Iceland is a stunning volcanic land featuring lava fields, mountains, geysers, volcanoes, and glaciers. It is mostly unspoilt and shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. The Arctic Circle location makes it perfect for viewing the Northern Lights, and on any visit, you will learn more about your planet.
Many opt to see this magnificent country by road, and indeed, Iceland is purpose-built for road trips. As such, camper rental Iceland options are plentiful. Given its unique landscape, driving in Iceland is probably very different from what your home country. Campervan hire can be picked up in the capital city of Reykjavik or from Keflavik Airport. Many opt for campervan Reykjavik hire after spending a few days in the city.
Here’s a guide when choosing a campervan or motorhome for an Iceland road trip.
1 Plan your Route
It is strongly suggested you plan your route thoroughly. This is good practice as this will determine what kind of vehicle you need to negotiate roads which are deemed difficult. Iceland categorizes these roads as F-Roads. These often take you to the Highlands, which requires off-road driving as well as a cool head to negotiate crossing glacial rivers and the like.
Once you have your route planned out, you’re probably getting excited. Now is the perfect time to choose your vehicle.
2 Motorhome or Campervan Rental Iceland
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between a motorhome and a campervan. Depending on where you are planning to travel, will to a degree, determine what kind of vehicle you need, but so will the level of comfort and kind of trip you want.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes are normally built on a bus or truck chassis and provide a home on wheels. They tend to have a spacious living section, and you sleep in the roof. They offer comfort and luxury as well as spaces where you can sit and dine. If you are planning to drive on mountain roads, you will need a 4 x 4 capable motorhome. These vehicles have the clearance and are tough enough to survive the rigours of these roads.
Campervans
Campervans are a more basic affair. They have converted vans with the rear section offering a sleeping section and a small cooking area. They are more cramped than motorhomes and are unable to negotiate the difficult mountain roads, although a 4 x 4 campervan will make much of the country accessible.
This more rustic approach is more suited to couples and friends than families, although it is still possible to enjoy a family trip.
To get a better idea of the top companies in Iceland where campervan or motorhome rental is concerned, find some good comparison sites and cross-reference with reviews.
3 Visit in the Low Season
Iceland, like the rest of Scandinavia, is known for being a touch on the expensive side when compared to the rest of Europe. That said, you can save money by visiting in the low season, i.e. the autumn and winter months. Prices tend to be cheaper and you have a far better chance of seeing the Northern Lights, which is worth visiting Iceland just to experience it.
The low season also means driving is easier. The roads are less crowded with tourists, and many of the attractions like those on The Golden and Diamond Circles are still active.
4 Winter Tyres
Whether you opt for a motorhome or campervan rental in Iceland, your vehicle will need winter tyres. You are driving in the Article Circle and as you can imagine, snow and ice will be forming. It is worth noting that roads are generally closed from November onwards. This means a visit in September in October will let you see many of the attractions, often at a lower price, and the country will be open for you to explore.
Winter tyres give you the grip needed to negotiate the roads. You will still need to take extra care, however, to avoid accidents.
5 Essential Supplies
Iceland’s weather can see cold fronts approach quickly. It is good practice to ensure you are prepared for these weather fronts by having suitable supplies in your van. This should include:
- First Aid Kit.
- Fire Extinguisher.
- Cell phone.
- Battery-powered radio.
- Fuel tank.
Listen to the weather forecast and if you learn of a cold-weather front approaching park up and wait for it to pass. Try and stay in your vehicle as winds can be high, and if you open a car door it could get damaged, such as the force of the wind.
6 Stick to the Rules of the Road
Iceland enforces speed limits and where you can park rigorously and as such, it is a bad idea to breach the rules. Fines tend to be hitting the $1000 mark and receiving one will put a dent in your enjoyment of the country.
Visiting Iceland is like seeing a whole new world.