If you’re planning to take a road trip around Iceland, it can be tough to know where to start. There are plenty of resources out there that focus on specific areas like car rental in Reykjavik, but not many that talk about the best ways to get around while you’re there. That’s what this article offers you—the top five tips for an awesome road trip in Iceland in a rental car.
1) Planning
When travelling abroad, it’s vital to do your research ahead of time. Since road signs aren’t always easy to read and you won’t always be able to rely on GPS, you need to study local traffic laws and road conditions before setting out on your journey. For example, in Iceland all rentals must come with four-wheel drive (unless they have winter tires); if you don’t have one, plan on switching vehicles. Also keep in mind that speed limits are much lower than what you may be used to; general rules of thumb are that 50 km/h is normal around town and 90 km/h is common on highways.
2) Off-Road Driving Tips
There are roads in Iceland that your rental car won’t be able to take you on. You can rent jeeps and four-wheel drive vehicles, but those will cost you more than renting a small, economical car. If you do want to go off-roading or explore without having to worry about where you’re driving, it may be worth looking into. If that sounds like too much work and stress, stick with exploring using only public roads—you can easily see most of what makes Iceland so special and memorable by just staying on these well-maintained surfaces. With careful planning and some patience on your part though, an affordable car can let you explore most of what makes up Icelandic road trip experiences.
3) Visit South Coast (Fjords, Waterfalls, Golden Circle)
The natural beauty of the South Coast is awe-inspiring and you’ll never run out of places to explore. The weather in Iceland is also great for hiking. So, you can start by hiking to waterfalls at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, going on boat tours of iconic glaciers like Sólheimajökull, climbing up waterfalls at Gullfoss, or exploring lava caves at Reykjanes Peninsula. While on the South Coast, don’t miss Blue Lagoon—not only is it one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, but it also serves as a relaxing pit stop along your road trip and offers spectacular views from its geothermal pool. Need something to eat? Head over to Mývatn or Vík.
4) Head North to Pingvellir National Park and Diamond Beach
With ice-cold glacial water and stunning mountains, Pingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most beautiful sites. It’s also home to Silfra, a dive spot where you can swim between continental plates—truly an experience you won’t soon forget. And while Reykjavik might be touristy, there are plenty of places to escape tourists in your rental car. Head south and stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall or Kerid Crater Geothermal Area before continuing on towards Vik (about 2 hours from Reykjavik). You’ll get amazing views at Skogafoss, Dyrholaey (with the archways), Reynisfjara black sand beach, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach on the way.
5) Drive Around The Ring Road Until You Get There
The Ring Road is home to some of Iceland’s most stunning natural beauty. It circles around almost all of Iceland, making it easy to plan any number of scenic day trips from your base camp. For example, take Highway 1 west towards Vik and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This drive can be completed comfortably in about five hours, but you’ll want to allow at least two days—and plenty of stops—to fully explore and soak up every last bit of Icelandic awesomeness. Be sure to stop off at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. You’ll see the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier calving off into pieces and floating by as you walk along the perimeter of this icy lake, before heading back east on Route 1 for another five hours or so until you reach Þingvellir National Park. This is a great road trip route and will definitely be memorable.
