hit the road
Going to Iceland?
Rent a camper van! You get all the flexibility and affordability of camping without the wind and rain getting up in your business. We highly recommend KUKU CAMPERS for the best bang for your buck (they don't pay us to say that, we just love those crazy guys).
Rent a car! You don't need anything fancy unless you're going on the F-roads in the highlands. We've used Sad Cars successfully (though it's always a gamble if your Sad Car will make the whole journey), but any reputable company will do the job. DO NOT go off roading EVER! It's illgal!
Hitchhike! Iceland isn't very murder-y, so hitchhiking is a pretty decent option if you aren't too set on specific sites at specific times. Be sure to dress yourself and your gear in warm, waterproof, layers or the famous Icelandic weather is going to destroy your happiness.
Unless you can't physically or legally drive yourself, bus tours are overpriced and pointless. They aren't worth your time or money until the tour is providing you with specialized equipment or gear and a location you can't possibly get to on your own. Iceland is easy to drive in and perfectly safe with common sense. For more on tour reviews, head on over to our TOUR PAGE.
Like we said, campers provide a lodging option that is more budget-friendly than hotels and more comfort-friendly than outdoor camping. You'll also have the luxury of flexibility since you won't need to plan your schedule around getting to a guesthouse or hotel on time. Not to mention you won't need to bring quite as much gear on the plane with you. However, it will be pretty nippy to use a camper in the winter (because ICE-land) so be sure to bring all your snow-friendly gear.
Proper hotels in Iceland come at a high premium, so guesthouses may offer a more-affordable-but-still-a-bit-spendy alternative if you must have your creature comforts. Depending on the location, they may also offer you a charming look into icelandic farming and country life. AirBnB and Couch Surfing are other popular options, but available properties are very few and far between outside the major cities.
We'll be straight with you: camping in Iceland is not for the casual camper. Even in the best weather, the winds are fierce, it rains a lot, and nighttime can be bitterly cold. That being said, Iceland has some of the most beautiful, clean, and convienant campsites in the world. They generally run anywhere from $10 to $15 per person per night during the on season (Jun-Aug), or are often free to use without facilities in the off season (Sept-May, but we do not recommend camping in the winter months unless you're Bear Grylls). If you're going to be touring around a bit, it's financially smart to pick up a CAMPING CARD. However, if you really want to be extra frugal, camping is permitted for free anywhere on the island that isn't established or commercial land. The catch is, Icelandic wilderness is also mostly sharp volcanic rock, which is highly uncomfortable to sleep on, and you're not allowed to dig anything up. Leave things how you found them or the hidden people will come after you (and the police will fine you and everyone in Iceland will hate you). PROTIP: If you're camping outside of campsites, go to the local swimming pool (every town has one) to wash yo' nasty stank off. Showering fully nude is manditory to enjoy Iceland's favorite relaxing pastime, and they always have free soap!
This includes the airport, bus stations, people's backyards, parks, or anywhere else outside of a proper campsite inside the city. This has become a big problem in the last few years, and the people of Iceland are (rightfully) growing more and more annoyed with inconsiderate tourists. The rules are already loose and backpacker-friendly, so don't give them a reason to make them more strict because you want to save a few bucks. Be a good guest. Don't be a jerk.
Time to wander, darling...
The International Photographer Map of Iceland isn't just for photographers, it's for anyone who wants the greatest map in the universe (hint: that means you). For reals, this thing is amazing. It's simple to read, isn't covered in annoying ads, is satisfyingly weather-proof, and conveniently highlights the most beautiful areas of interest. Trust us, it's worth every penny and is required reading for anyone going to Iceland. Get it. Love it. Bask in your good decision making.
NOW, LET'S GET ACQUAINTED WITH THIS LOVELY HUNK OF VOLCANOS, GLACIERS, AND PUTRIFIED SHARK
July. That is our absolute favorite summer month.
THE PROS: Best chance for good weather. Super long days make for super long adventures. Everything is green and the lupin is blooming. All roads, campsites, and hikes are open.
THE CONS: It's the most expensive and crowded time of the year. Be prepared to pay a premium for flights and rentals. You will never see the northern lights (or nighttime).
May-ish or September-ish.
THE PROS: Off season prices on flights and rentals, but still a good chance for decent road trip weather. If it gets dark enough, you MIGHT see the northern lights in the fall months.
THE CONS: It will probably be quite chilly. The roads in the Westfjords might be closed. Campsites might not have running water/bathrooms.
November-ish through March-ish (but it's no guarantee you'll see them).
THE PROS: Best chance to see the northern lights. The ice cave tours in the south are open. Least amount of tourists and best prices for travel (excluding holidays).
THE CONS: Camping will be completely miserable. The weather can and will ruin your road trip plans. Only a few hours of daylight. You still could miss the fickle northern lights.
Other resources in addition to the International Photographer Map:
This map is summary to orientate you to the layout of Iceland. It gives you an idea of some of the main cities (big stars) and popular sights (little stars) broken down by region (colors). It is not all Iceland has to offer, it's just to get your head on straight. All of the places marked are road-trip-friendly for any car (no F-roads or 4x4 needed), but some roads can be a little uncomfortable to drive on.
For a more detailed breakdown, click on the regions.
THEN GO SEE ICELAND!
(Reykjavík is great and all, but it's not the reason you fly all the way to a rock in the middle of the ocean.)
Whether you have a few days or a few weeks,
there is a road trip perfect for you.
WHEN TO GO? THAT IS THE QUESTION.
AND WHAT SWEET RIDE SHOULD YOU DRIVE?
You'll need a map, so may we suggest the one that inspires our road trips?
AND WHERE TO REST THAT PRETTY HEAD OF YOURS?
