transportation, Iceland has grow to be a preferred vacation spot for solo vacationers and first-time street trippers. Sure, it may be costly, nevertheless it has a lot to see and do, together with tons of fantastic hikes and waterfalls which might be free to get pleasure from. You don’t want to interrupt the financial institution right here.

Having been to Iceland a handful of occasions over time, I feel taking a street journey is one of the simplest ways to discover the nation. So, to make sure you save money and time and keep protected throughout your journey, listed below are my high 13 Iceland road-trip suggestions:

1. Be sure to have automobile insurance coverage

I by no means go away residence with out journey insurance coverage. And I by no means lease a automobile with out complete auto insurance coverage both.

In most locations, this may look like overkill. I imply, how typically do you really use your automobile insurance coverage?

In Iceland, nonetheless, the climate modifications typically — and drastically.

Rain and snow are widespread, and gravel and sand typically harm home windows. However the true menace most drivers aren’t ready for is the wind. The gusts listed below are so sturdy that automobile doorways are recurrently ripped off their hinges (each time I’ve rented a automobile right here, the corporate has jogged my memory of this).

Mix that with winding, slim roads and an abundance of lively volcanoes, and also you’ve bought your self a recipe for automobile hassle.

That’s why I at all times suggest vacationers have complete automobile rental protection once they go to Iceland. As a result of it’s a lot better to be protected than sorry right here!

On the subject of renting a automobile, I like to recommend Uncover Vehicles. While you guide, it’s tremendous simple so as to add automobile insurance coverage onto your buy with the press of a button. They make it clear what is roofed and the way a lot it prices.

You need to use the widget beneath to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

2. Hire the best automobile

It’s simple to lease a automobile in Iceland. You don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow in case you have a sound license utilizing Latin letters with a license quantity, {photograph}, and expiration date. Meaning Individuals, Canadians, Australians, Brits, and New Zealanders can all lease a automobile right here with their common license.

When renting a automobile in Iceland, you’ve got three major selections:

• A automobile
• A 4×4 (4WD)
• A van/RV

Should you’re simply planning to see the principle sights whereas sleeping in hostels, inns, and/or Airbnbs, a daily automobile will do the trick. It’s the most cost effective choice too.

If you wish to discover the rugged inside (referred to as the Highlands), a 4×4 is required, for the reason that roads there are sometimes unpaved, gravel ones known as “F-roads,” which may solely be traversed by 4×4 automobiles (when you drive a daily automobile on them, your insurance coverage protection can be void).

Your closing alternative is a campervan/RV. These are for vacationers who wish to sleep of their automobile as they journey. They’re the costliest choice, however you’ll get monetary savings on lodging, so it type of balances out.

Simply understand that commonplace transmissions are the norm right here, so reserve an automatic-transmission automobile if that’s a requirement for you.

(Notice: It doesn’t matter what sort of auto you’ve got, by no means drive off-road. It’s extremely unlawful as a result of fragility of Iceland’s ecosystem. Not solely does off-roading harm this stunning surroundings, however you might face stiff fines if caught.)
 

3. Obtain the best apps

Everybody road-tripping round Iceland ought to have the next apps downloaded to or web sites bookmarked on their cellphone:

• Google Translate – Whereas English is extensively spoken, the app could be useful for studying indicators and instructions. Simply ensure that to obtain Icelandic for offline use so as to nonetheless translate issues even with out cell knowledge.
• Google Maps – The very best app for trying up instructions. Be certain that to obtain your maps so you’ve got them for offline use.
• Safetravel.is – This app shares climate alerts, street closure info, and extra. It’s good to have so that you could be stored updated ought to inclement climate or emergencies come up.
• Vedur.is – That is one of the best climate app for Iceland.
• Samferda – This web site is nice for locating passengers if you wish to share a journey with somebody. (Should you’re a passenger and wish a journey, you may publish right here too.) One other useful website for locating passengers is Couchsurfing.

Examine the worldwide insurance policies and prices in your cellphone plan earlier than leaving, in order to keep away from sudden prices when utilizing these apps and/or web sites. If you wish to keep related with limitless knowledge in your journey, get an eSIM.
 

4. Carry a paper map

Each time I am going on a street journey, I at all times deliver a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is straightforward and free, and cell knowledge protection in Iceland is dependable. But it surely’s higher to be protected than sorry. You by no means know when your cellphone goes to interrupt, in case your sign can be misplaced, or there can be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: deliver a paper street map with you, and simply go away it within the glove field. You seemingly gained’t want it, however when you do, you’ll be glad you’ve got it!
 

5. Select your path correctly

The overwhelming majority of vacationers road-tripping by means of Iceland drive the Ring Highway (aka Route 1, the nation’s major freeway) counterclockwise. This lets you begin with the well-known Golden Circle after which head towards well-liked sights just like the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Sólheimasandur crash website, the glacier lagoon, and extra. Should you solely have just a few days to discover, that is one of the best path to decide on. If it’s your first-time visiting Iceland, that is the path I recommend.

Nonetheless, if you wish to be contrarian otherwise you wish to get off the crushed path, head clockwise. There are nonetheless some sights you may go to to kick issues off, such because the postcard-perfect Mount Kirkjufell and the rugged Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Should you actually wish to get off the crushed path and beat the crowds, head to the Westfjords. Solely a fraction of vacationers come right here, so it’s residence to a few of the most unspoiled landscapes within the nation. It was additionally the spotlight of all my time in Iceland.
 

6. Keep away from the F-roads (in case you have a automobile)

As talked about above, F-roads are rugged, unpaved routes that typically lead off the principle Ring Highway into the inside. Driving on these roads requires a 4×4 (4WD). You probably have a daily automobile, you gained’t be permitted to drive on them. You’ll void your insurance coverage protection whereas additionally risking blowing a tire or damaging the automobile. It’s not price it!
 

7. Examine the climate typically

I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: the climate in Iceland modifications quickly. For that motive, you’ll wish to keep watch over the forecast. Whereas driving in wind or rain won’t be a problem, when you’re planning to get out and hike or go to a few of the waterfalls, you’ll wish to ensure you’re ready for the climate. The Vedur.is app (talked about above) is a should.

It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to, deliver rain gear (together with a hat), waterproof footwear, and a sweater. Even in the summertime, Iceland is never scorching, and rain isn’t unusual both. Put together accordingly so your journey isn’t ruined (particularly when you plan on mountain climbing).
 

8. Solely pull over the place there’s area

You’ll be tempted to cease your automobile typically to take images. And I imply actually typically. Not solely are the principle sights in Iceland awe-inspiring, however the common sights are beautiful too. You’ll come throughout random vistas and waterfalls, craggy moss-covered hills, black-sand seashores, and a lot extra.

Will probably be tempting to drag over to get out and take images, however achieve this with warning. Attempt to pull off the street solely at designated stops or the place there’s room to take action with out impeding visitors. Whereas the Ring Highway isn’t a superhighway, it’s a busy route with common visitors in each instructions. Don’t endanger your self or others for a photograph. Keep on with designated stopping areas.
 

9. Keep watch over your fuel tank

As soon as you permit the busier a part of the island round Reykjavik, fuel stations grow to be few and much between. For that motive, you’ll wish to refill when you may. Don’t simply wait till you’ve got 1 / 4 tank, as you may run out of fuel earlier than you get to the following station.

When you can typically search for the place fuel stations are by way of Google Maps, I at all times ensure that to high up once I can. The peace of thoughts is price it. You’ll even be lined in case you get delayed or change your journey plans on the final minute.
 

10. Don’t rush

Lots of people assume that, as a result of Iceland is small, you may see the sights in only a matter of days.

You’ll be able to’t.

Should you’re trying to drive all the Ring Highway, plan for not less than 10-14 days. Whereas you are able to do it in much less, you’ll be rushed and can spend extra time driving than I’d suggest. (Should you simply wish to see the principle highlights within the south and east, 5-7 days is adequate.)

I want high quality over amount, so I at all times recommend vacationers decelerate and actually soak within the sights. You gained’t remorse it.

Should you’re searching for beneficial itineraries, this publish breaks down all my options for various time frames, all the best way as much as a whole month.
 

11. Keep away from the summer season (and likewise the winter)

Iceland suffers from success. The nation is swamped by vacationers through the summer season, between late June and early August, as that’s when the climate is the warmest and the times are the longest. Whereas “busy” in Iceland is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Barcelona or Venice, it will possibly nonetheless be crowded round Reykjavik and the sights closest to the town.

For that motive, I recommend visiting within the shoulder season. The climate continues to be heat and there can be far fewer folks. Every little thing can be a bit cheaper too.

If you’re set on going in the summertime, I’d recommend heading off to the Westfjords. It’s the least-visited space of the nation and gives a few of the most untamed and delightful landscapes in Iceland.

Moreover, I recommend avoiding winter visits too when you plan on driving. Highway situations are lower than very best, and snowstorms are frequent. Until you’ve got a number of expertise with winter driving, skip that season. (You’ll be able to undoubtedly do a winter go to to see the northern lights, I simply wouldn’t lease a automobile for that.)

Personally, I feel late Might to early June and late August to early September are one of the best occasions to go to. Costs are cheaper, the climate is first rate, and the crowds are thinner.
 

12. Decide up passengers

Should you’re touring on a price range, contemplate taking passengers. Having folks chip in for fuel for a leg or two of your journey is an effective way to economize whereas additionally connecting with like-minded vacationers. As talked about above, you should use web sites like Samferda or Couchsurfing to seek out them.

Another choice is to choose up hitchhikers. Within the hotter months, hitchhiking is tremendous widespread alongside the Ring Highway (I hitchhiked right here and had an excellent expertise). Whereas they often don’t have cash to contribute, they seemingly have cool tales and nice suggestions. It’s a straightforward method to assist different vacationers and enliven your individual journey.
 

13. Observe the foundations of the street

Being a accountable traveler means following native norms and legal guidelines. Bear in mind that Iceland has stricter driving legal guidelines and penalties than it’s possible you’ll be used to. Be certain that to do the next:

• By no means drive off-road. Respect the delicate Icelandic ecosystem and by no means drive off-road.
• By no means drink and drive. Iceland has very strict legal guidelines about driving underneath the affect (0.02% is the restrict). Not solely are you endangering your self and others, however the fines are extraordinarily excessive (100,000 ISK).
• By no means use your cellphone whereas driving. Use a hands-free setup if it’s good to discuss and drive, or else pull over. Not solely is it harmful, however you might face excessive fines as nicely.
• Be careful for others on the street. This contains sheep (there are extra sheep than folks right here) and cyclists. Cross slowly and provides them a large berth.
• Know who to name. Should you expertise an emergency, dial 112 for help. It’s the equal of 911 within the US/Canada.

Iceland Highway Journey FAQ

How tough is a street journey in Iceland?
Iceland is among the best nations on the planet for a street journey. The reason being that there’s basically only one lengthy street that circles the nation (referred to as Route 1, or the Ring Highway). That makes it fairly simple to get round and tough to get misplaced.

How lengthy do it’s good to road-trip round Iceland?
Should you plan to drive all the Ring Highway, you’ll need not less than 10 days (14 days could be higher). Should you simply wish to see the principle sights within the south and east, 5-7 days needs to be lots.

Is Iceland very costly?
Iceland could be very costly. Meals, lodging, rental automobiles, and fuel are all expensive. Nonetheless, there are many methods to save lots of too. By sharing a automobile (and splitting prices), cooking all of your meals, and tenting or sticking to hostels, you may simply do it for underneath $100 USD per day.

Is it price renting a 4×4?
I might solely lease a 4×4 in case you have prior street journey expertise and are planning to go off street. For the typical customer trying to see the principle sights, a 4×4 isn’t obligatory.

What’s an F-road?
An F-road is a route on which solely 4×4 automobiles can journey. They’re very rugged, unpaved roads, typically main you into the inside.

You probably have a daily rental automobile, you’re forbidden to drive on them.

Is it protected to drive solo in Iceland?
Iceland is constantly ranked as one of many most secure nations on the planet. Should you’re new to solo journey, it’s the proper place to start out.

Iceland is among the most stunning nations on the planet. It’s additionally among the finest (and best) locations to do a street journey. Whereas it could be costly, it’s very protected and simple to get round, and there are many free issues to see and do to maintain prices down. Simply observe the guidelines above, and also you’ll have a enjoyable and protected go to to this rugged island nation!

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