Driving in Iceland: One lane bridges, gorgeous sights, death defying switchbacks

Hey there fellow travelers, today we are looking at the best and worst parts of driving around Iceland. Whether you are a road trip master or it is your first time driving abroad, here are some things that every tourist heading to Iceland should know if they are going to rent a car while there.
You can see the icebergs, glaciers, fjords, puffins, and so much more, but you will need your own transportation to get the most out of visiting Iceland.
Filmed in Northeast Iceland
Copyright Mark Wolters 2020

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[ArnarJin]

Icelander here! Really accurate about driving in Iceland. It's really good to remember that Iceland has one of the most unpredictable weathers in the world. For example mosquito can live in Greenland, but not in Iceland. Also VERY IMPORTANT thing if you are driving in the winter, make sure that you are using NAIL TIRES, especially if you are driving outside of the capital region. There has also been a big problem with tourists that they park on the side of the road. It's very dangerous and some deadly accidents have happen. If you are going to park the car, park somewhere safe!

[itrthho]

Needs to be emphasized, that it’s illegal to do off road driving in Iceland

[FireHaxrd]

On the topic of stocking up on snacks: Make sure the yogurt you buy is actually yogurt and not cottage cheese..I speak from experience!

[dlast]

Iceland is our favourite place, we got engaged at the Iceberg lagoon during a trip that we used your videos to help plan. Agree with everything in the video - very useful. I remember you mentioned in a previous video about a specific steep mountain road in the east Fjords - we went up the same one and it was a terrifying drive. As you said the scenery is beautiful which makes up for the scary roads, it was the first trip I brought a decent camera to take videos to upload onto YouTube and nowhere’s scenery has beat it yet!

[charliebaker]

I loved driving in Iceland! Your video reminded me of all the interesting stuff one encounters. Thanks Mark.

[christopherblain]

scariest thing was the cost to rent a car

[musingsatmidlife]

Thanks for the "heads up" to watch until the very end. Funny kid!!

[JessieJellybeans]

Love Iceland! Thank you for the video!

[ericpelky]

Really enjoyed this one. Very well put together.

[malcolm]

So pleased we went to Iceland, Have now been to Northern most and Southern most capitals in the world.

[bethdibartolomeo]

I haven't been to Iceland, but you can definitely get the same dangerous roads/little protection experience in Colorado. My parents and I took a trip one day to the higher elevations a couple of decades ago, and it was a white-knuckle experience.

[pizzajake]

My wife and I are heading to Iceland in two weeks. Renting a 4x4 and staying the first two nights in Akureyri before heading to Geysir for another two nights. Reading into the F roads a bit more, I think I'm going to take the 1 all the way around and come through the south side of Geysir. Great video!

[offthebeatenpathadventures]

I'm so excited you did a video on Iceland. It's my favorite country, and your videos on Iceland helped me discover your channel. I even did a marketing paper on Iceland.

The one way tunnels freaked my wife and me out. Silfra was gorgeous. Don't watch Black Mirror if you plan on biking in Iceland.

[mr.blonde]

"My hand smells like dirt and poop" — Caleb Wolters 2019

[RobotReg]

Iceland is the most beautiful country I've ever been to. Mountains, Iceburgs, Glaciers, Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Natural Steam Vents, Fjords, Countryside, Very nice people.

[guitejada]

Words from locals is that if you're not used to driving in "real" winter (like if you come from a tropical country), do not mind driving in the winter there, as the lack of experience can put you in danger. The black ice + strong winds are scary for us!

[tommyedodson]

Seems Joycelyn should be narrating this one as your designated driver. Beautiful place. Hope to go someday.

[Lucian]

I drove up in the mountains and crossed the country with most traffic fatalities in EU (Romania). Iceland is not particularly dangerous for me. I drove in winter time too and felt safe. The roads are overall safe.
All that said, amazing island. Highly recommended

[deadflowers]

My winter Iceland ring road experience. Tour guide was excellent and people are very friendly. Weather was miserable. Iceland in winter is either white (snow and ice) or black (basalt). Severe winter storm lasting most of week. Winds of 60 mph gusting to well over that. Driving in whiteout conditions at 10kph praying that were we staying between yellow markers. Frequent stops (about 10 meters) to assess road and de-ice windshield wipers. Roads were closed down within 12 hours after we had driven them. Many sights closed due to ice buildup. It's a stunningly beautiful country, for a day or two but not a week in winter.

[davidgreenhow]

I loved Iceland, but it was very windy. One day I was nervous about getting blown off the road.