13 Iceland Street 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 placing look. For those who ask me, it’s proper up there with New Zealand and Norway by way of probably the most lovely international locations on the planet.

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

Due to its gorgeous pure magnificence, security, and ease of transportation, Iceland has turn into a well-liked 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 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 instances over time, I feel taking a street journey is one of the best 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 you have automotive insurance coverage

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

In most locations, this would possibly seem 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 menace most drivers aren’t ready for is the wind. The gusts listed below are so sturdy 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, slim roads and an abundance of energetic volcanoes, and also you’ve obtained your self a recipe for automotive bother.

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

On the subject of renting a automotive, I like to recommend Uncover Vehicles. Once 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 utilize the widget under to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

 

2. Lease the proper automobile

It’s straightforward to hire a automotive in Iceland. You don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow when you’ve got 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 three essential decisions:

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

For those who’re simply planning to see the primary sights whereas sleeping in hostels, lodges, 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 known as “F-roads,” which might solely be traversed by 4×4 automobiles (in case you 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 possibility, however you’ll lower your expenses on lodging, so it sort of balances out.

Simply needless to say 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 kind of auto you’ve, 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 lovely atmosphere, however you would face stiff fines if caught.)
 

3. Obtain the proper 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 will be useful for studying indicators and instructions. Simply be certain to obtain Icelandic for offline use so that you could nonetheless translate issues even with out cell information.
• Google Maps – The most effective app for trying up instructions. Be sure that to obtain your maps so you’ve them for offline use.
• Safetravel.is – This app shares climate alerts, street 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 the very best climate app for Iceland.
• Samferda – This web site is nice for locating passengers if you wish to share a trip with somebody. (For those who’re a passenger and wish a trip, you may put up right here too.) One other useful web site for locating passengers is Couchsurfing.

Examine the worldwide insurance policies and costs in your cellphone plan earlier than leaving, in order to keep away from sudden 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. Deliver a paper map

At any time when I’m going on a street journey, I at all times deliver a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is simple and free, and cell 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 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 possible gained’t want it, however in case you do, you’ll be glad you’ve it!
 

5. Select your route properly

The overwhelming majority of vacationers road-tripping by means of Iceland drive the Ring Street (aka Route 1, the nation’s essential freeway) counterclockwise. This lets you begin with the well-known Golden Circle after which head towards standard sights just like the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Sólheimasandur crash web site, the glacier lagoon, and extra. For those who solely have a couple of days to discover, that is the very best route to decide on. If it’s your first-time visiting Iceland, that is the route I recommend.

Nevertheless, if you wish to be contrarian otherwise you need 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.

For those who 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 residence 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 (when you’ve got a automotive)

As talked about above, F-roads are rugged, unpaved routes that typically lead off the primary Ring Street into the inside. Driving on these roads requires a 4×4 (4WD). When you have 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. Examine the climate usually

I’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: the climate in Iceland adjustments quickly. For that cause, you’ll need to keep watch over the forecast. Whereas driving in wind or rain won’t be a problem, in case you’re planning to get out and hike or go to among the waterfalls, you’ll need 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 yr 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 in case you plan on climbing).
 

8. Solely pull over the place there’s area

You’ll be tempted to cease your automotive usually to take photographs. And I imply actually usually. 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 is going to be tempting to drag over to get out and take photographs, 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 Street 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. Control your gasoline tank

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

When you can typically lookup the place gasoline stations are through Google Maps, I at all times be certain to high 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 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.

For those who’re trying to drive your complete Ring Street, 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 advocate. (For those who simply need to see the primary highlights within the south and east, 5-7 days is ample.)

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

For those who’re on the lookout for really useful itineraries, this put up 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 may possibly nonetheless be crowded round Reykjavik and the sights closest to town.

For that cause, I recommend visiting within the shoulder season. The climate remains to be heat and there can be far fewer folks. Every thing can be just a little 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 gives among the most untamed and delightful landscapes in Iceland.

Moreover, I recommend avoiding winter visits too in case you plan on driving. Street situations are lower than best, and snowstorms are frequent. Until you’ve a number of expertise with winter driving, skip that season. (You’ll be able to positively 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 the very best instances to go to. Costs are cheaper, the climate is first rate, and the crowds are thinner.
 

12. Decide up passengers

For those who’re touring on a finances, contemplate taking passengers. Having folks chip in for gasoline 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 need to use web sites like Samferda or Couchsurfing to seek out them.

Another choice is to select up hitchhikers. Within the hotter months, hitchhiking is tremendous frequent alongside the Ring Street (I hitchhiked right here and had an excellent expertise). Whereas they often don’t have cash to contribute, they possible have cool tales and nice suggestions. It’s a straightforward approach to assist different vacationers and brighten up your personal journey.
 

13. Comply with the principles of the street

Being a accountable traveler means following native norms and legal guidelines. Remember that Iceland has stricter driving legal guidelines and penalties than you might be used to. Be 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 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 worthwhile to discuss and drive, or else pull over. Not solely is it harmful, however you would face excessive fines as nicely.
• Be careful for others on the street. 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. For those who 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 street journey in Iceland?
Iceland is likely one of the best international locations on the planet for a street journey. The reason being that there’s primarily only one lengthy street that circles the nation (often known as Route 1, or the Ring Street). That makes it fairly straightforward to get round and tough to get misplaced.

How lengthy do it’s worthwhile to road-trip round Iceland?
For those who plan to drive your complete Ring Street, you’ll need not less than 10 days (14 days can be higher). For those who simply need to see the primary 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 vehicles, and gasoline 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 may simply do it for underneath $100 USD per day.

Is it price renting a 4×4?
I’d solely hire a 4×4 when you’ve got prior street journey expertise and are planning to go off street. For the common customer trying to see the primary sights, a 4×4 shouldn’t be essential.

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.

When you have an everyday rental automobile, you’re forbidden to drive on them.

Is it protected to drive solo in Iceland?
Iceland is persistently ranked as one of many most secure international locations on the planet. For those who’re new to solo journey, it’s the right place to start out.

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Iceland is likely one of the most lovely international locations on the planet. It’s additionally probably the greatest (and best) locations to do a street 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!

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