What’s It Like to Take an Icelandic Road Trip in October?

Road trip ideas for October visitors

A few days

If you’ve hired a car for a few days, there are a couple of obvious options when planning out your road trip. The first is to do an out-and-back drive along the south coast as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Non-stop, it takes about five or six hours to reach this dazzling body of water which is typically strewn with icebergs that have calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier above. Coupled with the sight of those same chunks of ice washed up on what’s known to overseas visitors as Diamond Beach, it’s more than worth the long drive. Break your journey along the way – there or back – in the Vik area to see the infamous Reynisfjara beach or stop off at waterfalls such as Skógafoss and Seljalandfoss.

The other option is to base yourself in one place and take day trips in the surrounding areas. Selfoss is one place you might consider staying, though the benefits of choosing accommodation in Reykjavik far outweigh any smaller settlement. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, there’s a whole host of things you can do in the Icelandic capital with or without the car, including Sky Lagoon, the Recycled House, and Árbær Open Air Museum. When it’s fine, venture out in different directions. You can easily spend a day exploring the scenic Golden Circle attractions, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Another rewarding destination is the delightful Snæfellsnes peninsula, sometimes dubbed “Iceland in miniature” with its mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and extraordinary coastal scenery.

A week or more

With a week at your disposal, you can reach out a little further. From Reykjavik, it’s about a six-hour drive to Akureyri in North Iceland if you don’t stop, and this part of the country is packed with visitor attractions. You might choose to stay in charming Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, or Akureyri itself, the second-largest settlement in Iceland after Reykjavik. Take a day or even two to drive North Iceland’s top scenic route, the Diamond Circle. Highlights include magnificent waterfalls such as Dettifoss and Goðafoss as well as the striking Ásbyrgi canyon. 

From the North Iceland stretch of the ring road, smaller roads loop its peninsulas. One of the most attractive places to seek out is Siglufjörður on the Tröllaskagi peninsula. Once known for its herring fishing (a museum dedicated to this era is open by appointment in October so definitely call ahead), this is a fabulous place to hole up for a day or two. Glaumbær Turf Farm (open on weekdays during the first three weeks of October) is another interesting diversion, as is the Icelandic Seal Center (also on weekdays only at this time of year).  If you have the luxury of more time, looping the entire ring road to take in East Iceland’s geothermal scenery, lava fields, hidden canyons, and fjords is an enticing prospect. 

Practical considerations for anyone planning to drive to Iceland in October

Do you need a 4x4 to drive in Iceland in October?

The answer to this question depends a lot on your driving experience and on the weather conditions at the time of your visit. Mostly, you don’t need a 4x4 to drive in Iceland in October, particularly if you plan to stick to main roads. Nevertheless, if a wintry storm blows in – possible at this time of year – then the presence of snow and ice on the road is likely to make some motorists glad they’d invested in a 4x4 to gain the benefit of the extra traction. If you’re the kind of traveler who’s likely to stress about road conditions, give yourself a break and rent the kind of vehicle that will give you a better grip. Having an AWD car will also give you a better grip on loose gravel, which may also be a consideration if you’re planning to drive out in the Icelandic countryside.

Is it legal to have winter tires fitted in October?

All-season tires are less effective at driving in snowy and icy conditions than winter tires, which are specially manufactured to have better traction on slippery surfaces. The law in Iceland, meanwhile, states that studded tires may be fitted from November 1st through to April 15th. Therefore, if you are driving in Iceland in October, make sure that you do so according to the current road conditions. It’s vital, no matter what the weather, to allow sufficient stopping distances and make sure your speed is not only within the legal limit but also appropriate to visibility. 

Are the roads well-maintained?

Storms can blow in quickly at this time of year and conditions can change rapidly as a consequence. While the road surfaces of tarmac and major gravel roads are in most cases, usually well-maintained, a layer of ice can quickly form. Rain, sleet, and snow in October can alter conditions, so even if the road is in decent condition, driving on it could prove challenging for those who are unused to inclement weather. 

So how do I find out what the road conditions are like?

The Icelandic Road Administration website contains an invaluable resource for motorists who are driving around the country: a map that’s updated to show road and weather conditions. It’s really helpful at any time of year, but especially when weather is likely to be more unpredictable, such as during the autumn. Roads are colour-coded according to their current status and if you hover over the map you’ll see a pop-up that gives you more information. For instance, a road might be labeled as impassable, slippery, with spots of ice, or easily passable. Sometimes, there are multiple routes that visitors can take to reach their intended destination, so this gives you the data you need to help you make an informed decision.

Can you drive the F-roads in October?

That’s an easy one: no. The F-roads wind up through Iceland’s mountainous interior and because of the higher elevations, wintry weather takes hold much earlier than along the coastal lowlands. The F-roads don’t enjoy winter service and are impassable by autumn. You won’t be able to drive them in a rental car, even a high clearance 4x4, in October. Instead, you’ll need to arrange a tour in a specially modified vehicle such as a super jeep. The only other alternative is to postpone your trip until the following June when improving weather means that the barriers can be lifted and the Highlands of Iceland are declared open for the summer season. When preparing for a road trip in Iceland, it’s important to consider how driving conditions can change from October to November. To learn more about what driving in Iceland is like during the colder months, check out our guide on driving in Iceland in November.