As a travel destination, Iceland is known for its untouched landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and breathtaking Northern Lights. It’s no surprise that more and more travelers are choosing a road trip through this incredible country. In this guide, I’ll tell you more about Iceland and, of course, share my tips and experiences for an unforgettable journey through Iceland. Feel free to click through to one of my other blogs on specific topics.
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Getting to know Iceland
Iceland is an island nation in Northern Europe. The country is especially known for its volcanoes, glaciers, geysers and hot springs. The capital city Reykjavik is a lively city with a vibrant nightlife and a rich culture. Iceland is also home to some of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, including the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon.
Planning your Iceland road trip
A road trip through Iceland is an unforgettable experience, but it does require some planning. It’s important to know what you want to see and do during your trip, and how you’ll travel between the different sights. There are several ways to travel around Iceland, including by car, campervan, or public transport.
It’s also important to know when the best time is to visit Iceland. High season runs from June to August, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. Low season is from November to February, when days are shortest and there’s a chance of snow and ice. The shoulder seasons, from March to May and from September to October, are also great options for a road trip through Iceland.
The best time to visit Iceland for a vacation
If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation in Iceland, choosing the right time is essential. The best time to visit Iceland is from June to August, when the weather is mild and the days are long. This is also peak season in Iceland, which means higher prices and busier tourist attractions.
If you prefer a quieter time to visit Iceland, I recommend traveling just before or just after the high season. I personally visited in September–October and found it very manageable, although we did already experience snowfall.
During the low season, you’ll benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds at tourist attractions. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with snow and ice, so make sure you’re well prepared.
Things to do in Iceland
Iceland offers countless activities and sights to explore during your road trip. The country is famous for its untouched nature, with many national parks and hiking trails to discover. Below, you’ll find some of the best activities and attractions you shouldn’t miss during your Iceland road trip.
Reykjavik
As one of the northernmost capitals in the world, Reykjavik is a surprisingly charming city. It’s mostly car-free, very LGBTQ+-friendly, and incredibly colorful. It almost feels like a competition to paint your house more vividly than your neighbor’s. In this guide, I’ll take you through the city as we explore the top 11 sights and things to do in Reykjavik together.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and a must-see during your road trip. This geothermal spa is filled with warm water sourced from a nearby geothermal power plant. The water is rich in minerals and is known for its healing effects on the skin.
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland and offers stunning views of some of the country’s most iconic sights. The route includes four key attractions: Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, Kerið, and Geysir.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world and attract thousands of visitors to Iceland every year. This natural phenomenon lights up the sky with green, red, and purple colors. The best season to see the Northern Lights is from September to April. In the blog below, you’ll read how high your chances are per season.
Must-see attractions in Iceland
If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful places in Iceland, there are plenty of options to choose from. Below you’ll find several must-see attractions you shouldn’t miss during your road trip through Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Iceland and a must-see during your trip. The park is home to some of the country’s most impressive geological features, including the Almannagjá gorge and Lake Thingvallavatn.
Geysir
Geysir is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions and home to some of the most active geysers in the world. These geysers erupt regularly, shooting hot steam and water into the air, creating a spectacular sight.
Gullfoss waterfall
The Gullfoss waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland and a must-see during your road trip. Located on the Hvítá River, the waterfall drops 32 meters and offers an awe-inspiring view as the water crashes down.
View the top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland here!
The Golden Circle route
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland and offers spectacular views of some of the country’s most iconic sights. The route starts in Reykjavik and includes three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the Almannagjá gorge and Lake Thingvallavatn. Geysir is home to some of the world’s most active geysers and is an incredible sight. Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls and a highlight of any road trip.
The Ring Road
The Ring Road is a popular route for a road trip through Iceland. The road is approximately 1,332 kilometers long and runs along the coast of the island. It offers stunning views of Iceland’s untouched nature, including mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
Along the Ring Road, there are countless sights to see. Highlights include the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the Vatnajökull glacier, and Dettifoss waterfall. The Ring Road also provides access to some of Iceland’s most remote and untouched regions, including the Westfjords and Eastfjords.
Renting a car or campervan in Iceland
If you’re planning a road trip through Iceland, renting a car or campervan is a great option. There are many rental companies in Iceland offering cars and campervans at reasonable prices.
Renting a car or campervan gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and see the sights you want to see. However, it’s important to know that roads in Iceland can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, so always drive carefully and follow traffic rules.
Traffic rules in Iceland
It’s important to know that the maximum speed limit on Icelandic highways is 90 km/h. Outside built-up areas, the limit is 80 km/h, and within towns it’s 50 km/h. It’s also mandatory to drive with headlights on at all times, even during the day.
Iceland is full of speed cameras. Consider this your warning. Fines are steep and significantly higher than what we’re used to in the Netherlands.
Accommodation in Iceland
If you’re looking for accommodation during your Iceland road trip, there are plenty of options to choose from. Hotels, hostels, campsites, and holiday homes are available throughout the country.
Most accommodations in Iceland are clean, comfortable, and offer stunning views of the surrounding nature. However, accommodation prices can be high, especially during peak season. Booking well in advance or avoiding summer can help save money.
Food and drinks in Iceland
Iceland has a rich culinary tradition dating back to Viking times. Some of the most popular dishes include skyr, a type of yogurt, and lambakjöt, or lamb. Iceland is also known for its fresh fish and seafood. Whale meat can still be eaten in Reykjavik (as whaling is technically still allowed), but in practice this is becoming increasingly rare.
Food and drinks are more expensive than you might be used to. A beer or glass of wine in a restaurant can easily cost over €10. Keep this in mind, as you’ll likely spend more on food and drinks compared to other vacations.
Packing the right items for your Iceland vacation
If you’re planning a road trip through Iceland, packing the right gear is essential. The weather can be unpredictable (including extremely strong winds), so make sure to bring warm clothing such as a thick jacket, gloves, hiking boots, and a beanie.
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are also important, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture Iceland’s stunning landscapes!
Tips for traveling in Iceland
If you’re planning a road trip through Iceland, these tips can help ensure a smooth journey.
- Plan your trip in advance and stay flexible.
- Keep an eye on the weather and adjust your plans accordingly.
- Drive carefully and follow traffic rules: speeding fines are high.
- Take time to relax and enjoy Iceland’s incredible nature.
- Respect nature and leave no trash behind.
- Drones are not allowed in most places.
- Check daily whether roads are passable. Iceland has many live cameras you can view via Road.is or check road conditions via Umferdin.is.
Example from Umferdin
A road trip through Iceland is an unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss. From majestic waterfalls to untouched landscapes and mesmerizing Northern Lights, Iceland truly has something for everyone. With this guide, you can plan your journey and enjoy everything this incredible country has to offer. Book your trip today and experience the magic of Iceland!
