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

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 hanging look. When you ask me, it’s proper up there with New Zealand and Norway by way of probably the most lovely nations on the earth.

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

Due to its gorgeous pure magnificence, security, and ease of transportation, Iceland has develop into 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 take pleasure in. 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 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 dwelling with out journey insurance coverage. And I by no means lease a automotive with out complete auto insurance coverage both.

In most locations, this may look like overkill. I imply, how usually do you truly use your automotive insurance coverage?

In Iceland, nevertheless, the climate modifications usually — and drastically.

Rain and snow are widespread, and gravel and sand usually injury home windows. However the true risk most drivers aren’t ready for is the wind. The gusts listed here are so robust that automotive doorways are frequently 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 lively volcanoes, and also you’ve received your self a recipe for automotive bother.

That’s why I all the time advocate vacationers have complete automotive rental protection after they go to Iceland. As a result of it’s significantly better to be protected than sorry right here!

In relation to renting a automotive, I like to recommend Uncover Vehicles. If you guide, 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 need to use the widget under to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

2. Lease the fitting automobile

It’s straightforward to lease a automotive in Iceland. You don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow you probably 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 automotive right here with their common license.

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

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

When you’re simply planning to see the principle sights whereas sleeping in hostels, accommodations, and/or Airbnbs, an everyday automotive will do the trick. It’s the most affordable possibility too.

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

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

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

(Word: It doesn’t matter what kind of auto you’ve got, by no means drive off-road. It’s extremely unlawful because of the fragility of Iceland’s ecosystem. Not solely does off-roading injury this lovely setting, however you could possibly face stiff fines if caught.)
 

3. Obtain the fitting 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 will be useful for studying indicators and instructions. Simply ensure to obtain Icelandic for offline use as a way to nonetheless translate issues even with out cellular information.
• Google Maps – One of the best app for wanting up instructions. Be certain that to obtain your maps so you’ve got them for offline use.
• Safetravel.is – This app shares climate alerts, highway closure info, and extra. It’s good to have so that you will be saved updated ought to inclement climate or emergencies come up.
• Vedur.is – That is the perfect climate app for Iceland.
• Samferda – This web site is nice for locating passengers if you wish to share a experience with somebody. (When you’re a passenger and wish a experience, you possibly can publish right here too.) One other useful web site for locating passengers is Couchsurfing.

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

4. Convey a paper map

Each time I’m going on a highway journey, I all the time deliver a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is straightforward and free, and cellular information protection in Iceland is dependable. However it’s higher to be protected than sorry. You by no means know when your cellphone goes to interrupt, in case your sign will likely be misplaced, or there will likely be an emergency.

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

5. Select your route correctly

The overwhelming majority of vacationers road-tripping via Iceland drive the Ring Highway (aka Route 1, the nation’s principal 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 web site, the glacier lagoon, and extra. When you solely have a number of days to discover, that is the perfect route to decide on. If it’s your first-time visiting Iceland, that is the route I counsel.

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

When you actually need 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 dwelling to among 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 (you probably have a automotive)

As talked about above, F-roads are rugged, unpaved routes that usually lead off the principle Ring Highway into the inside. Driving on these roads requires a 4×4 (4WD). When you’ve got an everyday automotive, 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 automotive. It’s not price it!
 

7. Verify the climate usually

I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: the climate in Iceland modifications quickly. For that purpose, you’ll need to keep watch over the forecast. Whereas driving in wind or rain won’t be a problem, for those who’re planning to get out and hike or go to among 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, deliver rain gear (together with a hat), waterproof footwear, and a sweater. Even in the summertime, Iceland isn’t sizzling, and rain isn’t unusual both. Put together accordingly so your journey isn’t ruined (particularly for those who plan on mountaineering).
 

8. Solely pull over the place there may be house

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

It is going to be tempting to drag over to get out and take images, however achieve this 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 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. Persist with designated stopping areas.
 

9. Regulate your fuel tank

As soon as you permit the busier a part of the island round Reykjavik, fuel stations develop into few and much between. For that purpose, you’ll need to replenish when you possibly can. Don’t simply wait till you’ve got 1 / 4 tank, as you may run out of fuel earlier than you get to the subsequent station.

Whilst you can usually lookup the place fuel stations are through Google Maps, I all the time ensure to high up once I can. The peace of thoughts is price it. You’ll even be coated in case you get delayed or change your journey plans on the final minute.
 

10. Don’t rush

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

You may’t.

When you’re trying to drive your complete Ring Highway, plan for at the least 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 advocate. (When you simply need to see the principle highlights within the south and east, 5-7 days is ample.)

I choose high quality over amount, so I all the time counsel vacationers decelerate and actually soak within the sights. You gained’t remorse it.

When you’re on the lookout for advisable itineraries, this publish breaks down all my recommendations for various time frames, all the best way as much as a complete 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 could nonetheless be crowded round Reykjavik and the sights closest to town.

For that purpose, I counsel visiting within the shoulder season. The climate remains to be heat and there will likely be far fewer folks. Every part will likely be just a little cheaper too.

In case you are set on going in the summertime, I’d counsel heading off to the Westfjords. It’s the least-visited space of the nation and provides among the most untamed and delightful landscapes in Iceland.

Moreover, I counsel avoiding winter visits too for those who plan on driving. Highway situations are lower than ideally suited, and snowstorms are frequent. Except you’ve got a lot of expertise with winter driving, skip that season. (You may undoubtedly do a winter go to to see the northern lights, I simply wouldn’t lease a automotive for that.)

Personally, I feel late Could to early June and late August to early September are the perfect occasions to go to. Costs are cheaper, the climate is respectable, and the crowds are thinner.
 

12. Decide up passengers

When you’re touring on a finances, think about taking passengers. Having folks 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 use web sites like Samferda or Couchsurfing to search out them.

An alternative 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 ideal expertise). Whereas they often don’t have cash to contribute, they probably have cool tales and nice ideas. It’s a straightforward approach to assist different vacationers and enliven your personal journey.
 

13. Comply with the principles of the highway

Being a accountable traveler means following native norms and legal guidelines. Remember that Iceland has stricter driving legal guidelines and penalties than you could 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 beneath 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 that you must discuss and drive, or else pull over. Not solely is it harmful, however you could possibly face excessive fines as nicely.
• Be careful for others on the highway. This consists of sheep (there are extra sheep than folks right here) and cyclists. Cross slowly and provides them a large berth.
• Know who to name. When 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 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 known as Route 1, or the Ring Highway). That makes it fairly straightforward to get round and tough to get misplaced.

How lengthy do that you must road-trip round Iceland?
When you plan to drive your complete Ring Highway, you’ll need at the least 10 days (14 days could be higher). When 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. Nevertheless, 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 possibly can simply do it for beneath $100 USD per day.

Is it price renting a 4×4?
I might solely lease a 4×4 you probably have prior highway journey expertise and are planning to go off highway. For the common customer trying 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, usually main you into the inside.

When you’ve got 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. When you’re new to solo journey, it’s the right place to start out.

Iceland is without doubt one of the most lovely nations on the earth. It’s additionally among the best (and best) locations to do a highway journey. Whereas it could 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 observe the guidelines above, and also you’ll have a enjoyable and protected go to to this rugged island nation!

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