How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip in Iceland?

Planning a road trip through Iceland is always a thrilling experience as the place offers endless wonders to explore. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring the Golden Circle, or winding along the scenic Ring Road, every mile is a visual feast. Iceland tours will be more carefree when it is backed with meticulous planning. This blog will help you plan your perfect Icelandic road trip.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

Summer and Winter Road Trips

Since Iceland has extreme seasons, it offers vastly different experiences for road trippers. Summer has longer daylight hours and is a popular time to visit Iceland. Also, due to the long days during this period, visiting several places in a single day is possible. The weather is moderate, and all roads, including those going up to the Highlands, are open. However, summer is a peak season for tourism, leading to crowded attractions and higher prices for accommodation and services.

The winter season, November to March, is also quite endearing and has a very different charm. The landscape changes to a snowy one with snowy mountain ranges and frozen waterfalls. The climate and weather conditions create difficult roads because of the snow, ice, and short daylight hours. The weather is unpredictable, and travelers must be ready and very flexible since the weather can change at any given period. Despite these vices, winter focuses on the calm of fewer tourists and the chance to experience Iceland’s rugged beauty in solitude.

However, both seasons have advantages and disadvantages, determining whether a person can endure severe weather conditions or wouldn’t rather choose to be indoors. Summer allows convenience and availability, while winter will be an excellent time for those interested in searching for the adventurous and enchanted beauty of the winter wonderland that is Iceland.

Shoulder Seasons (Spring and Fall)

The relatively warmer seasons are spring, which is from April to May, and the fall season, which is from September to October. During spring, the snow from the mountains starts to melt, and you are left with beautiful greenery, flowers in their full bloom, and cascading waterfalls swollen with meltwater. The days are slightly longer, although not as long as during the summers, so the lighting is suitable for early morning and evening adventures. Also, the weather will become less harsh, and most large routes will be open even if some of the Highland areas are not accessible.

Autumn is in full swing, and the paints of reds, oranges, and yellows pour onto nature’s canvas. This season also ushers in the Northern Lights, which become visible as the nights become longer. Compared to the tourists’ high season, which is during the summer, both Spring and Autumn are relatively ‘empty,’ which provides a quieter experience at the hotspots. Pricing for accommodations and car rental is cheaper, and the climate at this time of the year is comparatively less hostile than in winter.

Planning Your Route

The Ring Road (Route 1)

The main route is the Ring Road or Route 1, which covers the entirety of Iceland and measures about 1,332km (828 mi). This is one of Iceland’s most comprehensive self-drive itineraries covering waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, and coastal towns. Sights and attractions to be visited on the Ring Road are Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Dettifoss waterfall, Myvatn geothermal area, and the charming town of Vik and its nearby Reynisfjara beach. This route is recommended for first-timers who wish to get an initial taste of Iceland’s natural beauty.

The Golden Circle

Golden Circle is another favorite and slightly shorter route, but it is your best bet if you’re on a tight schedule or simply want to get the first glimpse of what Iceland offers. The Golden Circle is approximately 300 km (186 miles) and can easily be reached in one day. The route includes three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet,  the geothermal field of Geysir, where the world’s most active geyser, Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, and Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.

Off-the-beaten-path Routes

Several secondary roads lead to some of Iceland’s most exciting areas for those who want to venture a little off the beaten track of the Ring Road or the Golden Circle. The Westfjords are one of the most stunning regions in Iceland, with many fjords, cliffs, and hot springs; however, it is the least crowded because it is far from Reykjavik. The winding roads of the Westfjords require careful driving but reward travelers with breathtaking views and unique experiences like visiting the puffin colonies at Látrabjarg cliffs.

Renting the Right Vehicle

2WD Vs. 4WD

When deciding whether to take a 2WD or a 4WD car, one must consider the season and the roads they will likely encounter. When traveling on the Ring Road or the Golden Circle during the summer, a 2WD vehicle is also adequate since the roads are mostly tarmac. However, for those who intend to visit the Highlands, Westfjords, or any F-road, which are instead roads made of gravel or dirt and involve river crossings, 4WD cars are required. Such roads can be narrow and bumpy in weather conditions, so a 4WD gives enough grip and height.

Camper Van Vs. Car

Touring in a camper van is recommended for flexibility and cost. A camper van is a moving home with wheels, meaning you can pull over and sleep anywhere you want. Iceland is replete with campsites of various types. Most campsites are permanently operational, so finding a place to park a vehicle for the night is very easy. However, a standard car might be better if you prefer staying in hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs, which offer more comfort, especially in colder months. This option is ideal for travelers who want a warm, private space to return to after a day of exploring.

Understanding Iceland’s Road Rules and Safety Tips

Speed Limits and Road Signs

Iceland’s driving rules and regulations involve local speed limits and road signs which must be well understood in order to avoid danger and break the law. The road speed limits in Iceland are comparatively lower than any other country primarily due to the abrasive route. On paved roads but in areas other than cities, the acceptable highest speed is 90 km/h (56 mph) but on gravel roads 80 km/h (50 mph) only. In towns and villages, the maximum allowed speed is 50 km/h, but in some areas such as residential areas nearer the schools, the speed limit is lower.

Driving in Icelandic Weather

Iceland’s climate may be severe at times, as drivers might face conditions such as strong winds, fog, poor road traction, or other extreme conditions, as well as fast weather changes. It is always windy, especially along the coast and over high-altitude regions such as the mountains.