Ah, Iceland. With over 10,000 waterfalls, 269 named glaciers, and nearly as many sheep as humans, Iceland is a remote natural wonder. There are many different ways to take in Iceland – diving deep into Reykjavik nightlife, camping out in remote backcountry, or taking one of Iceland’s historic hikes like the Laugavugar Trail. For many travelers, though, hitting the road is the perfect way to see the land of fire and Ice. For those who appreciate a world class sight every hour or two, Iceland certainly delivers a road trip to remember.
Welcome To Iceland
As you descend at the end of your short (3.5 hours from London) flight into Keflavik, you’ll immediately be transported to what feels like another world. Vast fields of charcoal coloured lava crash dramatically up against the frothing sea. Bright green fields of grass are seen to be dotted with herds of sheep in the surrounding area. As you step into the Keflavik Airport, the first sight you see is a giant representation of the world, with Iceland at the center. It’s this severe change in perspective that will shock you into realizing just how far north you are, and how far you’ve become separated from the rest of the world. This visual spectacle is but a table setting for the drive ahead of you.
Prep For The Road
To fully enjoy all the Iceland has to offer by car, you’re going to need to rent a 4X4 vehicle. If you want to experience the orange and pink rhyolite hills of Landmannalaugar or any of the wild interior it will be absolutely required. Interior roads are closed in the winter and not regularly maintained the rest of the year. Any road with an “F” in front of it is a dead giveaway that you may find yourself crashing through shallow rivers, dodging gravel, and scaling switchback mountains as sheep graze nearby. Do a little research into trucks and SUV’s that will provide a comfortable ride and ensure that you’re prepared for such an off-road style of trip. Bring binoculars, some tunes, and a paper map – cell service is quite spotty! You’ll want to plan your pit stops, as there can be great stretches between spots to fill up.
Petrol Station Culture
As strange as it may sound, petrol stations play a major role in rural Icelandic life. Outside of Reykjavik, there are virtually zero grocery stores, fast food restaurants, or other basic amenities. That means if you need a meal on the go – you’ll be eating gas station food. Luckily for you, the petrol stations are much more than the typical mini mart filled with bagged crisps and beef jerky. Pull up to nearly any one of these quaint little stations to find hot lamb stew, fresh bread with Icelandic butter, or even a fresh batch of Icelandic yogurt – called skyr. Many of the major sites have petrol stations that double as the visitor center. At Geysir, Iceland’s most predictable and frequent water spout, the petrol station has a cafeteria as well as a humongous gift shop. Stroll through the gift shop to find hand woven Icelandic sheep wool sweaters and other knit goods, local art, and camping gear.
Nearly any driving itinerary will regularly dazzle you with natural beauty. Whether you venture out to the North Fjords to see the puffin colonies, or venture out past Vik to visit the glacier pocked black sand beaches at Jokulsarlon, the winding drives are always as rewarding as the destination. With cinematic landscapes, views that make you feel as though you’re an interstellar traveler, and the opportunity to create your own adventure off-road, Iceland has something to offer any avid road tripper.
