Driving around Iceland in September

Why is a September road trip such a great idea?

You can join in the réttir

If you’re keen to inject a hands-on activity into your road trip then September signals a uniquely Icelandic proposition: the réttir. This is the annual sheep roundup, a community affair when everyone mucks in to bring the animals down from upland pastures to their winter digs. Sheep are collected up and driven into pens – if you have a drone then ask if you can capture the structure from the air as some look like a wheel. 

From there, they are sorted so that each farmer is reunited with their flock. It’s an immensely physical task and one where volunteers are welcome to lend a hand. Once the job is done, everyone celebrates its successful conclusion with a feast and party. Check online for exact dates or keep your eyes peeled while you are on the road; many events take place in the north of Iceland.

Photographers can seek out autumnal foliage

New England doesn’t have a monopoly on fall colors and though Iceland isn’t the first place that comes to mind for those thinking about catching the golds, reds, and oranges of autumn, there are a number of areas worth seeking out. For instance, you might head to Hraunfossar, an unusual waterfall in West Iceland. It takes less than two hours to drive there from Reykjavik, making it the ideal day trip destination as well as a component of a longer driving itinerary. Here, rivulets of water cascade over the edge of a charcoal grey lava field – hraun means lava – and down into the river below. But the real joy of a visit to this place is to see the vegetation that surrounds the waterfall, which is at its best in autumn when the foliage starts to turn.

Northern Lights season gathers momentum

The Northern Lights dance across the heavens year-round, but you need dark skies to be able to see this breathtaking display. In practice, this means that you won’t see the aurora borealis in Iceland until at least the middle of August. By September, the nights are drawing in, making this month a great choice for Northern Lights hunters. 

Also, activity tends to be higher around the equinoxes in September and March, so statistically, it’s one of the best times for a sighting. Having your own rental car means you can chase cloud-free skies, an essential prerequisite for catching sight of the aurora. Iceland’s mid-Atlantic position means that clear skies are never a guarantee. We’d recommend starting your Northern Lights hunt at the beginning of your road trip. Keep a close eye on the weather and aurora forecasts and scope out potential north-facing sites by day ready to catch the action after dark.

It’s your last chance to drive up into the Highlands

Iceland is home to one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas but this unspoiled, largely uninhabited region is also one of its least accessible – the F-roads winding up into the interior are seasonal and impassable once wintry weather sets in. That’s a big part of its charm, translating to far fewer visitors and vast empty spaces where it’s possible to find a truly splendid view and keep it all to yourself. 

Though it’s impossible to put an exact date on the official end of the season, typically, the various F-roads start to be closed from late August through into September. To maximize your chance of still being able to include this wonderful part of Iceland in your self-drive itinerary, time your visit for as early in the month as you can and keep an eye on road and weather conditions. You’ll also need a high-clearance 4x4 which is capable of handling the rough terrain and river crossings that go hand in hand with a road trip into this incredible area.

Tips for a September road trip

Keep an eye on wind forecasts

If your planned road trip route is likely to take you along exposed stretches of road, then you’ll be acutely aware of weather conditions, especially wind. Gusting winds can be as challenging to drivers as snow and ice, so don’t underestimate the impact they might have on your itinerary. Wind speeds are usually communicated as a figure in meters per second, which can be a little confusing if you’re more used to seeing it represented as miles per hour. Multiplying by 2.2 is about right, so 20 meters per second equates to 44 miles per hour. Once it gets much more than that you may not feel comfortable driving in coastal areas or mountain passes. If windy conditions are likely to be a consideration, then it’s a good idea to choose a vehicle that is lower to the road rather than high-sided. Renting a 4x4 may also make you feel more secure.

Be flexible

In general, the weather in Iceland is very unpredictable, so it’s good practice to allow a bit of leeway in your schedule in case of unforeseen delays, particularly at the end of your trip when you need to catch your flight home. The days are still long enough in September to give you enough daylight to catch up on any sightseeing you may have missed. 

However, storms do blow in from time to time and in some parts of the country roads may temporarily be closed for motorists’ safety. View any such delays as an opportunity to see a little more of your immediate surroundings, visit a local museum or hole up in a cozy café with a nice cup of coffee. The extraordinary Icelandic scenery will still be there when the weather system moves on.

As the autumn months progress, driving in Iceland in October presents a similar set of challenges and advantages, particularly if you're looking to enjoy the changing landscapes and prepare for winter conditions.

Choose the right car and insurance for your needs

When driving in Iceland, it’s important to choose the right car for your needs. Think about the kind of roads you’ll be traveling on and the type of driving you expect to do. Rougher roads might require a 4x4, while for sticking close to Reykjavik and making day trips on tarmacked roads you’re likely to be comfortable in a small compact unless there are a lot of you. 

If you plan to spend time traveling along the south coast, the ring road’s proximity to glacial outwash plains means that sand storms are more common than in some other areas. Choose sand and gravel protection insurance for peace of mind so that you’re covered for any damage to paintwork. Similarly, if your itinerary is likely to take you on gravel roads, you might also prefer the stress-free state of mind that such insurance gives you. Even if you intend to drive carefully, oncoming drivers might not do the same. We can offer advice if you share your plans with us, so why not get in touch?