There are glaciers and volcanoes in the landscape. The roads around the fjords are lined with fishing villages and isolated churches. The countryside is as diverse as it gets.
It's barely larger than the state of Ohio at 40,000 sq miles. Even though it's large, it can be difficult to navigate. The volcanic landscapes and fjords can be difficult to navigate, and the unpredictable weather can make travel plans difficult. You don't need to travel very far to see some of the country's top spots, since they are a few miles from the capital.
There's more than one country to explore. You can hire your own transportation, take the bus, or both.
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The freedom to travel at your own pace and the network of roads are adequate with low traffic. Route 1 is the ring road and it encircles the country with other paved or gravel roads branching into the rest of the country. A 2WD car is all you need to drive in the summer. The highlands should be avoided unless you have a 4WD.
Taking coastal routes is a great way to see the countryside and can take an hour or more to do. In the winter, many mountain roads are closed. There are regular updates on the website of the road and coastal administration.
Drivers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries need a valid license from their home country. You can get an International Driving Permit from your home country.
Renting a car is fairly straightforward in Iceland, but it pays to consider a few things like prices, insurance and what to do in the event of a breakdown.
Budget and Avis are international CarRentals agencies. Local agencies like Blue Car Rental, A Car Rental and Go Car Rental might be able to provide extras like wi-fi and insurance at a better rate. It's a good idea to book in advance for a cheaper rate because of the high costs of car rentals in Iceland.
Gravel or sand and ash insurance protection can be added to your policy. Most insurance policies don't cover these types of damage on regular damage waivers, so if you're traveling during autumn or spring, you should get extra insurance. Gravel protection should be considered by anyone going out into the F-roads.
It's important to do a thorough inspection before you sign the keys. There are bumps and scratches due to the gravel roads. Take photos of anything larger than a small finger if you notify the rental agency.
Campers are a popular option for travelers who want to explore the country without spending a lot of money. Unlike most accommodations, Iceland's campsites don't need to be pre- booked, so you can travel in a motor home and have fun.
The best time to visit is in the summer. Campers can find most infrastructure that services them close up during the winter. Even the best- planned trip can be disrupted by winter weather.
It's a good idea to go local when renting a motor home. In the past few years, there has been a cottage industry of camper rental companies in the country. Many companies have gps or wi-fi. Go Campers is a common favorite.
If you forget to put a sticker on the tank door, the rental agent will let you know which fuel to use. If you are going to travel into remote areas such as the highlands, you should have enough gas in your car. Most gas stations are not staffed. A card with a PIN is required to use an automated machine. You can buy a card at an N1 station if you don't have one. Call your credit card company to find out if you have a PIN.
When a tire goes flat in the middle of a road, knowing how to change a spare can go a long way. Call your rental agency if you have any problems with your rental.
The tourist-service routes are the only ones that run during the summer season. The bus network makes it possible for travelers on a budget to get around without a car.
Strto is the location of the public bus services, which go around the country on the Ring Road. Most main towns on the coast are serviced by this network of routes.
During the winter months, many of the public bus services are reduced and some stop altogether. If there are delays, plan plenty of time into your schedule so you don't miss anything.
During the summer months, buses operated by various tour companies shuttle visitors around the highlights of WesternIceland. The bus routes can be used for either sightseeing or A-to-B services. Some buses have onboard wi-fi and can be tracked with a gps device.
Domestic flights are expensive and take a long time. Egilsstair is the main domestic airport.
Locals have adopted air travel as a mode of transportation due to the difficult terrain of the country. There is a full listing of airports at the national airport provider, Isavia.
A great way to see this part of the country is by cycling around the coast. Even in the summer, when the weather is nicer, be prepared to face wind, rain, and sand that can be hard to ride through.
The majority of the Ring Road doesn't have a hard shoulder, so you'll often have to ride in traffic. The majority of the Ring Road is open to cyclists, but there are two stretches in the west that are not. Cyclists can complete the ring road in two weeks.
Cyclists can easily find tire repair kits and spare parts in Reykjavik, but they can be hard to find outside the city. Stock up before you leave. Mountain bike rentals are offered by Reykjavik Bike Tours, but most cyclists bring their own bikes.
Travelers often head out for a day on the water and return to the same port of call on boats. Taking a ferry is the main way to get around in a few places. Vehicles are also carried on most major routes.
The ferry leaves from Reykjavik and makes regular trips to the uninhabited island. You can buy tickets at the ferry terminal. There are no cars on the island.
There are millions of seabirds that come to breed in the archipelago of craggy sea cliffs. Half of the town of Heimaey was wiped out by a lava flow in the 70s. To book tickets, visit Herjlfur.
It takes a lot of time to travel to the Westfjords from the Snfellsnes Peninsula. The ferry stops at Flatey Island before arriving at Brjnslkur.
The ferry from Dalvk to Grmsey will take you about two to five hours to explore the island. You can stay at one of the island's guesthouses or campgrounds. You can book tickets online.
Easily reached from the mainland, Hrsey is a low-key escape with great views of Eyjafjrur. The ferry leaves from rskgssandur seven times daily. You can see the schedule online.
The article was first published about a year ago.
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