Tips for summer driving and travel in Iceland ⬇️
Daylight Hours: Summer in Iceland means almost constant daylight, with long days and nights that never fully darken. This can be disorienting for drivers, and it's important not to overestimate your energy levels. Avoid driving for excessively long periods without rest to reduce the risk of fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel.
Plan Your Time: Summer is a high season for tourism in Iceland, which means roads can be busier and sightseeing can take longer than expected. Avoid over-planning your day or rushing from one location to another, which can add unnecessary stress to your trip. Leave ample time to enjoy each destination.
Road Closures: Some roads may be closed during the summer or for parts of the season. Remember, when a road is marked as closed ("Lokað"), it is completely off-limits. Do not ignore these signs.
Watch Out for Crazy Winds: Storms are not uncommon during the Icelandic summer, and strong winds can affect your vehicle's stability and maneuverability.
Beware of Windy Car Doors: Be extra careful when opening and closing car doors in windy conditions. The wind can catch them and cause damage, so always keep a firm grip on your car door when getting in and out.
Accidents can still happen even to the best prepared driver. Inform yourself about the road and weather conditions and accept that sometimes conditions are not okay for travelling – also in summer.