Traveling in Iceland: Tips and Itineraries
Roaming or Fixed Stay?
Iceland is best explored by roaming. Unlike other destinations, where you can travel from a fixed point, Iceland does not have a central location from which you can easily access its major sites. To fully experience its wild landscapes, a road trip is essential.
The distances are also significant. For example, the distance between Reykjavik and Jökulsárlón, the famous glacial lagoon in the south, is 370 km (nearly 5 hours by car). Staying in one place would mean spending most of your time on the road and making long, exhausting round trips.
The solution? Change your accommodations every one to three days as you follow your itinerary, or opt for a camper van. You'll sleep close to the sites you want to explore and make the most of your time there. This itinerant formula is undoubtedly the most effective way to discover Iceland's diverse landscapes.
Tours in Iceland
Below are two exceptional tours for exploring Iceland's most iconic landscapes:
An accessible itinerary for a gentle discovery.
A more demanding route for seasoned adventurers.
⏳ Coming soon: 20-day tour
A complete tour of Iceland combining iconic sites and lesser-known gems.
Top Regions to Visit
If I had to choose just one region to explore, it would be the Highlands without hesitation. This vast wilderness covers nearly half of Iceland and remains almost entirely uninhabited. The landscapes here are raw, spectacular, and unique in the world.
1️⃣ The Southwest Highlands
The southwest Highlands are the most accessible part of the Highlands, but a 4x4 is still essential. It is home to some of the country's most remarkable sites. Please note, however, that the roads in the Highlands are only open from late June to mid-September.
2️⃣ Southern Iceland
Another must-see region, rich in exceptional hiking trails and iconic landscapes.
3️⃣ The North, East, and West
These regions offer beautiful scenery, though with fewer exceptional sites.
4️⃣ What about the Northwest Fjords?
Although they are often presented as a must-see, I find them less impressive than the eastern fjords and nowhere near as impressive as those in Norway. Additionally, the distances between the different sites are significant.
My advice
If your time is limited, focus on the Highlands and the south. A complete tour of Iceland is only feasible if you have at least 20 days.
Car Rental in Iceland
If you want to explore the Highlands or follow one of the suggested routes, you will need a 4x4 vehicle to take the F-roads, which are specific to the Icelandic Highlands. These roads are strictly reserved for 4x4 vehicles.
What type of 4x4 should you choose?
The type of vehicle you choose depends on your itinerary and how comfortable you are with crossing rivers:
- No river crossings planned? → Any 4x4 will do.
- Need to cross rivers? → Opt for a Dacia Duster or a higher-end model. This type of vehicle is sufficient in most cases under normal conditions.