Iceland is a magical place, land of geysers, glaciers and boundless distances, green meadows with very few houses and no railway lines, but only one big road that allows you to travel all the way from north to south.
Travel destination dreamed by many, it is often difficult to arrange a trip, for example if you do not have experience of driving on snow in winter or even if you intend to make a low cost holiday (yes, services in Iceland are quite expensive ).
If the climate and the cost of living do not discourage you, once reached, this beautiful island in Northern Europe will be able to repay you with unique natural spectacles, from the aurora borealis to the impressive waterfalls that take their name from Viking legends.
Here are some tips for organizing your tailor-made tour.
When to go
The best time to visit Iceland is between the beginning of May and mid-September, as the roads are covered by high layers of snow for the rest of the year, they are frozen and unworkable especially for non-expert drivers and many accommodation facilities remain closed.
In spring and summer, average temperatures are between 10 and 20 degrees. Between May and July, there is the phenomenon of the midnight sun, while in September the phenomenon of the northern lights begins to occur in isolated areas far from inhabited centers, not affected by atmospheric pollution and artificial lighting.
Car rental and drive in Iceland
Driving in Iceland, if the weather conditions are good, is quite easy, as the traffic is very limited and in rural areas almost absent. However, keep in mind that many roads, including bridges and dirt roads, are one-way streets. With the exception of the tunnels, almost all roads offer unforgettable panoramas.
In winter, driving can be more complicated, due to snow, ice and darkness: therefore, if you choose to rent a car for a tour in Iceland in winter, it is advisable to have snow driving experience.
The minimum age for renting a car in Iceland is 20 years. You must present your national driving license written in Roman characters. Vehicles are always hired with minimum insurance, to which you can add additional policies.
Trusting experts with the organization of travel, you can count on safety and reliability, especially because local travel experts are able to advise on aspects that often one does not take into consideration: road conditions, seasonal weather, best hotels, etc. without counting the time saving in planning the trip. Finally, in the event of an emergency, a reference contact is available.
How much it costs
A week-long Iceland self-drive tour along the Ring Road can cost between 1800 and 2000 euros depending on the chosen accommodation and services. Iceland is a safe country, where the quality of life and services is very high, this also translates into high costs.
One way to save money is to rely on local operators, who can also provide advice on road conditions in the event of heavy snow, but in any case, when planning a trip to Iceland, you need to put aside the idea of a low-cost vacation.
In Iceland it is not necessary to leave tips and taxes are always included in the services. To avoid spending excessively, you can opt for accommodation in 2-star hotels or guest houses, even with shared bathrooms, whose quality is still always acceptable in Iceland. Families and groups of friends can choose to stay in an apartment, usually less expensive than the hotel.
Precisely because of the high budget availability required, Iceland is often chosen as a destination for a honeymoon, when you are willing to spend high amounts to live the journey of life with your partner.
Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to Iceland?
