Winter Driving in Iceland is Serious Business
Between October and April, Iceland transformed into a winter landscape of snow-dusted volcanic peaks, blue glacial ice, and dark starlit skies ideal for Northern Lights viewing. However, the North Atlantic climate produces violent sub-polar storms that bring blizzard conditions, hurricane-force wind gusts, and sheer black ice.
Every year, dozens of rental cars are blown off icy roads or trapped in snowdrifts because drivers underestimate the weather.
The Two Essential Websites You Must Check Daily
Before starting your vehicle engine every single morning in Iceland, check these two official government resources:
-
road.is (Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration):
- Displays a real-time color-coded map of every road segment in the country, updated every few minutes from automated sensors and webcams.
- Green: Easily passable.
- Yellow: Spots of ice.
- Blue: Slippery ice.
- Dark Blue: Very slippery packed ice.
- White: Snowdrifts / deep snow.
- Red: Impassable (Ófært).
- Black / Red Striped: Road completely closed.
-
safetravel.is (Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue - ICE-SAR):
- Publishes official severe weather warnings, wind storm advisories, and avalanche risks.
- You can submit your travel itinerary online to ICE-SAR so search-and-rescue teams know your planned route in case of emergency.
Understanding Wind Gusts
In Iceland, wind is often more dangerous than snow. Open coastal plains around Mount Esja, the South Coast near Eyjafjöll, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula experience sudden localized downdrafts known as katabatic winds.
- When wind speeds exceed 20 to 25 meters per second (m/s): High-profile vehicles (campers, SUVs, vans) are at extreme risk of being blown off the highway or rolled over. If wind warnings exceed 25 m/s, postpone travel and stay in your accommodation.
- The Car Door Rule: When parking in Iceland, always hold the car door firmly with both hands when opening it. Sudden gale gusts frequently catch open car doors and bend the metal hinges backwards, tearing the door off the car frame. Rental insurance never covers bent door hinges.
Single-Lane Wooden Bridges
Route 1 still contains dozens of narrow single-lane bridges, particularly across southern glacial outwash plains (sandur). The rule of the road is simple: the vehicle closest to the bridge has the right of way. Approach every single-lane bridge at reduced speed, flash your lights if necessary, and yield to oncoming vehicles that arrived first.