Travelling in Iceland
Iceland is a unique travel destination with spectacular nature, but weather and conditions can change quickly. Here is practical information on how best to plan a trip around the country – whether it is a day trip from Reykjavík or a journey around the whole island.
When is the best time to visit?
| Period | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–August) | Bright nights, highlands open, warmest | Most visitors, higher prices |
| Autumn (Sept–Oct) | Autumn colours, northern lights, fewer visitors | More unstable weather, shorter days |
| Winter (Nov–March) | Northern lights, ice caves, snow and winter atmosphere | Short days, icy roads, closed roads |
| Spring (April–May) | Daylight increases, puffins arrive, lower prices | Highlands still closed, snowmelt |
Driving in Iceland
Most visitors travel around the country in a rental car. Iceland drives on the right, and headlights must be on at all times. The general speed limit is 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 50 km/h in towns, unless otherwise signposted. Many roads have single-lane bridges – the car that reaches the bridge first has right of way. Blind hills are common and specially marked.
- Check road conditions at umferdin.is before setting off.
- Strong gusts can blow cars off the road; open car doors carefully in high winds.
- Livestock roam freely in many places in summer – drive carefully.
- Off-road driving is strictly prohibited and carries heavy fines.
- F-roads in the highlands are for four-wheel-drive vehicles only. See more about the highlands.
- Never stop in the middle of the road to take photos.
Safety when travelling
Icelandic nature can be dangerous. The weather changes quickly, rivers rise, glaciers are full of crevasses and the waves on the south coast can be deadly. ICE-SAR (Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg) runs the website safetravel.is, where you can register a travel plan and receive warnings. The country's search and rescue teams are staffed by volunteers who are ready to respond around the clock.
Accommodation
Iceland offers a wide range of accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, hostels, holiday cottages, farm stays and campsites. In summer it is advisable to book early, especially in popular places such as the south coast and Mývatn. In the highlands there are mountain huts run by the Icelandic Touring Association, Útivist and other clubs.
Under the Nature Conservation Act, you may pitch a tent for one night on uncultivated land outside towns, but not when there is a campsite close by or the landowner has prohibited it. Campervans and trailers must always be parked at campsites.
The right to roam and respecting nature
The public right of access allows people to travel through the countryside, but it comes with responsibilities. Treat the land with care, take your rubbish with you, do not enter fenced land without permission and do not disturb livestock or wild animals. Walk on marked paths and do not damage moss or fragile vegetation. Building cairns and stone piles is discouraged, as it can confuse other travellers.
Practical information
- Currency: Icelandic króna. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts.
- Language: Icelandic, but most people speak good English.
- Electricity: 230 V, European type F sockets.
- Time: UTC all year round, no daylight saving time.
- Water: Tap water is clean and safe to drink.
- Public transport: Strætó buses run around the country, but services are infrequent outside the capital area.
- Domestic flights: There are flights from Reykjavík Airport to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Ísafjörður and other places.
Frequently asked questions
What is the emergency number in Iceland?
The emergency number is 112, for police, ambulance, fire service and search and rescue.
Can you camp anywhere in Iceland?
No. You may pitch a tent for one night on uncultivated land under certain conditions, but campervans and trailers must be parked at campsites.
When is the best time to travel in Iceland?
Summer is best for driving around the country and visiting the highlands, while winter is best for the northern lights and ice caves.
All articles in Travel
- The Golden CircleA guide to the Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, distances, the driving route and stops such as Kerið, Skálholt and Friðheimar.
- The Ring Road – Route 1A guide to Iceland's Ring Road, Route 1: distances, a day-by-day itinerary, the main stops in each region, winter driving and tips for the road trip around Iceland.
- National Parks in IcelandIceland's three national parks – Þingvellir, Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull – with visitor centres, trails, UNESCO sites and protected areas.