The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Iceland in Winter with a Campervan

If you’re up for an adventure, camping in winter in Iceland is still a possibility. Driving in Iceland in winter can be tricky, but with proper planning and renting an appropriate campervan with 4x4 capabilities, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime. This ultimate guide will help you get the best experience possible and keep you safe as you tour Iceland in winter.

Why Explore Iceland in Winter with a Campervan?

While camping usually comes to mind in the summer months, winter can be a good time to explore Iceland in the colder months. In winter, flexibility is absolutely necessary for your Iceland trip as the weather changes often. Renting a campervan can give you the ultimate flexibility you need to get the most out of your trip.

The Unique Winter Wonderland Iceland Offers

Visiting Iceland in the winter can be a truly magical experience. Instead of lush green landscapes everywhere you turn, you are likely to be greeted by snow-covered mountains and lava fields. Many of the waterfalls are fully or partially frozen, and winter is the perfect time to view the northern lights. 

Another attractive reason to visit Iceland in the winter is to visit the ice caves. While there are a couple of ice caves open year-round, the spectacular blue ice caves you may have seen in pictures are typically only accessible in the colder months. 

Finally, winter is the perfect time to visit the country with fewer tourists. Summer is the busy season, but if you visit in the winter, you can see the sights without the larger crowds.

Advantages of Renting a Campervan in Winter

Renting a campervan for driving in Iceland in winter has numerous advantages. First and foremost, you get the flexibility to alter your plans as needed. While fewer campgrounds are open year-round, careful planning will ensure you always know where to stay. Camping is also often more cost-effective than staying in hotels or taking tours. You will also have an easier time chasing the northern lights.

Winter camping ensures you always have a comfortable place to rest if you need to stop and wait out the weather. You can easily prepare your meals and will have a warm place to spend the night. Many 4x4 campervans are fully equipped for winter, allowing you to enjoy your trip and camp in beautiful places throughout the country.

Is Winter Driving in Iceland Safe?

Whether you’re driving in Iceland in December or any other winter month, the biggest question many visitors have is whether it’s safe to drive in Iceland during these months. With careful planning, winter driving experience, and the right campervan, you can safely drive around the country.

Key Challenges of Winter Driving in Iceland

Driving in Iceland in winter offers breathtaking views, but there are also challenges you will need to contend with along the way. Winter weather can be volatile, quickly changing between rain, snow, ice, blowing snow, wind gusts, and whiteout conditions. It can also be quite clear but daylight hours are short. Some roads are inaccessible, so it’s vital to plan your route accordingly. 

How Iceland Keeps Roads Safe During Winter

The good news is that Iceland keeps its roads in good condition to facilitate safe driving whenever possible. Snow plows work when necessary to clear the roads, especially the main roads. Cars are also often equipped with studded tires, and roads are closed when conditions are too severe.

As a winter traveler, it’s vital to keep up with several websites multiple times each day. Before hitting the road, check road conditions on umferdin.is, weather conditions and warnings on vedur.is, and other important warnings on safetravel.is. The 112 app is another invaluable tool to help you reach out for help if required.

Essential Winter Driving Tips for Campervan Rentals

Before committing to a winter driving trip with a campervan in Iceland, it’s essential to learn a few driving tips to ensure you stay safe. Beyond renting a winter-equipped campervan, here are a few winter driving tips that will give you the adventure of a lifetime.

Choose the Right Campervan for Winter Travel

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices when it comes to renting campervans. When you’re traveling in the winter, it’s vital to ensure you choose one that is ready to take on the cold weather and ever-changing conditions.

Why a 4x4 Campervan is a Must

First and foremost, you should choose a 4x4 campervan to ensure you get the maximum traction on the road. A 4x4 offers better stability, traction, and control and is heavier to deal with the strong winds. However, you must pay close attention to wind warnings that indicate you should not travel.

Renting a 4x4 campervan can give you greater peace of mind and help you stay safe on the road. You will be able to more easily navigate the difficult winter road conditions.

Essential Accessories to Look for in a Campervan

In addition to a standard 4x4 campervan, you should make sure the campervan you choose is fully equipped for the cold winter weather. Winter campervans have heaters that run on separate batteries to avoid draining the vehicle’s battery. It should also be insulated, have studded tires, and include an emergency kit. Check for these things and ask the rental company if you don’t see them.

Prepare for Iceland’s Winter Weather

Once you have your campervan booked, you will need to prepare for Iceland’s winter weather. Driving in Iceland in winter requires careful preparation and an understanding of what you can do to keep yourself safe on the road.

Checking Weather and Road Conditions Daily

The most important thing you can do throughout your trip is to check the weather and road conditions daily. You should check in the morning before you set out for the day and continue checking throughout the day, as conditions can rapidly change. 

Apps and Websites for Real-Time Updates

The most important websites and apps to download for real-time updates are the aforementioned umferdin, vedur, and safetravel. You should also have the 112 app or be prepared to call this number if you encounter an emergency and need assistance.

Adapting Your Driving Style for Winter Roads

Whether you routinely drive in winter weather conditions or you’re less experienced, driving in winter in Iceland can be a new experience. The high winds combined with icy or snowy, narrow roadways can create conditions you are unfamiliar with. These conditions require adjusting your driving style.

Driving Slowly and Maintaining Control

The speed limits in Iceland are often slower than drivers are used to due to the narrow roads. However, when adverse weather conditions hit, it’s important to drive slower than the speed limit to help you maintain control. When driving in Iceland in winter, keep a larger distance from the driver ahead of you to avoid the need to suddenly brake or make other fast movements. 

Staying Safe in Icy and Windy Conditions

Icy and windy conditions are common in Icelandic winters. Keep an eye out for black ice or snow drifts in the road, and keep a tight grip on the wheel to effectively navigate wind gusts. Don’t accelerate quickly, and be prepared to steer out of a slide if you encounter unexpected ice or wind. If the weather feels unsafe or you are uncomfortable, consider pulling into a designated parking area and waiting it out.

Campervan-Friendly Winter Road Trip Itineraries

Now that you know how to stay safe during your winter campervan trip, you can start planning your trip itinerary. The weather in the South is often milder than in other parts of the country, making this area more appealing for driving in winter. The following are some ideas to start planning your winter road trip itineraries.

The Golden Circle in Winter

The Golden Circle is one of the most maintained areas of Iceland due to its popularity with visitors. It’s the perfect way to start your winter campervan trip, giving you a quick overview of the country. The following are the three primary sites around the Golden Circle.

Þingvellir National Park has several parking areas with numerous hiking trails to visit sites like Öxarárfoss waterfall, Þingvallavatn, the Silfra fissure, Almannagjá Gorge, and more. You must pay for parking, but once you pay, you can move between parking lots at no additional cost.

After Þingvellir, the next stop in the Golden Circle is Geysir. While the main geyser for which the area and all other geysers worldwide are named no longer erupts regularly, Strokkur erupts every six to 10 minutes and you can view numerous other mud pots, hot springs, and other geothermal features.

Finally, most visitors complete the Golden Circle with Gullfoss. This impressive, two-tiered waterfall features several viewing platforms and trails to experience the waterfall from various angles. Visitors can enjoy a meal in the onsite restaurant and purchase souvenirs at the gift shop.

In addition to these three main stops, if you have a little extra time, you can make a few more stops. Some of the common additions to a Golden Circle itinerary include Kerið Crater, Brúarfoss Waterfall, the Secret Lagoon, Faxi Waterfall, Efstidalur Farm, and Friðheimar Tomato Farm. The number of sites you can visit depends on the weather and daylight hours.

Exploring the South Coast Safely

The South Coast can be an excellent addition to your winter itinerary, but you will need to pay close attention to the weather and road conditions. The roads are typically well maintained, but mountain passes can easily close when wind speeds are too high. 

As long as the weather conditions allow, driving along the South Coast is safe, allowing you access to all the popular sights along the Ring Road. The following are some stops you can make along this stretch, which is often better split into two or three days.

Seljalandsfoss is located close to the Ring Road and is one of the easiest stops to make along the South Coast. However, keep in mind that the trail behind the falls is typically closed in the winter due to icy, unsafe conditions. It can also be hazardous to climb the stairs to the left of the falls.

After Seljalandsfoss, many travelers continue down the road to Skógafoss. This impressive waterfall is one of the largest in Iceland and drops dramatically between black lava rock walls. You may not be able to climb the stairs to get a view from the top, but the view from the bottom can be impressive. In winter, the area closest to the falls may be closed due to the potential for falling ice.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is often accessible during the winter, but you will still need to exercise caution. The beach is known for its sneaker waves that can easily pull someone out to sea. Pay attention to the warning signs, never turn your back on the water, and stay well back.

Skaftafell National Park is an excellent stop further east along the Ring Road. This national park features several hiking trails, but you should inquire with the park rangers whether it is safe to hike. Svartifoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the area with striking basalt columns surrounding the falls.

Finally, many visitors wrap up their South Coast visit with Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. The lagoon is often filled with icebergs broken from the glacier. These icebergs make their way down the channel to the ocean and sometimes wash up on Diamond Beach, leaving sparkling ice chunks scattered on the black sand beach.

Northern Lights Hunting from Your Campervan

Another common reason to visit Iceland during the winter is to see the northern lights. Driving in Iceland in winter with a campervan can give you an excellent chance of seeing these beautiful lights. A campervan gives you the flexibility to follow the weather conditions, moving to an area with clear skies versus staying in a cloudy spot.

In addition to having the freedom to change your plans based on the weather conditions, renting a campervan for your winter trip allows you to stay in more remote campgrounds without light pollution. As long as the skies are clear and there is solar activity, you will have an excellent chance of seeing the northern lights in some impressive locations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Driving in Winter

No one is perfect, even with extensive experience driving in winter weather conditions. The important factor is whether you know how to avoid or deal with those mistakes to avoid significant disasters. The following are some of the common mistakes you should avoid when driving in Iceland in winter.

Underestimating the Weather

The biggest mistake people make when considering a winter driving trip in Iceland is underestimating the weather. The weather in Iceland can be volatile due to its location close to the Arctic Circle in the middle of the ocean. Failing to follow weather warnings or the weather forecast in general can lead to disastrous results.

It’s vital to frequently check the weather and road conditions to make smart decisions regarding where to go and whether you should be driving at all. If there is a weather warning, follow guidance from the authorities and be prepared to stay in your campervan for the day or adjust your destination accordingly. Obeying weather warnings will keep you safe.

Overpacking Your Itinerary

It’s not uncommon for visitors to have a long list of things they want to accomplish during their trip. While this strategy works relatively well in the summer, the winter often requires adjusting your plans with shorter daylight hours and the possibility of road closures. Overpacking your itinerary can cause you to make poor decisions in an attempt to do it all.

Because of the shorter hours and the potential for bad weather, it’s best to only plan a couple of stops per day. You can have a list of possibilities in case you can get more done than you expect, but it’s critical to be realistic with your expectations. Staying safe is more important than checking off all the boxes on your list.

Neglecting Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Another often overlooked aspect of driving in Iceland in winter is having the appropriate insurance coverage. Third-party insurance companies often require you to pay upfront and recoup the cost later. This can leave you in financial distress at the end of your trip if something happens that requires paying for repairs.

Instead, it’s best to purchase comprehensive insurance coverage from your rental company. Comprehensive insurance will typically include collision damage waiver (CDW), sand and ash protection, gravel protection, and super collision damage waiver. Premium and Platinum insurance are also be available with Camper Rental Iceland. This coverage will give you peace of mind that you won’t have out-of-pocket expenses due to damage to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Driving in Iceland

As you consider driving in Iceland in winter, you likely have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common questions we get from visitors.

Can You Drive the Ring Road in Winter with a Campervan?

Yes of course. A deeper answer to this question depends on how much time you have and the weather and road conditions during your trip. If you have a week or less, it’s best to focus on the Golden Circle, South Coast, and perhaps Snæfellsnes Peninsula. However, if you have two weeks or more, the Ring Road may be possible. Keep in mind the minimal daylight hours and the need to be flexible with your itinerary.

Do Campervans Come Equipped for Winter Travel?

Yes, you can find campervans that are fully equipped for winter travel. However, keep in mind that not all campervans are suitable for winter. Look for a campervan with proper insulation, a heater that runs on a separate battery or fuel source, studded tires, and plenty of warm bedding. Ask your rental company about the winter features for your campervan.

Are There Open Campsites in Iceland During Winter?

Yes, you can find some campsites in Iceland that remain open through the winter. However, not all campgrounds are open year-round. It’s important to check tjalda.is before your trip to make a list of open campgrounds in the areas you will travel. You can sort the campgrounds by opening times and see which features are available at each one.

Final Thoughts: Conquering Iceland’s Winter Roads with Confidence

Driving in Iceland in winter may pose some challenges, but if you are properly repaired and book a campervan equipped to travel in the winter, you can safely drive yourself to enjoy the beautiful sights covered in snow. When following these tips for safe winter driving and the best itinerary to cover, you can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with a winter campervan trip.