Iceland – Travel Guide
Iceland is a stunning destination, just waiting to be discovered. Its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture are a spectacle to explore. Dive into its majestic glacier-covered mountain peaks and deep-blue waters. Take to the trails and explore its breathtaking natural wonders, from the lava formations to the stunning lakes. Relax in the geothermal hot springs and soak up the breathtaking scenery. Taste the delicious locally-sourced cuisine, featuring fresh fish and gourmet beef. Iceland is a unique destination, inviting exploration and discovery. Allow your senses to take in the unforgettable charm of the country.
All about Iceland
Iceland FAQ
What is Iceland known for?
Iceland is a country of tremendous geological contrasts. Widely known as `The land of fire and ice` Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world`s most active volcanoes. Iceland is also the land of light and darkness. Long summer days with near 24-hour of sunshine are offset by short winter days with only a few hours of daylight.
What are the best places to visit in Iceland?
The season that you decide to come to Iceland may greatly determine your itinerary. Certain tours, such as many glacier hiking, snowmobiling and whale-watching excursions, run throughout the year, yet even these different in terms of how they are conducted and what experience you will have for each season.
Iceland`s most popular attractions are the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon, and these are accessible throughout the year. Also, activities such as whale watching, horseback riding or snowmobiling can usually be enjoyed throughout the year as well, although your experience can vary greatly depending on the season.
The South Coast is another of the country`s most beloved regions, which is accessible the year round. It is renowned for its gorgeous waterfalls, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sandy beach Reynisfjara, the volcano Eyjafjallajökull, and incredible glacier views.
At its far end is the Vatnajökull National Park, which includes stunning sites such as the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the nearby Diamond Beach.
How many days should I spend in Iceland?
Generally, we advise to visit for not less than 7-8 days as you will then have sufficient time to explore much of the tours and attractions in Iceland and Reykjavik. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Iceland?
Getting around the capital city is fairly easy, with options such as taxi, bus, walking or biking to get you from point A to B. For more information, check out Getting Around Reykjavik.
By Car:A car offers the most flexibility for travel around Iceland. Numerous agencies rent vehicles, and ferries allow individuals to bring their own car with them. Rental prices are high – expect to pay around kr 4000 per day for a two wheel drive vehicle, and upwards of about kr 12,000 per day for a four-wheel-drive vehicle; these prices include basic car insurance.
A four-wheel-drive car is needed only in the interior, which is open only in the summer. Renting cars in advance is often cheaper than doing so on-location. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden in Iceland and punishable with fines in the range of kr 300,000 to 500,000. Icelandic nature is sensitive and does not recover easily from tire tracks.
Driving in Iceland is on the right side of the road. Headlights and seat belts for all passengers must be on at all times. There is a single main highway, Route 1-Ring Road, which encircles the country.
Most mountain roads are closed until the end of June, or even longer because of wet and muddy conditions which make them totally impassable. When these roads are opened for traffic, many of them can be passed only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. The roads requiring four-wheel-drive (and possibly snow tires) are route numbers with an `F`. Some roads that were previously signed with an F have since been upgraded and assigned a number without an F. In general you can trust those designations in both cases.
The Route 1 road that encircles the island nation is a staple for tourists who wishes to see the diverse geological features of Iceland, from waterfalls, icebergs, fjords, to volcanoes.
Scheduled trips between Icelandic towns are operated by Strætó bs. Tours to attractions are provided by scheduled buses from various companies, including Reykjavík Excursions (who also operate the FlyBus), Trex, Sterna, NetBus and SBA-NORÐURLEIÐ. Long distance bus travel can cost several thousand kronur and is sometimes more expensive than flying. For example, a one way trip from Reykjavík to Akureyri costs kr 10,340, while flying costs kr 8,925 ISK (as of May 2019). It is possible to go from the eastern part of the country to the western one via bus in one day, but only a few trips are served every day.
Golden Circle day tours are available from Reykjavík from many tour operators which will take you round the Gulfoss waterfall, geysers, the crater and the Mid-Atlantic rift/place of Iceland’s first Parliament. Although you don`t get much time at each stop. The capital area bus system, run by Strætó bs., is an inefficient and expensive mess that cannot be relied on. A single fare costs kr 470 (as of May 2019). Bus drivers do not give back change, so if all you have on you is a kr 500 bill, do not expect to get the difference back. You can also buy a set of twenty tickets for kr 9,100 from major bus stops, also from the driver (as of September 2016). Once you have paid to the driver, you will not get a ticket, unless you ask for one. If you get a ticket, it is valid for any other buses you take within 75 minutes.
By Bicycle: Cycling is a good way to experience Iceland, and provides a very different experience to other means of transport. You should bring your own touring bike, as buying a bike locally can be expensive. Traffic in and out of Reykjavík is heavy, otherwise, it’s OK. You can cycle safely on the Ring Road, or take the bike on the buses (which are equipped with bicycle racks) serving the Ring Road and do side trips. However, if going self-supported, considering the weather and conditions, it is strongly advisable to have a previous touring experience.
When cycling in the winter use studded tyres and dress yourself up in lightweight but warm layers. Bicycle maintenance is typically not a concern, brake pads for example tend to last for 12 months or more, depending on the quality of the brakes.
For trips outside of a town or a city, bring food with you. Icelandic towns can be 100-200 km apart. Food that cooks within 10-15 minutes is preferred. Foraging blueberries and herbs is possible, but do not rely solely on that as a food source
What is the currency of Iceland?
The currency in Iceland is called Icelandic króna, written ISK. Once you`re in Iceland you`ll have to use Icelandic krónur in most places. Icelanders are not big on carrying money though so the preferred payment method is either debit or credit cards. There are not a lot of banks outside of Iceland that carry the Icelandic krónur, but there is a bank and an ATM at the Keflavik Airport where you can exchange your currency.
Tipping in Iceland is not customary, but it`s not illegal or rude either. For more detailed information, consult our guide: Tipping in Iceland.
Do people speak English in Iceland?
The country`s written and spoken language is Icelandic, an Old Norse language that has changed little since Iceland`s first settlers and is the one of the oldest living languages in Europe. However, English is widely spoken and understood throughout. We suggest you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Iceland
Iceland has four seasons, although sometimes it does not feel this way as the weather changes quite frequently. Many people think that Iceland is constantly freezing cold, but this is not the case at all.
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If you are traveling to Iceland in the winter months, you`ll find it to be a spectacular time to visit, however temperatures are rather chilly, as low as -22 °F, particularly in northern Iceland. Wind chill can make temperatures feel even lower, so make sure to pack extra warm clothes. If you want to see the Northern Lights, then the best time to go is generally between February to March, and September to October. The lights tend to be the brightest at this time because of the equinoxes. For trekking and exploring Iceland`s volcanic landscape then the summer months of June and July tend to be a bit drier and warmer and the 24 hour daylight is a neat experience.
In order to get the most out of your visit to Iceland, it is important that you find out when to visit. After all, the weather in the country can be rather varied, depending on when you`re visiting, and the kind of activities you can partake in would differ. Read on to find out when the best time to visit Iceland is for you!
April – May
Spring in Iceland are the months of April and May when the snow is generally thawing in the mountains and the highlands, although you still may see a snowfall from time to time. This is the time of year when the birds, such as the popular puffin, start to appear.
Springtime weather can bring anything from snow, sleet and rain to bright sunny days with a temperature average between 32°F to 50°F. Springtime can be wet in the south part of the country but drier and cooler towards the north. The colors of nature start to come out and spring flowers can be seen poking through gardens and trees. This is an excellent time to visit the country because the weather is fairly mild and you still may have a chance to catch the Northern Lights. It is also before high season so there will be fewer tourists and prices are still lower. You will also find it easier to get accommodations and tours.
Events and Festivals
– Art Festival, Reykjavik (May – June)
– Independence Day (May)
June – August
Mid-June through August is the peak tourist season and for good reason, the weather is pleasant and the sun barely sets, a natural phenomenon called the Midnight Sun. If you enjoy long days to explore the outdoors, this is the season to go, with 20 hours of daylight. July is the warmest month with an average of 60°F and the weather typically stays mild until mid-September, however the weather is still unpredictable this time of year as well.
During the summer months, outdoor activities are in full swing, such as visiting the highlands, swimming and hiking, as well as many outdoor music festivals. Most tours are available in summertime and you`ll be able to see many locations in the long summer days, including mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls.
After summer solstice (June 21st) the days start to get shorter, but only by a minute or two each day. The sunsets turn into sunrises in spectacular shows of color that may last for hours. Iceland is a paradise for photographers at this time to catch the true beauty of nature in the `golden hour`.
Events and Festivals
– Art Festival (May – June)
– Secret Solstice Music Festival (June)
– Independence Day (June 17)
– Summer Solstice (June 21)
– ATP Festival- Folk Festival, North Iceland (July)
– Bræðslan Music Festival (July)
– Outdoor Festival Þjóðhátíð í Eyjum, the Westman Islands (August)
– Reykjavik Pride Festival (August)- Culture Night or `Menningarnótt` (August)
– Numerous Music Festivals (throughout the Summer months).
September – October
The autumn is a great time to visit Iceland as it`s still relatively mild (getting colder each day though) and the prices for accommodations and flights go down. During this time you`ll get the opportunity to catch the gorgeous autumn colors of Iceland, perhaps experience the first snowfall of the year, or even catch the Northern Lights – this is said to be two of the best months to see them.
A few of the downfalls when visiting Iceland this time of year is that it may be rather windy, wet and quite cold, and the most renowned natural attractions end (typically after September). Roads in the hinterlands are generally closed starting from October through until spring. Fall daylight hours are roughly the same as in North America or Europe. The average temperature is similar to springtime, between 32°F to 50°F, but autumn feels a bit colder with the winds.
Events and Festivals
– Reykavik International Film Festival (Septmeber).
November – March
The winter months in Iceland can be a spectacular time to visit. If you can endure little sunlight (about five hours a day) and cold temperatures, there is plenty here to do. The winter brings never-ending nightlife in Reykjavik, the viewing of the beautiful Northern Lights and plenty of outdoor snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. This is also the time when you can enjoy much lower hotel rates and flight prices, great for any budget traveler!
February or March are the best months of winter because this is when you will have more daylight than earlier in the winter months. Orcas visit the Iceland coast in February and March as well; specialist companies run boat tours and wildlife photography excursions to make the most of this thrilling display.
Events and Festivals
– Iceland Airwaves (November)
– Food and Fun Festival (February or March)
– Sónar Reykjavík (February)
– I Never Went South or ‘Aldrei fór ég suður’ Rock Concert (March/April).
Tipping in Iceland
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter.
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Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Tipping in Iceland
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Krona (ISK)?
The currency of Iceland is the króna, written ISK. Some shops catering to tourists will accept payment in US dollars but not necessarily at the best rate. Once you`re in Iceland you`ll need to use the Icelandic krónur in most places. Icelanders are not big on carrying money though so the preferred payment method is either debit or credit cards. There are not a lot of banks outside of Iceland that carry the Icelandic krónur, but there is a bank and an ATM at the Keflavik Airport where you can exchange your currency.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In general it`s not customary to tip in Iceland, however it is also not illegal or rude to tip in these places either. Often times you will find that many bills already have the gratuity or service charge added into the total. If there isn`t a service charge, then a 10% gratuity is perfectly fine. You will notice many bars and restaurants have tip jars now.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels in Iceland is not customary; the services are included in your bill. However, you are welcome to leave a small tip for your maid, they would be appreciative but do not expect it, and the same would be true for other services around the hotel.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping cab drivers is unusual and never expected in Iceland. The price of the ride will cover any service charge. However, if the taxi driver was particularly helpful you should feel free to tip them.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is not expected in Iceland. However, if you had an exceptional experience and felt you wanted to express your appreciation to your tour guide, you can leave around 10%.
Final Thoughts:
Remember it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the US, waiters, tour guides, hotel staff, etc. are paid a decent wage, and tipping is not the standard practice.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Driving in Iceland
Iceland’s breathtaking attractions, such as its volcanoes, hot springs, and glaciers, can be found in appealing places all over the country. Driving on the famous Ring Road and the Golden Circle is many visitors’ favorite adventure.
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Whereas it’s great to walk or cycle with the capital city of Reykjavik, the best way to get out of the city and explore this stunning country, is undoubtedly on road trips and self-drive tours, as it truly gives you the freedom to stop at every waterfall, volcano, hot springs, and glacier you see.
Here, we have included everything you need to know when driving in Iceland. We recommend you learn more about Icelandic road systems and conditions, safe driving tips, road and traffic signs, tolls, and parking before visiting Iceland. These important tips will be helpful when you’re ready to hit the road and explore the land of fire and ice on a vacation you’ll never forget.
General Rules
Car Rentals
Renting a car and self-driving Iceland on your own is the best way to experience this beautiful country, as it truly gives you the freedom to go at your own pace and stop anywhere that you find interesting on your road trip.
There are several car rentals in Iceland offering a variety of vehicles from which to choose. However, renting a car in Iceland from Keflavík International Airport is the most obvious choice, as that’s where most people begin their Icelandic road trip. The airport is about 40 minutes away from Reykjavik. However, you can also rent cars in the heart of Reykjavik if you decide to take a bus or shuttle into the city for a few days before exploring the rest of the country.
Renting a four-wheel drive – an SUV or mini truck – is popular outside the city limits because they hold plenty of luggage and are capable of managing most terrain you’ll encounter.Age Requirement For Car Rentals
The minimum age to rent a passenger car in Iceland is 20 years old for insurance and safety reasons.
The minimum age to rent a four-wheel drive or a minibus is 23 years old, as these vehicles require further experience and more intimate knowledge of vehicle handling.
You must present a valid driver’s license (held for a minimum of one year) at the time of the rental as a means of proving your age.International Driver’s License
You do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Iceland or to rent a car. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country.Off-Road Driving
Driving off-road in Iceland is very illegal and could get you large fines. However, we need to make a distinction between driving off-road and driving gravel F-roads. Sometimes people get confused of the two. F-roads are very basic (and marked) dirt roads in Iceland, and you CAN drive these with a 4×4 vehicle.
Adventure F-Roads (Gravel) are designed dirt mountain roads that wine through Iceland’s rugged interior highlands. It is strongly advised to travel in groups of 2 or more cars for safety should a breakdown occur.
The rocky, sometimes muddy conditions are more treacherous than other gravel roads. You can travel for miles without seeing any other cars.
Iceland’s F-roads require a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. They also require your full attention. Some F-Roads can get quite rough, with deep glacial river crossings.
Local Access H-Roads (Gravel) are dirt roads that often lead to farms and private homes off the main paved roads in Iceland. They are better maintained than the F-Roads, and do not require a 4×4 in the summer, but aren’t plowed as frequently as paved roads in the winter.Seatbelt Laws
Wearing your seatbelt is required in Iceland. Driving without your seatbelt could get you pulled over and fined. Passengers under 12 years old are not allowed to ride in the front seat.Cellphone
Driving with a cellphone in your hand is illegal unless you are using a hands-free device.Different Road Types in Iceland
Iceland has a variety of different landforms and terrain, you’ve got to think about the type of trip you want to have. You’ll need to decide if you are looking for more adventure across the Icelandic highlands like a Nordic explorer, or if you want a more relaxed and comfortable drive. This will determine the roads you’ll encounter and the vehicle you’ll need.
Ring Road & Golden Circle (Paved) is a mostly paved road (Route 1) that runs a giant circle around the outer rim of the island and through many towns, including the capital of Reykjavik.
There are some remote sections with gravel, but a 2-wheel drive car will still be okay when traveling this road. While you can technically drive around the whole country non-stop in about 17 hours, you’ll definitely want to give yourself plenty of time, at least a week to really enjoy all the sites while traveling this route.
You can choose a 2-wheel drive vehicle for driving the , as well. This shorter route is a great day trip from Reykjavik if you don’t have as much dime.
Icelandic Roads
Paved Roads
The main highway circling around Iceland, Route 1 Ring Road, is a typical paved road. Most roads inside the cities and towns are also paved. The usual speed limit is 55/miles hr (90/km hr) on highways and 18 – 30 miles/hr (30 – 50 km/hr) in urban areas.Gravel Roads
A big portion of roads in the Icelandic road systems are gravel roads. They could be in different conditions-potholes or washboard surfaces can be commonly found. The usual speed limit is 50 miles/hr (80 km/hr).F-Roads
Icelandic mountain roads are called, F-Roads, these are the most difficult roads to drive. They are ONLY open to the public during the summertime (typically from mid-June to August) and ONLY accessible with 4 WD vehicles as requested by law. The usual speed limit is 30 miles/hr (50 km/hr), but it is always a good idea to drive slow and steady on F-Roads.General Road Information
In general, Icelandic paved roads are easy to navigate, and it is fairly easy to visit the most famous attractions with the paved Ring Road. But it is also one of the most common reasons accidents happen: drivers get distracted by the views on the side due to the ease. When driving on paved roads, always make sure you can stay focused and drive according to the actual situation. Don’t forget to plan in advance and have multiple rest stops in between attractions.
On the other hand, the gravel roads and F-roads are more challenging. As mentioned, there is no absolute assurance that the gravel roads are in good shape. Not only loose stone, rocks and potholes or washboards, but you will also have to deal with the ‘attack’ of sand or other earth materials when there is a strong wind, heavy rain, snow etc. If you are driving on gravel roads, it would be best to move at a steady slow pace, and you are also advised NOT to continue driving if you cannot handle the situation. Please call the emergency number if needed. Iceland emergency phone number: 112.
Safety Tips
Heed Wind and Weather Warnings
The weather in Iceland is extremely variable, even in the summer months. It can switch quickly and without much notice.
As a visitor, your time can be limited to explore, so it can be tempting to just risk the weather and stick to your itinerary, regardless of the warnings. However, this can be dangerous. Iceland can experience intense snowstorms and strong winds that may blow your car entirely off the road, so the warnings are no joke. Always check the wind and weather warnings before driving anywhere in Iceland, even if the skies look clear. It’s worth altering your itinerary if necessary rather than risking the safety of your group.Stopping For Photos
Many roads in Iceland may look deserted, especially in the winter months. With so many amazing things to see along Iceland’s main routes, you may consider stopping to snap some pictures or take a break on the side of the road. However, this is NEVER recommended, especially when driving on Route 1. This popular route always has traffic, even if you can’t see it. People may come around turns very quickly and not be able to stop in time to see you.
Even parts of the Ring Road have no shoulder, so there isn’t anywhere to pull off. There are many designated pull-out points on Iceland’s main roads, so wait until you see one of those so you can safely pull over and enjoy the vistas.Road Closures
Respect road closures for your own safety. “Lokað” means closed. Roads in Iceland will often be closed due to poor conditions and bad weather. Never try to take a road that is marked closed or “Lokað” as they can be extremely dangerous. While Route 1 is typically well maintained, there is a chance of closures if a huge snowstorm or windstorm rolls through. That’s why we recommend always leaving extra time. Check before leaving to see if any roads have been marked red (closed) or grey (no winter service).Off Road Driving
You must never drive off-road in Iceland. The natural environment of Iceland is extremely fragile and difficult to preserve. When you drive off-road, you damage the land, which can take decades to reverse. Because of Iceland’s proximity to the arctic circle, the growing season is very short, so it takes vegetation a long time to grow back if you drive over it. On top of that, the soil is volcanic, so it’s sandy and loose. Tire tracks will act as channels for water, causing erosion and stripping the ground of plant life.
Even if you have a 4X4, always drive on marked roads and trails in Iceland. F-roads and gravel roads do not count as ‘off-road.’ It refers to driving entirely off any marked paths.Headlights
In Iceland, it is illegal to drive without your headlights, even during the day.
During the winter season, it’s dark or dim most of the day, with only 5 hours of daylight. But regardless of what season it is, it’s vital that you have your headlights on so you can see the road, wildlife, other cars, and people effectively.
You will need to physically turn the headlights on when you start your car. The ‘auto’ setting is not sufficient.Crossing Single Lane Bridges
There are single-lane bridges all over Iceland, even on the main routes. Route 1 Ring Road, the main roadway around the country, has many single-lane bridges. You’ll need to stop for oncoming traffic at these bridges, and whoever gets there first gets the right of way.
These bridges can also ice over, so make sure to drive steady across them.Drive on the Right Side
In Iceland, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road. If you’re visiting from North America, this won’t be an issue for you. The steering wheel is on the left-hand side of the car, and when overtaking, you overtake on the left.
Gas Stations
Gas Stations
Gas stations are common in towns and along the Ring Road, but they can be sparse in rural areas. It’s a good idea to fill up your tank whenever you pass a gas station, especially if you plan to drive in remote areas.
Gas stations in Iceland do operate a bit differently than in the USA. Many gas pumps are self-serve where you pump your own gas. In some states in the USA, people do not pump their own gas, a gas station employee does it for you. Some people have never pumped gas before so if this is the case and you are heading to Iceland, get ready to pump gas on your own.
Paying for Gas
Gas stations will require you to have a card with a PIN number in order to pump gas. Most credit cards do not automatically come with a pin number, only your zip code, and you will be declined. I you take a credit card into the gas station to an employee, they can use it to ring you up at the cash register with no problems. However, if the convenience store is closed, you could be out of luck. Save yourself this trouble by simply bringing a debit or bank card which already comes with a pin.
Remember that the zip code you put in for your credit card is not considered a pin number when visiting gas stations in Iceland and you must have an actual pin.Food And Groceries
The vast majority of gas stations in Iceland offer some sort of food option and some even offer a full-service sit-down restaurant. The offerings are mainly Icelandic soup, burgers, and hot dogs, as well as coffee and a pastry of some sort. Many gas stations in Iceland double as small grocery and hardware stores.Gas Prices
Gas prices in Iceland are extremely high. Due to the strength of the kroner against other money in the world and the fact that Iceland is a remote island, gas prices can be astronomical compared to what you are used to. Be prepared to pay much higher prices for gas than what you are used to.Gas Station Brands
There are a variety of companies that provide gas in Iceland, some more popular than others.
N1 Gas Stations are the most popular types of Iceland gas station brands. You will find N1 gas stations in Iceland everywhere from big cities to super rural areas. N1 Iceland gas stations are often found in remote towns and villages and you can pump gas 24/7, although the gas station store will not always be open. Make sure you have a card with a pin on it as you may visit an N1 gas station after hours so you will want to be prepared.
Olis Gas Stations are probably the second most popular gas station brand in Iceland. Olis also has a sister brand named OB but they are from the same company. While N1 gas stations appear more locally owned and operated like a franchise Olis gas stations are a bit larger and more commercial. Many Olis gas stations also offer free wifi and discounts with their card.
Orkan Gas Stations has around 55 automatic Iceland gas stations around the country. The Orkan gas stations are open 24/7 because you pay at the pump, but again, the store may not always be open.
Costco Gas stations are relatively new to Iceland but offer the best prices for gas. The downside is that you have to be a Costco member in order to use their gas – if you are a member in the States, your membership card will translate to Iceland.
Parking
Parking Costs
Like all the countries around the world, parking your rental car in Iceland is NOT free. But unlike all other countries, if you are traveling along Route 1 Ring Road, parking at most tourist attractions, for example, the car parks close to waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanos are FREE. So the actual parking fee you must pay during your stay in Iceland comes down to where and when you park your car.
In urban areas, you may need to pay for parking. Parking meters or pay-and-display machines typically accept coins or credit cards. May sure to display your parking ticket on your dashboard. some cities require a parking payment only within a certain time period during the day. For all designated parking locations, you will see a “P” sign with a blue background. This sign indicates that you can park your car here, and you will need to pay for parking in these areas most of the time.
You will also find this paid Parking area in some famous tourist attractions, for example, the Thingvellir National Park and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
For the free parking spots, you will usually see them well-marked with white lines in the city; in the urban area, the free parking spots are generally in the form of specially designed gravel grounds. Before parking in those ‘free’ zones, please ensure it is not a private parking spot and/or a parking time limit. If you violate the parking rules or park in private parking, the owner has the right to tow your car without notice.Parking at Iceland Tourist Attractions
In popular places like national parks such as Skaftafell/Vatnajokull national park or Thingvellir national park, downtown Reykjavik, and renowned destinations like the Geldingardalir (Fagradalsfjall) volcano and Seljandarfoss waterfall. You will see signs indicating that you have to pay for parking when you arrive at the attractions’ parking lot.
National parks and certain popular destinations often charge for parking fees to help maintain and preserve the natural beauty of the area. You can pay for parking on sites with a parking machine or the parking app: Parka mentioned above.
Toll/Tunnel Roads
Tolls/Tunnesl
The ONLY Tolled tunnel in Iceland is the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel. The other roads in Iceland are toll-free, only with the exception of the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel. This tunnel opened in 2020 in north Iceland outside of Akureyi city. This tunnel connects the east bank of the Eyjafjörður fjord and Akureyri, which shortened the Route 1 Ring Road by 10 miles.Toll Prices
There is a fee per trip for each car to use the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel:
Regular passenger car under 3.5 tons: 1,500 ISK per trip (one-way)
Vehicles weight between 3.5 to 7.5 tons: 2,500 ISK per trip (one-way)
Vehicles weight over 7.5 tons:5,200 ISK per trip (one-way)How to Pay tunnel Toll
The fee is required to be paid in full within a 24-hour time frame with a valid credit card online. You can pay for your single tip via the veggjald.is website or with their official app ( Apple iOS; Android) after passing through the tunnel; OR, you can also pre-register your rental car’s license plate number details on the same website 24 hours before your trip and pre-pay the fee.
You will be fined if you cannot pay the toll fee online within 24 hours after (or before) using the tunnel.Free Tunnels in Iceland
As mentioned, the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel is the ONLY tolled tunnel in Iceland. You will be able to use all of the tunnels listed below for free during your stay in Iceland:
– Hvalfjörður Tunnel: a tunnel that used to be a tolled road but has been toll-free since late 2018. This tunnel is laid under the Hvalfjörður fjord, connecting Reykjavik and the west, and it is part of Route 1 Ring Road.
– Arnardalshamar Tunnel: Arnardalshamar tunnel is located in the Westfjords area along Route 61 and cuts through a basalt dike named Arnardalshamar. It is the shortest and oldest artificial tunnel in Iceland.
– Strákagöng Tunnel: Another tunnel located in Westfjords outside of Siglufjörður town, making the village more accessible during the winter season.
– Héðinsfjarðargöng Tunnel: Hédinsfjardargöng are two tunnels, a 2.5 mile long tunnel between Siglufjördur and Hédinsfjördur and a 4.4-mile long tunnel between Hédinsfjödur and Ólafsfjördur.
– Múlagöng Tunnel: A tunnel located in East Iceland, connecting the towns Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður.
– Breiðadals & Botnsheiði Tunnels: It is a tunnel with a crossroads inside it. Located in Westfjords, the tunnel starts from Isafjordur and connects Suðureyri and Flateyri towns. You can easily access these two different towns at the crossroads in the tunnel from Ísafjörður.
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What to expect while traveling
