Why You Should Plan a Winter Road Trip in Iceland
While many people are content exploring their chosen destination in their preferred season, there is something undeniably magical about winter. The cold air, snow-laden scenery and the contrast with the long summer days create the illusion of a world far removed from anything you might see on a warm summer’s day. Iceland is a particularly interesting option for a winter getaway, with its volcanic rocks, frozen falls and snow-capped peaks taking on an almost mythical appearance.
For the independent traveller, a winter road trip is a fantastic way to see the country in winter. You can leave the bustle of the towns behind and stop off at all the amazing places you pass along the way, rather than sightseeing from one hotel to the next.
Why Iceland in Winter is So Special
Iceland’s beauty is well-documented, but a winter trip has its own set of advantages. Falls that were fairly routine in the summer will have interesting ice formations, mountains will be dusted with snow, and the low winter sun paints everything in beautiful shades of orange and red. Even a short drive can seem like an epic adventure if the scenery is so different to what you’re used to seeing.
The south coast is always a good option, with Seljalandsfoss and Skógafosswaterfalls as well as the interesting black sand beaches near Vík . The Golden Circle is a popular route that takes in some classic Icelandic sights, including interesting waterfalls and the Geysir geothermal area. Don’t forget the chance to see the northern lights if you can spare a few nights away from bright city lights.
Of course, it’s important to plan your trip around the weather if you’re thinking about visiting in winter. Even though the scenery in winter is postcard-perfect, snow and strong winds can make getting around tricky. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you depart and bear in mind that some sights may take longer to reach than you expect.
How a Camper Lets You See More
When it comes to road trips, where to stay is often as important as how you get around. While a hotel stay might be a nice treat, the prospect of packing and unpacking your car and luggage every time you move can be daunting. A camper provides a different kind of flexibility, allowing you to see more of the country without having to factor in hotel check-in and check-out times.
With a camper, you have the whole day to spend exploring and don’t need to worry about returning to your accommodation. It’s much easier to spend a day hiking and sightseeing and then stop off for the evening rather than factor in extra time to get back to the nearest city. You’ll also find that most campsites are tucked away in scenic spots and having a place to cook your own food makes it much easier to see more of the countryside.
However, a winter road trip does require more careful planning than you’d expect in the summer. Not all campsites are open year-round and, in any case, you’ll need to plan overnight stops in approved areas. Check ahead of time what’s open where and be prepared to make a realistic itinerary based on the road trip you want to take. If you’re driving a camper, it’s more important than ever to prepare for bad weather and never drive somewhere if the conditions aren’t right.
Winter Sightseeing Highlights in Iceland
One of the reasons why Iceland is such a great country to explore is that you don’t always need to spend a lot of time at one particular attraction. Many of the highlights are actually on the way to somewhere else, so consider how many days you have available when planning your itinerary.
The Golden Circle makes for a great start, as it takes you past many classic Icelandic sights. Þingvellir National Park, for example, showcases the tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s surface, while the Geysir geothermal area has interesting hot springs and waterfalls. Finally, Gullfoss provides a wonderful view of a large waterfall and deep ravine.
Moving towards the south coast near Vík, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. This area is particularly known for its black sand beaches and unique rock formations, but always be aware of the ocean and never venture too close to the edge. The waves can roll right up the beach unexpectedly at Reynisfjara, so it’s best to stick to the warnings on the signs for your safety.
If you’re hoping to see the northern lights, keep in mind that this is never a definite prospect. It’s best to leave a few nights open in your itinerary so you aren’t disappointed if the clouds are too grey one evening. Even if you don’t see the lights, a cold winter night spent admiring the scenery can be just as special.
What to Pack for a Winter Road Trip
As far as Icelandic winters go, there’s nothing to stop you from seeing the country in all its frozen glory as long as you’ve packed appropriately. Always remember in winter that it’s not just about the temperature – it’s more about how you dress. While one thick coat might be fine, it’s much better to wear layers so you can remove some if you get warm. Thermal clothing worn next to your skin is ideal, then something warm and insulating, and finally a waterproof jacket, gloves and a beanie.
You can’t underestimate the importance of warm, waterproof footwear either, particularly if you’re planning on visiting any waterfalls. Traction spikes are available in many places, but they’re not always reliable. It’s best to be prepared and always stick to safe ground if possible. Having a supply of warm socks and clothes that you can change into is important, as well as food and water to keep you fuelled during long drives. It’s also a good idea to have a fully charged phone, the means to charge it, and offline maps if you need them. Before setting off in the morning, do a quick check on the weather and road conditions and plan your stops based on the driving time.
Make Your Road Trip Part of the Holiday
While a winter road trip in Iceland isn’t really about ticking off sights and visiting as many places as possible, it’s about enjoying the scenery at a pace that’s right for you. Perhaps it’s the thrill of seeing a new waterfall, or a warm drink after a long hike, but make sure that you enjoy your trip and everything it has to offer.
Plan carefully but leave room for flexibility. Choose a realistic itinerary based on a manageable driving route, book somewhere to stay or the right type of transport and always put your safety first. A well-planned trip is the only way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Iceland in winter without risking your safety.
