Should I drive the Ring Road in winter?

No. It takes at least 7-10 days in perfect summer conditions. In winter, mountain passes in the North and East frequently close for days at a time, trapping you.

Can I see the Northern Lights while driving?

No. Never attempt to view or photograph the lights while driving. Pull over into a designated parking area or side road completely off the main lane.

Planning a Winter Road Trip in Iceland

Focus your road trip on the South Coast between Reykjavik and Hofn to avoid the most dangerous weather, and always rent a 4WD vehicle. Allocate at least 5 days to account for weather-related delays and limited daylight hours.

Check the road conditions daily. Bookmark road.is and vedur.is. Check them every morning before leaving your accommodation. If a road is marked yellow or red, do not attempt to drive it.
Rent a 4WD with studded tires. Standard rental cars are not sufficient for Icelandic winter. Ensure your rental specifically includes studded winter tires and check that they are actually on the vehicle upon pickup.
Plan for 4-5 hours of daylight. In December and January, you only have about 5 hours of usable light (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Plan your driving for these hours and do not attempt long distances in the dark.
Pack for wind and moisture. Temperatures rarely drop far below freezing, but the wind chill is extreme. You need a windproof, waterproof outer shell and high-quality thermal base layers.

Should I drive the Ring Road in winter?: No. It takes at least 7-10 days in perfect summer conditions. In winter, mountain passes in the North and East frequently close for days at a time, trapping you.
Can I see the Northern Lights while driving?: No. Never attempt to view or photograph the lights while driving. Pull over into a designated parking area or side road completely off the main lane.