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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. Should you ask me, it’s proper up there with New Zealand and Norway by way of probably the most stunning international locations on the planet.
And, identical to each of these locations, it’s a tremendous place to take a highway journey.
Due to its gorgeous pure magnificence, security, and ease of transportation, Iceland has turn out to be a preferred vacation spot for solo vacationers and first-time highway trippers. Sure, it may be costly, but it surely has a lot to see and do, together with tons of wonderful hikes and waterfalls which are 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 believe 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 below are my prime 13 Iceland road-trip suggestions:
1. Ensure you have automotive insurance coverage
I by no means go away dwelling 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 typically do you really use your automotive insurance coverage?
In Iceland, nonetheless, the climate adjustments typically — and drastically.
Rain and snow are widespread, and gravel and sand typically harm home windows. However the actual menace most drivers aren’t ready for is the wind. The gusts listed below are so robust that automotive doorways are recurrently 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, slender roads and an abundance of energetic volcanoes, and also you’ve bought your self a recipe for automotive bother.
That’s why I at all times 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 terms of renting a automotive, I like to recommend Uncover Vehicles. While you e book, it’s tremendous simple so as to add automotive insurance coverage onto your buy with the clicking 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. Hire the precise automobile
It’s simple 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 Individuals, 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 gotten three principal decisions:
- A automotive
- A 4×4 (4WD)
- A van/RV
Should you’re simply planning to see the primary sights whereas sleeping in hostels, inns, and/or Airbnbs, an everyday automotive will do the trick. It’s the most cost effective 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 automobiles (for those who drive an everyday automotive on them, your insurance coverage protection might be void).
Your ultimate alternative is a campervan/RV. These are for vacationers who need to sleep of their automobile as they journey. They’re the most costly possibility, however you’ll get monetary savings on lodging, so it type 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 sort of car you’ve gotten, 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 setting, however you might face stiff fines if caught.)
3. Obtain the precise 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 broadly spoken, the app might be useful for studying indicators and instructions. Simply ensure that to obtain Icelandic for offline use so to nonetheless translate issues even with out cellular information.
- Google Maps – The most effective app for trying up instructions. Make sure that to obtain your maps so you’ve gotten them for offline use.
- Safetravel.is – This app shares climate alerts, highway closure info, and extra. It’s good to have so that you might be saved updated ought to inclement climate or emergencies come up.
- Vedur.is – That is the most effective climate app for Iceland.
- Samferda – This web site is nice for locating passengers if you wish to share a experience with somebody. (Should you’re a passenger and wish a experience, you may submit right here too.) One other useful web site for locating passengers is Couchsurfing.
Test the worldwide insurance policies and costs in your cellphone plan earlier than leaving, in order to keep away from surprising costs when utilizing these apps and/or web sites. If you wish to keep related with limitless information in your journey, get an eSIM.
4. Carry a paper map
Every time I’m going on a highway journey, I at all times carry 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 might be misplaced, or there might 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 gotten it!
5. Select your route correctly
The overwhelming majority of vacationers road-tripping by means of Iceland drive the Ring Street (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. Should you solely have a couple of days to discover, that is the most effective route to decide on. If it’s your first-time visiting Iceland, that is the route 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.
Should 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 dwelling 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 (if in case you have a automotive)
As talked about above, F-roads are rugged, unpaved routes that usually lead off the primary Ring Street into the inside. Driving on these roads requires a 4×4 (4WD). If 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 price it!
7. Test the climate typically
I’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: the climate in Iceland adjustments quickly. For that purpose, 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 few of the waterfalls, you’ll need to be sure 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, carry 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’s house
You will be tempted to cease your automotive typically to take photographs. And I imply actually typically. Not solely are the primary 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 will likely be tempting to drag over to get out and take photographs, however achieve this with warning. Attempt to pull off the highway solely at designated stops or the place there’s 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. Follow 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 purpose, you’ll need to refill when you may. Don’t simply wait till you’ve gotten 1 / 4 tank, as you may run out of fuel earlier than you get to the following station.
When you can usually search for the place fuel stations are by way of Google Maps, I at all times ensure that to prime up after 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 suppose that, as a result of Iceland is small, you may see the sights in only a matter of days.
You possibly can’t.
Should you’re trying to drive the whole Ring Street, plan for a minimum of 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. (Should you simply need to see the primary highlights within the south and east, 5-7 days is adequate.)
I choose high quality over amount, so I at all times recommend vacationers decelerate and actually soak within the sights. You received’t remorse it.
Should you’re on the lookout for really helpful itineraries, this submit breaks down all my strategies 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 will possibly nonetheless be crowded round Reykjavik and the sights closest to the town.
For that purpose, I recommend visiting within the shoulder season. The climate remains to be heat and there might be far fewer folks. Every thing might be a little bit cheaper too.
In case you are set on going in the summertime, I’d recommend heading off to the Westfjords. It’s the least-visited space of the nation and presents a few of the most untamed and exquisite landscapes in Iceland.
Moreover, I recommend avoiding winter visits too for those who plan on driving. Street situations are lower than best, and snowstorms are frequent. Except you’ve gotten a number of expertise with winter driving, skip that season. (You possibly can undoubtedly do a winter go to to see the northern lights, I simply wouldn’t hire a automotive for that.)
Personally, I believe late Might to early June and late August to early September are the most effective 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, think about taking passengers. Having folks chip in for fuel for a leg or two of your journey is a good 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 select up hitchhikers. Within the hotter months, hitchhiking is tremendous widespread alongside the Ring Street (I hitchhiked right here and had an important expertise). Whereas they typically don’t have cash to contribute, they seemingly have cool tales and nice suggestions. It’s a simple means to assist different vacationers and brighten up your individual journey.
13. Comply with the principles 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 it’s possible you’ll be used to. Make sure 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 below 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 speak 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 highway. This contains sheep (there are extra sheep than folks right here) and cyclists. Move 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 Street Journey FAQ
How tough is a highway journey in Iceland?
Iceland is among the best international locations on the planet for a highway journey. The reason being that there’s basically only one lengthy highway that circles the nation (often known as Route 1, or the Ring Street). That makes it fairly simple to get round and tough to get misplaced.
How lengthy do that you must road-trip round Iceland?
Should you plan to drive the whole Ring Street, you’ll need a minimum of 10 days (14 days could be higher). Should you simply need to see the primary sights within the south and east, 5-7 days ought to be lots.
Is Iceland very costly?
Iceland might be very costly. Meals, lodging, rental vehicles, and fuel are all dear. 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 below $100 USD per day.
Is it price 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 typical customer trying to see the primary sights, a 4×4 shouldn’t be crucial.
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, usually main you into the inside.
If 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 international locations on the planet. Should you’re new to solo journey, it’s the right place to start out.
Iceland is among the most stunning international locations on the planet. 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 ideas above, and also you’ll have a enjoyable and protected go to to this rugged island nation!
Get the In-Depth Finances Information to Iceland!
Wish to plan the right journey to Iceland? Try my complete information to Iceland written for price range vacationers such as you! It cuts out the fluff present in different guides and will get straight to the sensible info you want. You’ll discover recommended itineraries, suggestions, budgets, methods to save cash, on and off the overwhelmed path issues to see and do, and my favourite non-touristy eating places, markets, bars, transportation suggestions, and rather more! Click on right here to be taught extra and get your copy in the present day.
E book Your Journey to Iceland: Logistical Ideas and Tips
E book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to discover a low-cost flight. They’re my favourite search engine as a result of they search web sites and airways across the globe so that you at all times know no stone is left unturned.
E book Your Lodging
You possibly can e book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the largest stock and finest offers. If you wish to keep someplace apart from a hostel, use Reserving.com as they constantly return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low-cost inns.
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will shield you in opposition to sickness, damage, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes unsuitable. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many occasions up to now. My favourite corporations that provide the most effective service and worth are:
In search of the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Try my useful resource web page for the most effective corporations to make use of once you journey. I record all those I take advantage of to save cash after I’m on the highway. They’ll prevent cash once you journey too.
Need Extra Data on Iceland?
You’ll want to go to our sturdy vacation spot information to Iceland for much more planning suggestions!
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