How hard Is it to drive in winter at night in Iceland?

We're Spanish drivers, used to nice sunny roads, I expect it would be difficult but doable, but I would like to ask for some things you have to be extra careful which we may not be aware of.

Best Answer

My friend and I drove around the ring road in early March 2016.

A lot of the ring road was fine, but even then there was a bit of snow around. Weather is very unpredictable in winter, so there is no guarantee you won't have to drive on a road with snow and ice, even on the ring road. The snow ploughs do their best, but they aren't perfect. We did have to drive in quite heavy snow west of Akureyri, and then again around near Gullfoss

I would definitely recommend not using a 2WD sedan if you're going in winter, even on the ring road.

Pictures about "How hard Is it to drive in winter at night in Iceland?"

How hard Is it to drive in winter at night in Iceland? - Snowplow removing snow near fence

How hard Is it to drive in winter at night in Iceland? - Car driving on roadway with snow and traces against residential houses illuminated by streetlights in night city

How hard Is it to drive in winter at night in Iceland? - Water Falls

Is it difficult to drive in Iceland in winter?

The main roads are kept open and cleared as much as possible throughout the winter, making it fairly easy to drive around the coastal areas of Iceland. Most of the main roads are paved although gravel and dirt secondary roads are common in the countryside.

Can you drive in Iceland at night?

Motorists are obliged by law to use headlights at all times, day and night. In Iceland all driving off roads or marked tracks is forbidden.

Can you drive the Ring Road in Iceland in the winter?

Most of Route 1 is paved, but there are some portions on Iceland's rugged east coast that are gravel. Driving Iceland's Ring Road is really an adventure best suited for a trip anytime between March and November, but it's definitely possible to do if you're visiting Iceland in the winter.

Is driving in Iceland difficult?

Driving in Iceland really isn't scary or difficult and it is actually one of the more enjoyable countries to travel in! Before you hit the road, make sure you have enough gas and program your GPS so you don't get lost!

Top Tips on Driving in Iceland during Winter

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Images: Largo Polacsek, Алекке Блажин, Erik Mclean, S Migaj