Posted: 4/2/2024 | 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 putting look. In case you ask me, it’s proper up there with New Zealand and Norway when it comes to probably the most stunning nations on the earth.

And, identical to each of these locations, it’s a tremendous place to take a highway journey.

Due to its beautiful pure magnificence, security, and ease of transportation, Iceland has turn out to be a well-liked vacation spot for solo vacationers and first-time highway trippers. Sure, it may be costly, however it has a lot to see and do, together with tons of wonderful hikes and waterfalls which can 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 through the years, I feel taking a highway 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 here are my high 13 Iceland road-trip ideas:

1. Be sure to have automotive insurance coverage

I by no means go away house with out journey insurance coverage. And I by no means hire a automotive with out complete auto insurance coverage both.

In most locations, this may appear to be overkill. I imply, how usually do you really use your automotive insurance coverage?

In Iceland, nonetheless, the climate adjustments usually — and drastically.

Rain and snow are frequent, and gravel and sand usually harm home windows. However the actual risk most drivers aren’t ready for is the wind. The gusts listed here are so sturdy that automotive doorways are commonly ripped off their hinges (each time I’ve rented a automotive right here, the corporate has jogged my memory of this).

Mix that with winding, slim roads and an abundance of energetic volcanoes, and also you’ve acquired your self a recipe for automotive hassle.

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

With regards to renting a automotive, I like to recommend Uncover Vehicles. While you e book, it’s tremendous straightforward so as to add automotive 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 should use the widget under to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

2. Hire the correct automobile

It’s straightforward to hire a automotive in Iceland. You don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow if in case you have a sound license utilizing Latin letters with a license quantity, {photograph}, and expiration date. Which means People, Canadians, Australians, Brits, and New Zealanders can all hire a automotive right here with their common license.

When renting a automobile in Iceland, you’ve three predominant decisions:

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

In case you’re simply planning to see the principle sights whereas sleeping in hostels, lodges, and/or Airbnbs, an everyday automotive will do the trick. It’s the most cost effective choice too.

If you wish to discover the rugged inside (often called the Highlands), a 4×4 is required, because the roads there are sometimes unpaved, gravel ones known as “F-roads,” which might solely be traversed by 4×4 autos (for those who drive an everyday automotive on them, your insurance coverage protection can be void).

Your remaining selection is a campervan/RV. These are for vacationers who need to sleep of their automobile as they journey. They’re the most costly choice, however you’ll lower your expenses on lodging, so it sort of balances out.

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

(Be aware: It doesn’t matter what kind of car you’ve, by no means drive off-road. It’s extremely unlawful because of the fragility of Iceland’s ecosystem. Not solely does off-roading harm this stunning atmosphere, however you may face stiff fines if caught.)
 

3. Obtain the correct apps

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

• Google Translate – Whereas English is broadly spoken, the app will be useful for studying indicators and instructions. Simply be certain to obtain Icelandic for offline use so to nonetheless translate issues even with out cellular knowledge.
• Google Maps – The perfect app for trying up instructions. Ensure to obtain your maps so you’ve them for offline use.
• Safetravel.is – This app shares climate alerts, highway closure data, and extra. It’s good to have so that you will 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. (In case you’re a passenger and want a journey, you may submit right here too.) One other useful website for locating passengers is Couchsurfing.

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

4. Convey a paper map

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

Give your self peace of thoughts: carry a paper highway map with you, and simply go away it within the glove field. You seemingly received’t want it, however for those who do, you’ll be glad you’ve it!
 

5. Select your course properly

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

Nonetheless, if you wish to be contrarian otherwise you need to get off the overwhelmed 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.

In case you actually need to get off the overwhelmed path and beat the crowds, head to the Westfjords. Solely a fraction of vacationers come right here, so it’s house to a number 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 (if in case you have a automotive)

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

7. Examine the climate usually

I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: the climate in Iceland adjustments quickly. For that motive, you’ll need to keep watch over the forecast. Whereas driving in wind or rain may not be a difficulty, for those who’re planning to get out and hike or go to a number of the waterfalls, you’ll need to be sure to’re ready for the climate. The Vedur.is app (talked about above) is a should.

It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to, carry rain gear (together with a hat), waterproof footwear, and a sweater. Even in the summertime, Iceland isn’t scorching, and rain isn’t unusual both. Put together accordingly so your journey isn’t ruined (particularly for those who plan on climbing).
 

8. Solely pull over the place there may be area

You’ll be tempted to cease your automotive usually to take photographs. And I imply actually usually. 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 tug over to get out and take photographs, however accomplish that with warning. Attempt to pull off the highway solely at designated stops or the place there may be room to take action with out impeding site visitors. Whereas the Ring Street isn’t a superhighway, it’s a busy route with common site visitors in each instructions. Don’t endanger your self or others for a photograph. Keep on with designated stopping areas.
 

9. Regulate your fuel tank

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

When you can typically lookup the place fuel stations are by way of Google Maps, I at all times be certain to high up once I can. The peace of thoughts is value 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.

In case you’re seeking to drive all the Ring Street, plan for no less than 10-14 days. Whereas you are able to do it in much less, you may be rushed and can spend extra time driving than I’d suggest. (In case you simply need to see the principle highlights within the south and east, 5-7 days is enough.)

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

In case you’re on the lookout for advisable itineraries, this submit breaks down all my options for various time frames, all the best way as much as a complete month.
 

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

Iceland suffers from success. The nation is swamped by vacationers through the summer time, 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 could nonetheless be crowded round Reykjavik and the sights closest to town.

For that motive, I recommend visiting within the shoulder season. The climate continues to be heat and there can be far fewer individuals. All the things can be a little 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 affords a number of the most untamed and delightful landscapes in Iceland.

Moreover, I recommend avoiding winter visits too for those who plan on driving. Street situations are lower than supreme, and snowstorms are frequent. Except you’ve numerous 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 hire a automotive 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. Choose up passengers

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

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

13. Comply with the foundations of the highway

Being a accountable traveler means following native norms and legal guidelines. Bear in mind that Iceland has stricter driving legal guidelines and penalties than chances are you’ll be used to. Ensure 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 telephone whereas driving. Use a hands-free setup if it is advisable to speak and drive, or else pull over. Not solely is it harmful, however you may face excessive fines as properly.
• Be careful for others on the highway. This contains sheep (there are extra sheep than individuals right here) and cyclists. Go slowly and provides them a large berth.
• Know who to name. In case you expertise an emergency, dial 112 for help. It’s the equal of 911 within the US/Canada.

Iceland Street Journey FAQ

How troublesome is a highway journey in Iceland?
Iceland is without doubt one of the best nations on the earth for a highway journey. The reason being that there’s primarily only one lengthy highway that circles the nation (often called Route 1, or the Ring Street). That makes it fairly straightforward to get round and troublesome to get misplaced.

How lengthy do it is advisable to road-trip round Iceland?
In case you plan to drive all the Ring Street, you’ll need no less than 10 days (14 days could be higher). In case you simply need to see the principle sights within the south and east, 5-7 days ought to be lots.

Is Iceland very costly?
Iceland will 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 value renting a 4×4?
I’d solely hire a 4×4 if in case you have prior highway journey expertise and are planning to go off highway. For the common customer seeking to see the principle sights, a 4×4 shouldn’t be needed.

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

In case you have an everyday 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 earth. In case you’re new to solo journey, it’s the right place to begin.

Iceland is without doubt one of the most stunning nations on the earth. It’s additionally among the best (and best) locations to do a highway journey. Whereas it might be costly, it’s very protected and straightforward to get round, and there are many free issues to see and do to maintain prices down. Simply comply with the guidelines above, and also you’ll have a enjoyable and protected go to to this rugged island nation!

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