Driving is the most practical way to see Iceland outside Reykjavik, but the conditions are different enough from most travelers’ home countries to be worth preparing for.
1–3: Insurance
Standard rental insurance often excludes gravel damage and sand/ash damage, both common in Iceland. Gravel Protection (GP) and Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) are worth adding even on paved-road itineraries, since gravel sections are common on secondary roads.
4–6: Road conditions
F-roads (marked with an “F”) require 4x4 vehicles and are closed outside summer — check road.is for current status. Single-lane bridges are common on Route 1; the car already on the bridge has right of way. Gravel roads require lower speeds than the posted limit suggests.
7–9: Weather and visibility
Check road.is and en.vedur.is (the Icelandic Met Office) daily — conditions can change within hours. High winds can make car doors dangerous to open and, in extreme cases, can damage doors if not held carefully. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.
10: Fuel planning
Gas stations are sparser outside the southwest — don’t let the tank drop below a quarter in remote areas, and carry a card with a PIN, as many rural pumps are card-only.
About Erika Sand
Erika has spent the last decade driving, hiking, and hot-spring-hopping across Iceland in every season. She writes NRF.is’s itineraries, guides, and trip reports to help travelers see the country safely, affordably, and without the tourist-trap detours.