IcelandTravel guide

Winter Driving in Iceland

Winter driving requires a flexible plan and repeated reassessment. Conditions can differ by route and change during a journey.

01 / Travel advice

Road conditions

Check the entire route immediately before departure and again at stops. Road type, surface, closures and services all matter.

Umferdin – roads and conditions
02 / Travel advice

Weather

Compare the route with current forecasts and warnings. Wind and precipitation can affect driving in ways temperature alone does not show.

Weather guide Icelandic Met Office
03 / Guide

Ice, snow and drifting snow

Surface conditions can vary along one route and visibility can fall suddenly.

Ice

Reduce speed smoothly, increase following distance and avoid abrupt inputs.

Snow

Snow can obscure road edges and markings.

Drifting snow

If visibility or control declines, make a safe decision early.

04 / Travel advice

Daylight

Plan demanding parts of the route in daylight and allow for delays without prioritising a fixed arrival time over safety.

05 / Guide

Preparing for a journey

Review the vehicle and plan before driving.

Communication and charge

A charged phone, navigation and important numbers accessible.

Warmth and supplies

Warm clothing, food and water in case of delay.

The vehicle

Understand the vehicle's controls, tyres and equipment with its rental company or owner.

06 / Travel advice

When to reconsider travelling

Delay or turn back when official warnings, closures, poor visibility, wind or your experience make the route unsafe. A fallback is part of good planning.

Best time to visit
07 / Travel advice

Emergencies

In an emergency in Iceland call 112. Give a clear location, follow instructions and do not leave safe shelter without reason.

Safety in Iceland SafeTravel
08 / Travel advice

General driving and F-roads

Read the general driving guide. F-roads are a distinct subject and generally not part of an ordinary winter itinerary.

Driving in Iceland F-roads in Iceland
From the places database

Places for a flexible itinerary

These are published database places, not a promise of winter access. Check roads and local conditions.

AldeyjarfossAldeyjarfossWaterfalls · NorðurlandAldeyjarfoss is one of those waterfalls that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Located in the glacial river Skjálfandafljót, the…AlmannagjáAlmannagjáCool Nature · South IcelandAlmannagjá is one of Iceland’s most famous rift formations and is located within Þingvellir National Park . The gorge forms part of the boundary…ÁsbyrgiÁsbyrgiCool Nature · NorðurlandÁsbyrgi is a spectacular horseshoe-shaped canyon located within :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} , in the Jökulsárgljúfur area of Norðurþin…AxlarfossAxlarfossWaterfalls · HálendiðAxlarfoss is a beautiful and relatively unknown waterfall located north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier in South Iceland. Surrounded by vast highland l…Bárðarbunga Bárðarbunga Cool Nature · HálendiðBárðarbunga ([ˈpaurðarpuŋka]), Bardarbunga (Anglophone spelling), is a stratovolcano located under Vatnajökull, Iceland´s most extensive glacier…BárðardalurBárðardalurCool Nature · North IcelandBárðardalur is a wide and open valley in North Iceland, running alongside the glacial river Skjálfandafljót. The area is characterized by rugged…
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see road conditions?

Use the latest information at umferdin.is.

When should I delay a trip?

When warnings, closures, visibility, wind or your experience make the plan unsafe.

What is the emergency number?

The emergency number in Iceland is 112.