Great Video! :) What I can say or add as tourist, but learned a longer time before visiting Iceland the first time: As we were in Iceland, we noticed many People with the same car we had (White Dacia Duster 4x4) stuck besides the road and had a crash or just left the Track... 1. Don't rush...yeah, you are allowed to drive up to 80km/h outside of the towns, BUT if you see something changes on the road, like black, clean asphalt turns into white or snowy parts getting more shiny or what ever, just slow down very soft so that you arrive that parts maybe not with 80, better with 20-30 km/h. As Jan said...the people behind are mostly people who lives there, they know how to drive, so just let them overtake but never try to rush! 2. Is something together with 1: Plan your trips very carefully and slow. A trip of 50-80 km sound's like a one Hour Trip right? No, it isn't...or it doesn't have to... If the weather is good, you can drive the tour within an hour, but we had also one day, we wanted to drive something like 100-120 km's to a spot, planned to make some pictures there, waiting for the Aurora Borealis and driving back like 5 hours later. We didn't thought to the weather...as we started in reykjavik, everything looked fine, but after like 20 Minutes of driving, the weather drastically changed...we couldn't see our own car's hood, so driving in first gear without using the Gas Pedal, and something like only 5 minutes later, we could see, but the short storm brought many snow to the street, so you couldn't really see where you have to go. After 4 hours driving, we took another place, 20km earlier and got the best Aurora Experience we had...only my wife and me and a small, frozen see with a small waterfall. Northern Lights appeared in the perfect direction, so we took Pictures with the water/ice mirroring the Lights while being in a perfect, silent spot! ... okay and we maybe sank the car in a deep Snow, because driving 20 cm too far on the left while leaving the street to the parking place...but we got easily out and 30 minutes later, a couple did exactly the same thing, so we helped them to get out of the situation unharmed and without Damage on the Car. So what I mean: yes, you can do bigger Circles or Reykjavik, Hella, Skogafoss, Black Sand Beach and Diamond Beach in one day...but why? Better plan two or three days for a route like that...better you have 5 hours at the evening to do nothing and just relax, enjoy the view and so on, than to rush from spot to spot, taking one picture, driving to the next spot, taking a picture...it would never get boring on Iceland, so don't worry about that! ;D 3. If you have an 4WD Car, make sure you know how to use it! What I mean: if you can switch between 2wd, 4wd and automatic, like Dacia and many other Cars, make sure you use the locked 4wd in bad conditions, because it could save your life...why? If you have to slow a little down on ice, the Brakes may be to strong for traction...and once you lost traction, your car does everything but not what you want it to do. If you locked in the 4WD mode, you can use the engine-brake, slowly release the foot of the gas-pedal and slowing down without any problems. Also don't think a 4WD car has better grip...I mean, yes it has, but only when it comes to raising speed, not exactly for breaking and mostly also not for steering. So don't speed only because it feels safe while kicking the gas and nothing spins. 4. If you got the feeling you couldn't control the car for much longer, slow down soft and just use the next parking place or a town or whatever you can find to take a break. That place should be as safe as possible, but there are many places, where you could easily taking a break for the next 2 or 3 hours. Don't drive at the side of the road, because there is often snow - as high as the track - but only filled a hole or something, so when you think "yeah, that's safe", you possibly sinking down a half meter or so. Also not stay directly next to the street, because if a car doesn't see you and maybe slides...it could crash...but if you find - like I said - just a small town, an hotel, a photo spot with parking places, a restaurant, whatever...take a break, calm down, wait for better weather and enjoy one of the most beautiful Islands I ever saw! Driving stressed is never good and you'll miss so many awesome things when being stressed.
Hi Jan, thanks for this video about driving conditions in Iceland. Glad that you all escaped without getting hurt on that overturned jeep. High winds that can move a car on the roadway and cause someone to loose control is really scary. I live in Northwest Indiana in farm country so know well the threat of Whiteout conditions and blowing an drifting snow. I think videos like this are good especially for people that live in Suburban or City areas that don't know the dangers of weather conditions in less populated open areas.
Hello Ben, thank you for sharing your thoughts. That's true, I just hope that this can help to someone as it really often seems many people come here completely unaware of what weather is like here. So I need to keep pushing this info out 😀
Love your videos Jan! We were just in Iceland driving in the West Fjords - and even with clear roads - the winds were incredible making the driving quite challenging LOL!
Glad you like them! Haha yes it can be challenging even without the snow, people just need to be cautious but sometimes sht happens. I sometimes feel like when I drive here in the winter I use shovel more often than a cup holder
Hello Jan! New subscriber here :) I've been watching your videos, and you're sharing some fantastic advice-thank you! I'm heading to Iceland this December for two weeks in a 4x4 campervan, so I'm trying to get as prepared as possible for the trip. My plan is to drive around the entire ring road, taking it slow and staying flexible in case I need to adjust my itinerary due to unexpected conditions. I was in southern Iceland two years ago in December and got really lucky with the weather-sunny skies the whole time and no issues! But I know it might be different this time, especially up north where there’s probably more snow. Either way, I can’t wait! Iceland is such a magical place; it completely stole my heart.
Hello Maria, thank you so much! Renting a 4x4 is definitely a good call. And I think that as long as you watch the weather forecast (vedur.is) and road conditions (road.is) you'll be fine :) Crossing fingers for some nice weather again, but even at least one snow storm so you get to experience some adventurous weather, too!
@@janiniceland Thank you Jan, I will follow your advice. I actually hope to get some good snow too and have the right mix of adventure! I know Iceland will not disappoint me :)
Be safe 🙏 must also be very difficult to see all the 500.000 white sheep 🐑 in the snow ❄️ on Iceland. Of cause they have natural airbag of wool but still.
If you have never been driving in snow or ice before, I dont think practicing in Iceland the first time is a good idea! Maybe you should practice before, or let an experient driver drive the car. Or go on a guided tour. Thats my advice Sweden!
Dont worry, just make sure to follow the weather and road conditions and drive carefully. If you have no driving experience on snow, just rent a 4x4 to be safe :)
Hi Jan! Thank you for sharing. I think yours was the most honest and colorful video I've seen. So, I'm planning a trip along Snafellsness, the golden circle and the south road up to Kirkjubæjarklaustur area and back to Reykjavik. We're planning on getting a 4x4 and an remote assitance service BUT we're not so used to driving on icy and snowy conditions. Any tips? You might think we should consider preformed packages? Thank you for your input.
thank you! what packages do you mean? Those areas you mentioned usually dont get as much snow, but you might still encounter some icy roads. There isnt really much more that you can do other than follow the weather forecast and road conditions to stay up to date and drive carefully or more slowly than you are used to, especially in the corners. And remember to be gentle on the breaks, the breaking distance is longer on snow and ice.
@@janiniceland haha yes run the golden circle solo 300km on December the 9th is that crazy?? ive driven it many times in winter and the whole ring road. ive have previously run 120 miles to the top of the world the North pole and climbed 4 of the 7 summits. i am ultra runner who runs 100 mile races im used to pain and suffering haha
i know the people of Iceland are amazing ive been pulled out of the side of the road a few times by locals when ive slipped off in crazy blizzard conditions
@@carlroland3947 haha ok I see I see, that's a different story 😅 I'm just asking because there're so many of unexperienced (or even experienced) people coming here to do all kinds of shenanigans ending up with the island kicking their but. But if you enjoy a good sufferfest then you will love it no matter the weather.....it can be anything from icy roads and snow to just rain or sunshine. Always hard to predict the weather for south iceland - with filming, it's a 6hr drive for me as I live up North but if I'm in the south around that time let's connect!
Hello! You could do it, but it depends on many things. For example I don't think it is a good idea to drive a camper here if you've never driven in snow and if you're planning to sleep in it than definitely having some previous winter camping experience is a plus. It also depends on the size of the camper, the wind can be very strong here in the winter so if its a large vehicle, that could be dangerous if you don't monitor the weather conditions well. Many of campsites are closed for the winter but the upside is that nobody will mind if you park pretty much anywhere during the night in the winter.
Thank you for the informative video Jan! Would you recommend a larger SUV like a Land Cruiser or a smaller one like the Dacia duster for winter driving in Iceland as far as safety goes? Thanks!
thank you Syed! Thing is, if there's too much snow for car like Dacia to get through, then it is not a good idea to be driving on the particular road or a day in the first place. As long as you follow weather and road conditions, Dacia is enough. Land Cruiser will perhaps get you through some sketchy conditions a little bit better and it is more comfortable and spacious but if you don't care about that too much, Dacia will do the job just fine.
The safest thing to do in winter is to have proper winter tires. With actual winter tires, any car can get through winter safely, even a small Hyundai Accent or something like that. I say this as a Canadian living in Saguenay (Québec, Canada), one of the snowiest cities in the entire world!
It's actually pretty good, of course sometimes there are some spots without a signal for example in the mountains, glaciers and remote places but otherwise it's good. If you need to buy icelandic sim card then I think Siminn has the best coverage, otherwise Nova or Vodafone are decent as well
It really depends, it is considered a winter month, but sometimes it can be still without snow especially in the south. But northern regions are more likely to have snowy roads. It just depends what kind of start of the winter we get, hard to plan it.
Hey! it will all depend on the weather I guess. It is still a 3 hr drive. Just make sure to monitor the weather and road conditions before you head out and you'll be fine. It could turn into a long exhausting drive so early in the morning if the weather is not good.
I see so many FB comments where people want to hire cars in the winter, they clearly have no idea 🤷♀️ I’ve always lived near transport & have never driven! I would be constantly shouting at all the morons on the road 😇 doesn’t bear thinking about 😅 it’s bad enough crossing the road cos I keep looking the wrong way 😂😂
exactly, that's why I also make videos like this, I see many people struggle with the weather and road conditions...haha i see what you mean, and good thing that there's at least an option for non drivers to do some bus tours around here, too
Get up to 9% discount on a rental car in Iceland - more info here: janiniceland.com/rent-a-car
Great Video! :)
What I can say or add as tourist, but learned a longer time before visiting Iceland the first time:
As we were in Iceland, we noticed many People with the same car we had (White Dacia Duster 4x4) stuck besides the road and had a crash or just left the Track...
1. Don't rush...yeah, you are allowed to drive up to 80km/h outside of the towns, BUT if you see something changes on the road, like black, clean asphalt turns into white or snowy parts getting more shiny or what ever, just slow down very soft so that you arrive that parts maybe not with 80, better with 20-30 km/h. As Jan said...the people behind are mostly people who lives there, they know how to drive, so just let them overtake but never try to rush!
2. Is something together with 1: Plan your trips very carefully and slow. A trip of 50-80 km sound's like a one Hour Trip right? No, it isn't...or it doesn't have to... If the weather is good, you can drive the tour within an hour, but we had also one day, we wanted to drive something like 100-120 km's to a spot, planned to make some pictures there, waiting for the Aurora Borealis and driving back like 5 hours later. We didn't thought to the weather...as we started in reykjavik, everything looked fine, but after like 20 Minutes of driving, the weather drastically changed...we couldn't see our own car's hood, so driving in first gear without using the Gas Pedal, and something like only 5 minutes later, we could see, but the short storm brought many snow to the street, so you couldn't really see where you have to go.
After 4 hours driving, we took another place, 20km earlier and got the best Aurora Experience we had...only my wife and me and a small, frozen see with a small waterfall. Northern Lights appeared in the perfect direction, so we took Pictures with the water/ice mirroring the Lights while being in a perfect, silent spot! ... okay and we maybe sank the car in a deep Snow, because driving 20 cm too far on the left while leaving the street to the parking place...but we got easily out and 30 minutes later, a couple did exactly the same thing, so we helped them to get out of the situation unharmed and without Damage on the Car.
So what I mean: yes, you can do bigger Circles or Reykjavik, Hella, Skogafoss, Black Sand Beach and Diamond Beach in one day...but why? Better plan two or three days for a route like that...better you have 5 hours at the evening to do nothing and just relax, enjoy the view and so on, than to rush from spot to spot, taking one picture, driving to the next spot, taking a picture...it would never get boring on Iceland, so don't worry about that! ;D
3. If you have an 4WD Car, make sure you know how to use it! What I mean: if you can switch between 2wd, 4wd and automatic, like Dacia and many other Cars, make sure you use the locked 4wd in bad conditions, because it could save your life...why? If you have to slow a little down on ice, the Brakes may be to strong for traction...and once you lost traction, your car does everything but not what you want it to do. If you locked in the 4WD mode, you can use the engine-brake, slowly release the foot of the gas-pedal and slowing down without any problems.
Also don't think a 4WD car has better grip...I mean, yes it has, but only when it comes to raising speed, not exactly for breaking and mostly also not for steering. So don't speed only because it feels safe while kicking the gas and nothing spins.
4. If you got the feeling you couldn't control the car for much longer, slow down soft and just use the next parking place or a town or whatever you can find to take a break. That place should be as safe as possible, but there are many places, where you could easily taking a break for the next 2 or 3 hours. Don't drive at the side of the road, because there is often snow - as high as the track - but only filled a hole or something, so when you think "yeah, that's safe", you possibly sinking down a half meter or so. Also not stay directly next to the street, because if a car doesn't see you and maybe slides...it could crash...but if you find - like I said - just a small town, an hotel, a photo spot with parking places, a restaurant, whatever...take a break, calm down, wait for better weather and enjoy one of the most beautiful Islands I ever saw! Driving stressed is never good and you'll miss so many awesome things when being stressed.
sooooo many amazing points here, thank you so much for sharing your experience!
So it's pretty much like driving in Wisconsin every winter.
Hi Jan, thanks for this video about driving conditions in Iceland. Glad that you all escaped without getting hurt on that overturned jeep. High winds that can move a car on the roadway and cause someone to loose control is really scary. I live in Northwest Indiana in farm country so know well the threat of Whiteout conditions and blowing an drifting snow. I think videos like this are good especially for people that live in Suburban or City areas that don't know the dangers of weather conditions in less populated open areas.
Hello Ben, thank you for sharing your thoughts. That's true, I just hope that this can help to someone as it really often seems many people come here completely unaware of what weather is like here. So I need to keep pushing this info out 😀
Love your videos Jan! We were just in Iceland driving in the West Fjords - and even with clear roads - the winds were incredible making the driving quite challenging LOL!
Glad you like them! Haha yes it can be challenging even without the snow, people just need to be cautious but sometimes sht happens. I sometimes feel like when I drive here in the winter I use shovel more often than a cup holder
Excellent advice!
Glad you found this helpful :)
Thanks for this! I will be there next Friday.
I'm glad it was helpful :)
Hello Jan! New subscriber here :) I've been watching your videos, and you're sharing some fantastic advice-thank you! I'm heading to Iceland this December for two weeks in a 4x4 campervan, so I'm trying to get as prepared as possible for the trip. My plan is to drive around the entire ring road, taking it slow and staying flexible in case I need to adjust my itinerary due to unexpected conditions. I was in southern Iceland two years ago in December and got really lucky with the weather-sunny skies the whole time and no issues! But I know it might be different this time, especially up north where there’s probably more snow. Either way, I can’t wait! Iceland is such a magical place; it completely stole my heart.
Hello Maria, thank you so much! Renting a 4x4 is definitely a good call. And I think that as long as you watch the weather forecast (vedur.is) and road conditions (road.is) you'll be fine :) Crossing fingers for some nice weather again, but even at least one snow storm so you get to experience some adventurous weather, too!
@@janiniceland Thank you Jan, I will follow your advice. I actually hope to get some good snow too and have the right mix of adventure! I know Iceland will not disappoint me :)
Be safe 🙏 must also be very difficult to see all the 500.000 white sheep 🐑 in the snow ❄️ on Iceland. Of cause they have natural airbag of wool but still.
haha that sure would be difficult, but luckily they don't keep them outside for the winter 😄
If you have never been driving in snow or ice before, I dont think practicing in Iceland the first time is a good idea! Maybe you should practice before, or let an experient driver drive the car. Or go on a guided tour. Thats my advice Sweden!
that is a very good point, thank you for sharing Fanny!
This video has made me afraid of my upcoming trip. I live in Florida and have never driven in these conditions and now I’m scared 😢
Dont worry, just make sure to follow the weather and road conditions and drive carefully. If you have no driving experience on snow, just rent a 4x4 to be safe :)
You forgot to mention about avoiding The Elves…🇮🇸
haha that's true, those rascals always get in the way! 😅
Hi Jan! Thank you for sharing. I think yours was the most honest and colorful video I've seen. So, I'm planning a trip along Snafellsness, the golden circle and the south road up to Kirkjubæjarklaustur area and back to Reykjavik. We're planning on getting a 4x4 and an remote assitance service BUT we're not so used to driving on icy and snowy conditions. Any tips? You might think we should consider preformed packages? Thank you for your input.
thank you! what packages do you mean? Those areas you mentioned usually dont get as much snow, but you might still encounter some icy roads. There isnt really much more that you can do other than follow the weather forecast and road conditions to stay up to date and drive carefully or more slowly than you are used to, especially in the corners. And remember to be gentle on the breaks, the breaking distance is longer on snow and ice.
great video. i am coming to iceland in december to run the golden circle 300km probably take me 5 days
thank you! But wait a second tho, you want to run golden circle IN DECEMBER? 😅
@@janiniceland haha yes run the golden circle solo 300km on December the 9th is that crazy?? ive driven it many times in winter and the whole ring road. ive have previously run 120 miles to the top of the world the North pole and climbed 4 of the 7 summits. i am ultra runner who runs 100 mile races im used to pain and suffering haha
let me know if your about at that time need someone to do some filming mate
i know the people of Iceland are amazing ive been pulled out of the side of the road a few times by locals when ive slipped off in crazy blizzard conditions
@@carlroland3947 haha ok I see I see, that's a different story 😅 I'm just asking because there're so many of unexperienced (or even experienced) people coming here to do all kinds of shenanigans ending up with the island kicking their but. But if you enjoy a good sufferfest then you will love it no matter the weather.....it can be anything from icy roads and snow to just rain or sunshine. Always hard to predict the weather for south iceland
- with filming, it's a 6hr drive for me as I live up North but if I'm in the south around that time let's connect!
Hello Jan great and very well explained video. What is your thoughts of trying the ring road the last days of this January in a campervan?
Hello! You could do it, but it depends on many things. For example I don't think it is a good idea to drive a camper here if you've never driven in snow and if you're planning to sleep in it than definitely having some previous winter camping experience is a plus. It also depends on the size of the camper, the wind can be very strong here in the winter so if its a large vehicle, that could be dangerous if you don't monitor the weather conditions well. Many of campsites are closed for the winter but the upside is that nobody will mind if you park pretty much anywhere during the night in the winter.
Thank you for the informative video Jan! Would you recommend a larger SUV like a Land Cruiser or a smaller one like the Dacia duster for winter driving in Iceland as far as safety goes? Thanks!
thank you Syed! Thing is, if there's too much snow for car like Dacia to get through, then it is not a good idea to be driving on the particular road or a day in the first place. As long as you follow weather and road conditions, Dacia is enough. Land Cruiser will perhaps get you through some sketchy conditions a little bit better and it is more comfortable and spacious but if you don't care about that too much, Dacia will do the job just fine.
The safest thing to do in winter is to have proper winter tires.
With actual winter tires, any car can get through winter safely, even a small Hyundai Accent or something like that.
I say this as a Canadian living in Saguenay (Québec, Canada), one of the snowiest cities in the entire world!
Hi Jan, what is the mobile phone coverage in Iceland like? Is there always a signal?
It's actually pretty good, of course sometimes there are some spots without a signal for example in the mountains, glaciers and remote places but otherwise it's good. If you need to buy icelandic sim card then I think Siminn has the best coverage, otherwise Nova or Vodafone are decent as well
Is november 17 to like 25 november considered winter and everywhere slippery and snowy?
It really depends, it is considered a winter month, but sometimes it can be still without snow especially in the south. But northern regions are more likely to have snowy roads. It just depends what kind of start of the winter we get, hard to plan it.
Hello! I want to drive at night 2am on 6 february, from airport to Vik. Is it safe with green road ?
Hey! it will all depend on the weather I guess. It is still a 3 hr drive. Just make sure to monitor the weather and road conditions before you head out and you'll be fine. It could turn into a long exhausting drive so early in the morning if the weather is not good.
I see so many FB comments where people want to hire cars in the winter, they clearly have no idea 🤷♀️ I’ve always lived near transport & have never driven! I would be constantly shouting at all the morons on the road 😇 doesn’t bear thinking about 😅 it’s bad enough crossing the road cos I keep looking the wrong way 😂😂
exactly, that's why I also make videos like this, I see many people struggle with the weather and road conditions...haha i see what you mean, and good thing that there's at least an option for non drivers to do some bus tours around here, too