Vast landscapes stretch between volcanoes and ice-capped mountains. Coastal roads snake around fjords, passing fishing villages, isolated churches – plus the odd sheep bleating on the roadside. Iceland’s countryside is as diverse as it is dramatic.
It's also relatively tiny – at roughly 40,000 sq miles, Iceland is a tad smaller than the state of Ohio. But despite its size, it can still be a tricky country to navigate. All those volcanic landscapes and fjords make for difficult terrain, and as all the locals know, the fickle weather patterns can throw the best-laid travel plans into disarray. Luckily some of the country's top spots are just a few miles from Reykjavik, meaning that you may not need to travel very far to see some of Iceland's most iconic sights.
But there's also a whole country out there for exploring. From hiring your own transportation to taking the bus, here's how to get around Iceland.
Exploring Iceland on your own four wheels gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, and the network of roads is generally adequate with low traffic. Route 1 (better known as the Ring Road) encircles the country, with other paved or gravel roads spiraling into the rest of the country like the roots of a vine. During the summer, a 2WD car is all you need to navigate Iceland’s main roads. Unless you have a 4WD, you should avoid the highlands or anything prefixed with an F (such as F88).
Taking a coastal route is an especially scenic and enjoyable way to see the countryside, although navigating Iceland’s fjords can sometimes add an hour or more to a trip. Many mountain roads close in the winter, so plan ahead. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website posts regular updates on closures.
Drivers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries must have a valid driver’s license from their home country. Many places will accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) provided by the automobile association of your home country.
Tips for renting a car: Renting a car is fairly straightforward in Iceland, although it pays to consider a few things like prices, insurance and what to do in the event of a breakdown.
International rental agencies like Europcar, Budget and Avis are available. Still, local agencies like Blue Car Rental, A Car Rental, and Go Car Rental might be able to provide extra services like wi-fi hotspots or included insurance at better rates. In Iceland, car rental costs are often higher than in other countries, and it's worth booking in advance for a cheaper rate.
Depending on where you're headed or when you're traveling, consider the additional gravel or sand and ash insurance protection. Most insurance policies don't cover these types of damage on regular damage
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As both a mom and a daughter, I can say with certainty that there's no one harder to shop for than a mother on Mother's Day. That's why I'm focusing on planning travel with my mom instead of getting her another scarf, bag or mani-pedi this year, though she loves all of those, too.
When Norse Atlantic released its results for 2023, it was a celebration of several milestones. These included completing its first full year of operation and carrying over a million passengers on more than 4,000 flights.
Next month’s total solar eclipse, which will pass directly over a wide swath of North America, is drawing an awful lot of interest from folks who are willing to travel to see it in all its glory. In order to do so, they need to place themselves somewhere along its path of totality—geographic locations from which the sun will appear to be entirely obstructed by the moon’s shadow passing between the Earth and its nearest star.
Semi-private jet company JSX is offering a luxurious way to see the total solar eclipse next month with a sweepstakes that will give 12 lucky space fans the chance to see the phenomenon from the air for free.
No landscape is as iconically associated with Arkansas as the Ozark Mountains. These forested highlands are crucial to the state's self-conception as a natural, rugged wonderland that incubates deep folk culture and a cherished sense of independence. The Ozarks dominate northwestern Arkansas, where they are divided into two geologic categories: the Springfield Plateau and the Boston Mountains.
Climeworks, a startup that directly captures carbon dioxide from the air, is partnering with Swiss Air Lines to remove tons of CO2 on behalf of the European airline in one of the first deals of its kind.
Climeworks, a startup that directly captures carbon dioxide from the air, is partnering with Swiss Air Lines to remove tons of CO2 on behalf of the European airline in what appears to be the first deal of its kind.
Franco-Palestinian chef and hotelier Fadi Kattan, who splits his time between projects in London and the West Bank, can now add author to his repertoire. His new cookbook, Bethlehem: A Celebration of Palestinian Food, set to be released on May 14 in the US, honors his hometown and its people. In a devastating time for Palestinians, as a violent war with Israel pushes surviving Gazans to the brink of famine and impacts life for those in the West Bank every day, Kattan's book aims to bring Bethlehem into people’s kitchens to preserve the traditions, culture, and flavors of Palestine well beyond the region.
Exploring the wonderful natural beauty of Iceland doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet. Despite its reputation for being on the pricier side, Iceland offers a treasure trove of experiences that don't cost a dime.