Is it safe to drive in august for a solo traveller?
I read that wind can be strong enough to remove a car door during the other seasons.
I will only stay 4 days, so i still think that car is the best option to reach the South Coast and Stokkur-Gullfoss zone.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
4110 posts
Driving in Iceland in the summer is easy but yes you still need to be careful of the wind, which happens any time of the year. Once in July we had to pull over for the afternoon/night as the winds were too strong to continue. Then again last August we were on our way back to Reykjavik from Hvammsvik and good thing my husband had a firm hand on the wheel as our car (a Duster) got blown about 5 feet.
If you are coming in on an overnight flight, then don't plan on driving far that day, an hour tops. If you are coming from mainland Europe, then you are goo to start venturing out that same day of arrival. Jet lag from an overnight flight is a big issue in Iceland and they are trying hard to get people to stay safe.
If you are talking about next month vs next year, then you are extremely late to the game for finding any lodging. Most places book out 9-12 months in advance, and this year with the eclipse, things have been sold out for over a year. So if this is for next month, then get lodging secured asap, as well as your vehicle.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
6039 posts
I learned something new today. I hadn't realized that the wind could be so strong so I looked it up and learned that insurance on rental cars in Iceland doesn't typically cover wind and grit damage so be aware of that.
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
880 posts
Allan, that's why we always buy all of the insurance offered when renting in Iceland. And you will see this recommended often on Iceland forums (here and TripAdvisor).
Posted by
Washington, DC
954 posts
We just got back from Iceland, and were lucky with the weather: it was sunny, warmish (high 50s 😃), and not too windy. Our rental company, Blue, sent a lot of communication, and the wind blowing off doors on cars was one of the warnings. We got all the insurances available, yet that bit is was not covered (including windshield and tires too). With that said, you should be safe enough to drive in August. The two places you mentioned will have others on the road with you for support and I think it would be more important for you to learn the road signs and how to pass safely (or how to allow others to pass you safely) on two lane highways.