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November Iceland roadtrip: "You're an idiot"
A lot of foreigners are taking advantage of the ridiculously depreciated Icelandic krona and flying there this winter. Which is a bit weird because it's Iceland. And winter. As one Icelandic native said to me, "The nation is surviving right now on foreign journalists and tourists."
I'm in the middle of figuring out the logistics of my trip. My top priority is booking a rental car and hopefully making it around the 800 or so mile of the ring road, an epic journey that will take me all the way around the island. Alas, here's what the local guru had to say about my foolhardy idea:
Unless you're an extremely skilled winter driver, I highly, highly discourage you from driving the Ring Road in late Nov. Roads aren't salted and though even the rental cars have studded tires, the conditions are freakishly scary and just not something an utlengur (foreigner) should be doing. Even the road between Keflavik (the airport) and Reykjavik can be treacherous. Take my word on this... not a good idea. Also, late November is really dark. You'll have only a few hours of light a day, which makes conditions even worse and not good for a travel piece.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Amy Oct 29th 2008 3:26PM
We're not even bothering with a car hire or the Ring Road next month- I think there will be enough to keep us busy in Reykjavik and we're planning a couple of day tours from the city, so we won't have to drive but can still see some of the interior.
Dave Heinz Oct 29th 2008 3:50PM
I'm heading to Reykjavik in December, and figured that the weather/roads/lack of sunlight would keep me confined to Reykjavik. I'm fine with that- I'm sure there's plenty to do around the city. Does anyone know if the Blue Lagoon is open at night?
Mike Barish Oct 29th 2008 4:13PM
The Blue Lagoon is open into the evenings: http://www.bluelagoon.com/Bath/Opening-Hours-Prices/
I was in Iceland last summer. A fair amount of the attractions in the countryside require off-roading. Unless you are renting a car with off-road capabilities and you are experienced driving in inclement weather, don't attempt it.
As for Reykjavik, it's a small town. Good for a long weekend. Check out the flea market where there are food vendors in the back peddling local favorites like fermented shark, smoked whale and horse steaks.
nzm Oct 30th 2008 9:27AM
We've also returned from an August Icelandic holiday.
Summary blog post with links to chapters here:
http://mandjadventures.blogspot.com/2008/09/iceland-sagas.html#links
2 good websites for people self-driving are:
Vegagerdin with up-to-date road conditions - http://www.vegagerdin.is/english
Umferdarstofa How to drive in Iceland - http://us.is/page/english
Personally, I wouldn't drive there in November and would prefer to take bus excursions out of Reykjavik with experienced Icelandic drivers.
Have fun!
nzm Oct 30th 2008 9:32AM
BTW - Reykjavik Excursions have daily bus tours to all the main attractions, weather permitting.
http://www.re.is/DayTours/
When you land at Keflavik, it's best to hop on their Flybus which takes you to their Reykjavik Terminal which is the main tourist bus terminal for all excursion tours. You can even book tickets for around the island buses- but be aware that these may not leave from every town on the ring road on each day of the week.
http://www.bsi.is/index_en.html
Alex Oct 30th 2008 2:43PM
Well, as long as you're careful and a confident driver, you can pretty much drive anywhere on the main ring road in any sort of car at any time of year.
If you're hiring any sort of 4x4, you'll be absolutely fine.
Having said that: at the end of November, it might be more fun and easier to take day trips out of Reykjavik and then fly north to the beautiful town of Akureyri and take some day trips from there too (stunning Lake Myvatn and its nature baths for example)...
neesee Nov 5th 2008 4:23PM
You people are insane! Why would anyone ever even
think of a vacation in Iceland? Don't lick the flagpole!
I like to keep all my digits nice and warm too.
Nothing like a good frostbite for Christmas, huh?
I'll stay here warm and toasty and look at the
pictures of your frozen torsos if they ever find you.
Sara Nov 5th 2008 9:01PM
I'm headed to Iceland in March and am hoping the roads will be alright since we're planning on renting a car for at least one day
Lee Nov 26th 2008 3:02AM
Sara,
I'll be going there on the last day of March. When are you going? If it is earlier than I am I would love to know how you made out so to prepare myself!
Best regards, Lee
Tony Gomm Dec 9th 2008 3:02PM
We've been to Reykjavik and the surrounding countryside, at the end of December - New Year, that's the day to be in Reykjavik for fireworks like you've never seen before! - and would advise against trying to self-drive anywhere out of the city. The scenery is majestic in the snow, but the roads need a serious off-road 4x4 with studded tyres and, I would suggest, experience of driving in harsh winter conditions. Otherwise your trip may end in an expensive insurance claim. But go! It's one of those places that get under your skin.