13 Iceland Street Journey Ideas (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 putting look. In the event you ask me, it’s proper up there with New Zealand and Norway by way of essentially the most lovely nations on the earth.

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 out to be 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 might 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 believe taking a street journey is the easiest way 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. Be sure to have automobile insurance coverage

I by no means depart residence with out journey insurance coverage. And I by no means hire a automobile with out complete auto insurance coverage both.

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

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

Rain and snow are widespread, and gravel and sand typically injury home windows. However the true risk most drivers aren’t ready for is the wind. The gusts listed below are so robust 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, slender roads and an abundance of energetic volcanoes, and also you’ve received your self a recipe for automobile bother.

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 significantly better to be protected than sorry right here!

With regards to renting a automobile, I like to recommend Uncover Vehicles. Whenever you e-book, 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. Lease the appropriate car

It’s simple to hire 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 hire a automobile right here with their common license.

When renting a car in Iceland, you’ve got three essential selections:

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

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

If you wish to discover the rugged inside (generally 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 (if you happen to drive an everyday 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 car as they journey. They’re the costliest possibility, however you’ll lower your expenses on lodging, so it form of balances out.

Simply remember that normal transmissions are the norm right here, so reserve an automatic-transmission car 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 as a result of fragility of Iceland’s ecosystem. Not solely does off-roading injury this lovely atmosphere, however you might face stiff fines if caught.)
 

3. Obtain the appropriate 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 may be useful for studying indicators and instructions. Simply ensure to obtain Icelandic for offline use so that you could nonetheless translate issues even with out cellular information.
• Google Maps – The most effective app for trying up instructions. Ensure 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 may be stored 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. (In the event you’re a passenger and want a experience, you possibly can submit right here too.) One other useful website 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 related with limitless information in your journey, get an eSIM.
 

4. Deliver a paper map

Every time I am going on a street journey, I at all times convey a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is simple and free, and cellular information protection in Iceland is dependable. Nevertheless 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: convey a paper street map with you, and simply depart it within the glove field. You probably received’t want it, however if you happen to do, you’ll be glad you’ve got it!
 

5. Select your route properly

The overwhelming majority of vacationers road-tripping via 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 in style sights just like the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Sólheimasandur crash website, the glacier lagoon, and extra. In the event you solely have a number 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 wish to get off the overwhelmed 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.

In the event you actually wish 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 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 (in case you have a automobile)

As talked about above, F-roads are rugged, unpaved routes that usually lead off the principle Ring Street into the inside. Driving on these roads requires a 4×4 (4WD). In case you have an everyday automobile, 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 automobile. It’s not value it!
 

7. Verify the climate typically

I’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: the climate in Iceland modifications quickly. For that purpose, you’ll wish to control the forecast. Whereas driving in wind or rain may not be a difficulty, if you happen to’re planning to get out and hike or go to among the waterfalls, you’ll wish 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 yr you go to, convey 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 if you happen to plan on climbing).
 

8. Solely pull over the place there’s house

You’re going to be tempted to cease your automobile typically to take photographs. And I imply actually typically. 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 photographs, however accomplish that with warning. Attempt to pull off the street 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. Stick with designated stopping areas.
 

9. Keep watch over your gasoline tank

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

When you can usually search for the place gasoline stations are through Google Maps, I at all times ensure to prime 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 suppose that, as a result of Iceland is small, you possibly can see the sights in only a matter of days.

You’ll be able to’t.

In the event you’re seeking to drive the whole Ring Street, plan for no less than 10-14 days. Whereas you are able to do it in much less, you can be rushed and can spend extra time driving than I’d suggest. (In the event you simply wish 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 the event you’re searching for advisable itineraries, this submit 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 in addition the winter)

Iceland suffers from success. The nation is swamped by vacationers throughout 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 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 continues to be heat and there can be far fewer folks. All the pieces can be somewhat 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 among the most untamed and exquisite landscapes in Iceland.

Moreover, I recommend avoiding winter visits too if you happen to plan on driving. Street circumstances are lower than preferrred, and snowstorms are frequent. Except you’ve got plenty 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 hire a automobile for that.)

Personally, I believe late Could 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

In the event you’re touring on a funds, take into account taking passengers. Having folks chip in for gasoline 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 select up hitchhikers. Within the hotter months, hitchhiking is tremendous widespread alongside the Ring Street (I hitchhiked right here and had an ideal expertise). Whereas they typically don’t have cash to contribute, they probably have cool tales and nice suggestions. It’s a simple manner 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. Ensure 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 you’ll want to speak and drive, or else pull over. Not solely is it harmful, however you might face excessive fines as properly.
• Be careful for others on the street. This consists of sheep (there are extra sheep than folks right here) and cyclists. Move slowly and provides them a large berth.
• Know who to name. In the event 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 street journey in Iceland?
Iceland is likely one of the best nations on the earth for a street journey. The reason being that there’s basically only one lengthy street that circles the nation (generally known as Route 1, or the Ring Street). That makes it fairly simple to get round and troublesome to get misplaced.

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

Is Iceland very costly?
Iceland may be very costly. Meals, lodging, rental automobiles, and gasoline are all dear. Nonetheless, there are many methods to save lots of too. By sharing a car (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 value renting a 4×4?
I’d solely hire a 4×4 in case you have prior street journey expertise and are planning to go off street. For the typical customer seeking to see the principle sights, a 4×4 shouldn’t be vital.

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.

In case you have an everyday rental car, 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 nations on the earth. In the event you’re new to solo journey, it’s the right place to start out.

Iceland is likely one of the most lovely nations on the earth. It’s additionally among the best (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 observe the information above, and also you’ll have a enjoyable and protected go to to this rugged island nation!

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