Hello my fellow adventurers and drivers of questionable skills! If you are planning a road trip in Iceland, you’re in for a treat – and maybe a few stomach dropping moments.
Iceland is a land of stunning vistas, epic landscapes, and unexpected weather patterns that can turn a pleasant drive into a white-knuckle ride. But fear not – with a bit of knowledge and a lot of caution, you can navigate the Icelandic roads like a pro. I personally, was fortunate enough to have my husband with me and he drove the entire time. So, I suppose, my number one word of advice if you are uncomfortable driving on sketchy, snow and ice covered roads, is to bring a confident driver!
A Quick Look at Iceland During Winter
If you are short on time, here is a quick mini guide to Iceland During Winter
Where to stay:
Reykjavik
Hella
Vik
Hofn
When to visit:
-October – less snow/more visitors
-November-February – shorter days/less crowds
-March – longer daylight hours, still chance to see Northern Lighs
Things to Do:
–Northern Lights Tour
–Horseback Riding
–Snowmobile on a Glacier
–Ice Cave Tour
Rent a 4×4
First things first: rent a 4×4. Trust me on this one. Iceland’s roads can be treacherous, especially in the winter months when snow, ice, and wind can make driving a challenge. Thankfully, all of the rental car tires are studded in Iceland during the winter months.
A 4×4 vehicle will give you the extra traction and stability you need to stay on the road and avoid those pesky lava fields.
Just Pay for the Extra Insurance
And speaking of pesky lava fields, you’ll want to get the sand damage insurance. Trust me on this one, too. Iceland’s black sand beaches are beautiful, but they can wreak havoc on your rental car’s paint job. Sand damage insurance will cover you in case of any unfortunate encounters with volcanic grit.
I had no idea that Iceland was subject to sudden “sand storms,” until it was sprung on me by the rental car agent. He kept saying, “just google it if you don’t believe me.” We had extremely strong winds during our trip, and we witnessed a sand storm! It was scary, and I can definitely see how it would wreck a car.
Gas and the Self-Pumping Confusion
Now, let’s talk about gas. Iceland is famous for its self-service gas pumps, which can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never used one before. First, you’ll need to insert your card into the machine and select the type of fuel you want. Then, you’ll need to enter your PIN (Shane had to use his debit card) and start pumping. Easy, right? Oh, but wait – there’s more.
Do NOT hit the Fill-Up or Fill-Tank button. This will automatically put a hold of around $250 on your card. This will fall off, but it can be delayed. You should just type in the amount of fuel you would like to pump rather than choosing this option. For example, choose 2,000 ISK.
Did I Hear Discount?
If you rent a car from one of the major car rental companies in Iceland, you may get a keychain that gives you discounts at the pump. Just scan the keychain before you pay, and voila – instant savings. Sadly, we didn’t realize this until the day before our departure. Our failure can be your success!
Weather
Finally, let’s talk about weather and road conditions. Iceland’s weather is notoriously fickle, and road closures due to snow, ice, and high winds are not uncommon. That’s why it’s important to check the Iceland websites for up-to-date information on road conditions, weather alerts, and other important travel information. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) website is a great resource for road conditions, while the Icelandic Met Office website will give you the latest weather updates.
When I say that the weather is fickle, it is seriously insane. One minute you will be cruising down the road and it is completely clear, and the next it is covered in snow. Road closures can happen in minutes and the weather forecast can change quickly. I had to re-route our entire trip in one day, due to a sudden blizzard and road closures. Do yourself a favor and always check this website for current up to date road conditions and this website for current weather conditions.
So there you have it, – everything you need to know about driving in Iceland. Rent a 4×4, get the sand damage insurance, pump gas like a pro, use your keychain for discounts, and check the websites for weather and road information. And most importantly, enjoy the ride – even if it’s a bit bumpy at times. Iceland is a land of wonder and adventure, and the road less traveled is often the most beautiful. Happy travels my dear friends and adventurers! Check out my blog detailing our 5 day itinerary and my packing checklist for Iceland!
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