Summer driving
Travelling during the summer in Iceland is a completely different experience from the rest of the year. With near-endless daylight and roads that open all the way into the Highlands, the whole country becomes yours to explore. It almost feels like a different island compared to the winter - the landmarks you saw under a blanket of snow now sit among green moss, wildflowers and rushing glacial rivers. The same goes for driving your rental car: summer is generally the easiest time to be on Icelandic roads, but it still rewards focus, respect for the conditions and a little preparation.
Most of the popular routes, including the Ring Road (Route 1), are well maintained and easy to navigate. That said, a large part of the road system is still made up of gravel roads, especially once you leave the main highways. Gravel can hide potholes, washboard surfaces and loose stones that throw up chippings and can damage your car, so slow down, keep to the right and take extra care on narrow stretches, blind summits and single-lane bridges.
Tires deserve a special mention, because they are behind one of the most common - and most avoidable - problems we see. Loose gravel is the main cause of flat and damaged tires in Iceland, and speed is almost always the deciding factor. The faster you drive on gravel, the harder stones are flung against the sidewalls and the easier it is to lose grip, so ease off the accelerator wherever the pavement turns to gravel, on washboard surfaces, and especially when meeting an oncoming car. A little extra caution here protects far more than the tire itself: a flat in a remote area can mean hours spent changing a wheel or waiting for assistance, plus a long detour to the nearest garage - time taken straight out of the holiday you came for. Slowing down for a few hundred metres of rough gravel is the simplest way to keep your trip on schedule and your day yours.
The Highlands are what make an Icelandic summer special. The mountain roads, marked with an "F", usually only open from late June or the beginning of July, and sometimes later if conditions are poor. They are unpaved, require a 4x4 vehicle, and many include unbridged river crossings, so it is strongly recommended to travel with more than one car. Never attempt a river crossing unless you are experienced and well prepared; glacial rivers swell on warm days and after rain, and underestimating the water has cost lives. If you would not be willing to wade across on foot, do not drive across.
Even in the middle of summer, the Icelandic weather can be harsh and unpredictable. You can meet heavy rain, thick fog, strong wind and brilliant sunshine all in the same day, and conditions can change within minutes. The weather and the road conditions always go hand in hand, so check them before you set off and be ready to adjust your plans.
A few things catch summer visitors by surprise. The midnight sun means it barely gets dark, which is magical but makes it easy to keep driving when you should be resting, so plan proper breaks. Sheep roam freely near the roads and will sometimes cross without warning, so slow down and give them room. And remember that off-road driving is strictly illegal and causes lasting damage to Iceland's fragile nature - always stay on marked roads and tracks.
At Blue Car Rental, our goal is for you to feel secure and care-free on every drive. In the summer months your car is fitted with regular tires suited to the season's conditions.
Quick tip for summer travelling: the two websites to bookmark are road.is for road conditions and en.vedur.is for the weather forecast. Check both before heading out, especially before venturing into the Highlands, and you will be set for a fantastic Icelandic summer road trip.
On gravel, ease off the speed - it is the simplest way to protect your tires and keep your holiday on schedule.