Iceland Road Quality and Driving Conditions

    Driving in Iceland

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    First of all, it’s important to realise that Iceland is a (relatively) large island with few inhabitants. It’s also very rocky, mountainous and rivery. Some areas are constantly changing because of geothermal heat, and we have a few rivers that will flash flood, sometimes even sweeping roads and bridges out to sea. Driving conditions can become difficult at times. If you think about it, it’s really a wonder that we have roads at all!

    That said, it shouldn’t be too difficult to travel around Iceland by car, especially if you stick to populated areas and popular destinations. The Ring Road (road nr 1 that reaches all the way around the island) is kept in good condition, is paved with asphalt almost all the way, and lies through many major towns in Iceland.

    That said, it shouldn’t be too difficult to travel around Iceland by car, especially if you stick to populated areas and popular destinations. The Ring Road (road nr 1 that reaches all the way around the island) is kept in good condition, is paved with asphalt almost all the way, and lies through many major towns in Iceland.

    You could have a perfectly good vacation never straying from the ring road, but if you feel like exploring a little off the beaten path, you’ll almost certainly have to wrestle with gravel roads and single-lane bridges. Follow these simple tips while driving and you’ll reach each and every destination safely!

    Be sure to check the road conditions before heading out!

    Driving off-road is completely forbidden in Iceland. It’s incredibly damaging to the sensitive Icelandic flora, not to mention illegal and subject to heavy fines. Don’t do it!

    Gravel roads

    Icelandic towns all have asphalt roads, and almost all of route 1, the main road around the island is paved, although you can expect a few stretches of gravel road in the east fjords. That being said, there are significant areas of gravel roads in the countryside. If you’re heading far away from the city, check if the roads are paved or gravel.

    In winter, the accessibility of these roads depends on weather conditions.

    HOW TO DRIVE ON A GRAVEL ROAD

    • TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. Gravel can be very different from asphalt; you need to be careful.
    • Slow down. The surface below you is a lot less solid than asphalt. The top legal speed on gravel is 80 km/h, a full 10 km slower than on asphalt highways, and that’s for perfect conditions. If there are a lot of twists and turns, drive slower.
    • Don’t make any sudden changes such as quickly swerving, braking etc. Easy does it.
    • Increase braking distance and distance between vehicles.
    • Be considerate, especially on narrow roads. Give way to drivers going in the opposite direction if you can.
    • In springtime, you need to be careful as the road’s edges might not be as solid as usual, due to frost leaving the ground.
    • Some roads are ONLY legal for 4WD vehicles. It’s mostly the mountain roads but be on the safe side and stay away from roads marked F, there will usually be a sign. Even if there isn’t a sign, follow your instincts. If it feels like your car won’t handle the road, it probably won’t, and it definitely won’t get better, the farther into the mountains you go. If you drive your road where you don’t belong, you’re not insured. Also, you could easily get hurt. So, don’t do it.

    Single lane bridges (and no bridges at all!)

    There are a lot of rivers in Iceland, and it’s difficult and expensive to make bridges. Many roads with little traffic have been compromised with single-lane bridges. There’s nothing complicated about them, but you do have to pay attention.

    HOW TO DRIVE ON A SINGLE-LANE BRIDGE

    • If there are no other cars around, you just pass the bridge, of course.
    • If there is another car approaching from the other direction, the general rule is to let the car that reaches the bridge first pass while you wait patiently.
    • If you’re not sure which car has the right of way, err on the side of caution. You’re probably driving over a pretty river, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, so pausing while letting another car pass should be no hardship.
    • This should go without saying but don’t stop the car on bridges, no matter how pretty the view is. If you want to admire the landscape, find the next scenic rest stop or parking spot.

    There are some mountain roads where you have to cross a river.

    As in, drive your car through and underwater. If you don’t know what you’re doing, we don’t recommend you try it. Also, you’re definitely not insured for anything that happens while you’re doing this. This is mostly on mountain roads, however, (marked F) and you really shouldn’t be driving there if you don’t know what you’re doing! If you really want to see someplace that’s so hard to get to, book a tour or get a driver.

    Driving on gravel roads and single-lane bridges might sound intimidating, but it’s really not that different from regular driving, just requires you to pay a little bit more attention. Exploring the Icelandic countryside in a rental car is a lovely activity, but if driving on your own is stressing you out, you can always find a tour!

    Doing it yourself? Rent a Car!

    Stop by What’s On before you leave the city and
    get information about destinations in Iceland.

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