In terms of insurance coverage, third party insurance is mandatory in Iceland for all drivers but we’d recommend getting fuller coverage to protect yourself from high repair fees in case of an accident. Royalty-Free Stock Photo. In this post we share our experiences from renting a 4×4 car and driving in Iceland. These are all the things I would have wanted to know the first time I visited Iceland, and they should help you with your Iceland road trip planning. It’s a good idea to take a look at a detailed map of the country before you commit to a particular vehicle. Most of Iceland is covered with a sensitive vegitation. Many of Iceland’s roads lack breakdown lanes or have small ones. There's more boot space in the Duster than in a Nissan Qashqai – and this 475-litre load bay expands to 1,636 litres when you fold the rear seats. Off-road driving in Iceland is prohibited by law. Home; Driving In Iceland; Blog; 19.May.2020. ★. Be sure that you have the right car for the job. Please use a designated campsite when it’s available. Different Road Types In Iceland. Check. We offer classic 4x4 vehicles for hire, along with comprehensive travel support and guidance for our customers. The deflation also gives a softer ride in rough roads. Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments. For most people living in warmer countries, it is difficult to comprehend that Icelanders change tires on their cars in autumn and spring. The speed limit in Iceland is 90km/h (55mph) on paved roads, 80km/h (50mph) per hour on dirt roads, and 50km/h (30mph) per hour in cities. You can choose a 2WD vehicle for driving the Golden Circle, too. The Safe Travels website will prove invaluable once you arrive. Those flyers have some useful information about driving on highland roads, driving on unpaved roads, and driving in winter. But in rural areas, you might find that this asphalt gives way to a rougher surface. As the day heats up, the river gets more powerful/deeper. Taking a round trip during winter means that you may need to drive through heavily snow-covered areas and, as such, a 4x4 would be far better capable at traversing any thick snow you may need to travel through. Home » Europe » Iceland » 17 Important Tips For Driving In Iceland On A Road Trip, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Number of people traveling together 3. – then you will need a 4x4 rental car, no doubt about it. 4x4 driving in a deserted landscape in Iceland - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock The roads need to be in good condition to withsta… Going past it may result in damage. These roads are extremely basic, and not really maintained. The weather can change very rapidly and driving conditions therefore too. These are dirt roads that often lead to farms and private homes off the main paved roads in Iceland. They bisect the highlands of Iceland and are what you’d class as a mountain road. Part of the problem is many people don’t have any real winter driving experience, or they over-estimate their abilities. Think about the kind of visitor attraction or landscape that you want to spend time in, and work out from the time you’ve got, what kind of mileage you can clock up without feeling like you have to chase from one overnight stop to the next just to cram in all that sightseeing. If you’re daunted about having to cross rivers, let’s be frank and say that you probably aren’t the right kind of driver to tackle the F roads. If you have a craving for some off-the-beaten-path adventure, then a 4x4 is definitely necessary for driving on any of Iceland’s mountain F-roads. Water damage from flooding is common on F roads, and you’ll often find water covers the road – or perhaps it might be more accurate to say that the road leads right through a river. Not only will a 4x4 rental in Iceland be safer to drive, you’re also far less likely to get stranded out in the cold with the capability of 4WD. It’s a good idea to take a look at a detailed map of the country before you commit to a particular vehicle. So here’s a brief guide about Iceland’s roads, particularly those which might require that 4x4 after all. It is therefore very important to get acquainted with how to drive in this country. The minimum age to rent a passenger car in Iceland is 20 years old for insurance and safety reasons. The steering wheel is on the same side too! Drive slow and steady through the current. For more info please read my, 17 Important Tips For Driving In Iceland On A Road Trip, Check Prices For 2WD Car Rentals In Iceland, Check Prices For 4X4 Truck Rentals In Iceland, Check Prices For Campervan Rentals In Iceland, Check Car Rental Prices & Availability In Iceland, Dangers On Icelandic Roads? Most of the car companies in Iceland will put a sticker on the dashboard of your car and it will say, “Do not drive on F Roads.” So, they’re reminding you where you can and cannot drive. Perhaps you might need to consider booking a tour instead so that a local driver can take on the challenge for you. We would recommend hiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle that has good winter tires. If you get caught driving off road, you can experience a hefty fine as the above American got to experience. To prevent wind damage try to park your car facing the wind, pushing the door closed, not open. The Rise of 4x4 Campers in Iceland. There are also protected areas in Iceland where you definitely may NOT camp. 112 can be reached from anywhere in Iceland, from any telephone, by voice or by SMS text message. “Colors of Water” by Ulrich Latzenhofer is licensed under CC BY 2.0 A surprising number of tourists get themselves into trouble while driving in Iceland. Plus, you’ll avoid spending cash on Iceland’s notoriously expensive accommodation and restaurant meals. F roads are remote, so it’s impossible to maintain them to the high standard you’ll encounter on the ring road or in downtown Reykjavik. I hope I didn’t scare you too much about driving in Iceland. Planning a trip to Iceland, but not sure when to go? While driving your rental car through them, you can find some of the most amazing scenery Iceland has to offer. The Icelandic Transport Authority has this to say: “All valid driving licenses issued in other countries allows tourists in Iceland to drive the same categories of vehicles as stated in the license. If there was ever a camper made for hunting Northern Lights in Iceland, it’s the Easy Clever. Where are 4x4 vehicles a must in Iceland? Another great resource is the 112 Iceland App, that lets you “check-in” before going on a hike or doing anything risky, to help provide location information if something goes wrong later. Due to our short summers, Icelandic soil and vegetation is extremely vulnerable. Iceland has a lot of sheep. F-roads are very basic (and marked) dirt roads in Iceland, and you CAN drive these with a 4X4 vehicle. Driving in Iceland demands certain attention to conditions. And driving in Iceland is a lot easier than you might think. So the same kind of safety concerns apply. The Arctic fox is delicate and weighs only 3-4 kg. You are on your own out there. In the summer, they’re allowed to roam free through the countryside, often walking across the road. Iceland’s F-Roads are patrolled by search & rescue teams who check for stranded drivers on a semi-regular basis. Safer to drive ? Driving a 38“ 4×4 car in Iceland is a great fun and something that no one should miss out on. A 4x4 vehicle is essential in the highlands, where you might encounter rough terrain and unbridged waters. The Easy Clever takes you so much further with the larger tires, raised chassis, and a 4×4 drive. Ready for an epic road trip driving in Iceland? Car rental companies typically offer various levels of a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which isn’t exactly insurance. It is illegal to spent the night in tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper van or similar outside organized campsites or urban areas unless the landowner or rightsholder has given their permission.”. F-Roads are only open during the summer months. Most people visiting choose to drive the ring road (Rte.1) since it runs by the island's beautiful coast connecting a progression of natural wonders and attractions. But driving a 4×4 is a challenging task and requires full consentration and caution. Taking a round trip during winter means that you may need to drive through heavily snow-covered areas and, as such, a 4x4 would be far better capable at traversing any thick snow you may need to travel through. The roads are good around the populated areas on the coast, and the ring road around the island makes it easy to get around. Weather can get severe in Iceland from time to time, especially in the winter. That doesn’t mean you have to stick rigidly to it, of course, but whether you are intending to drive on F roads, or find yourself on the occasional gravel road, is going to be important to your safety. Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Check. It’s also well documented that 4x4 rentals in Iceland are recommended during the winter months for the added safety of driving in wintry conditions. Lýsuhóll on the way between Borgarnes and Arnarstappi is famous for its water.. Or you can do the hike in Hveragerði and dip into a natural warm river. All 2WD rental cars in Iceland are equipped with studded tires during the winter season to help with traction on ice too. Read my best. It’s also well documented that 4x4 rentals in Iceland are recommended during the winter months for the added safety of driving in wintry conditions. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Driving without your seatbelt will get you stopped and fined. This mostly paved road runs a giant circle around the outer rim of the island through many towns, including the capital of Reykjavik. Try to cross glacial rivers early in the morning, when the flow is lower. It’ll give you’re the freedom and ability to explore further than a regular rental car. They are better maintained than the F-Roads, don’t require a 4X4 in the summer, but aren’t plowed as frequently as paved roads in the winter. While intoxicated from drug or alcohol use is prohibited drive in this country roads all the way see... Once you arrive damage try to up-sell you a GPS device for your road trip those flyers some... 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