Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [282]
When hiring a car, check the small print carefully; most vehicles come with third-party insurance only so you’ll need to take out additional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to cover you for damage to the hire car. Also check the excess (the initial amount you will be liable to pay in the event of an accident) as this can be surprisingly high.
Hire vehicles are not covered for damage to the tyres, headlights and windscreen, or damage caused to the underside of the vehicle by driving on dirt roads, through water or in sandstorms. Some policies also prohibit ‘off-road driving’. This usually only refers to mountain roads (F roads) and 4WD tracks, but check with the car-hire company to be sure. Car-hire agreements also do not cover damage to the hire car caused by collisions with animals.
Parking
Other than in central Reykjavík parking in Iceland is easy to find and free of charge. It should be noted, however, that Akureyri has a bizarre system of plastic clocks that you must follow otherwise you will be fined – Click here for details. For information on parking in the capital, Click here.
Road Conditions & Hazards
Good road surfaces and light traffic make driving in Iceland relatively easy, but there are some specific hazards that drivers will encounter. Not all roads are sealed, and the transition from sealed to gravel roads is marked with the warning sign Malbik Endar – slow down to avoid skidding when you hit the gravel. In most cases roads have two lanes with steeply cambered sides and no hard shoulder; be prepared for oncoming traffic in the centre of the road, and slow down and stay to the right when approaching blind rises, marked as Blindhæð on road signs. You’ll also need to be prepared to give way when approaching single-lane bridges – marked as Einbreið Brú.
Most accidents involving foreign drivers in Iceland are caused by the use of excessive speed on unsurfaced roads. If your car does begin to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and gently turn the car in the direction you want the front wheels to go. Do not brake. In other areas severe sandstorms can strip paint off cars, blister your windows and even topple over your vehicle; at-risk areas are marked with orange warning signs.
In winter make sure your hire car is fitted with snow tyres or chains; be sure to carry blankets, food and water; and take extra care when driving on compacted snow.
Roads suitable for 4WD vehicles only are F-numbered (see the boxed text, for more on F roads). Always travel in tandem on these roads and carry emergency supplies and a full tool and repair kit. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. River crossings can be extremely dangerous, as few interior roads are bridged. Fords are marked on maps with a ‘V’, but you’ll need to check the depth and speed of the river by wading into it – do not attempt this without a life jacket and lifeline. To cross the river use a low gear in 4WD mode and cross slowly and steadily without stopping or changing gear.
You’ll find useful information and a video on driving in Iceland at www.umferdarstofa.is/id/2693.
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HITCHING
Hitching anywhere in the world is never fully without risk. Nevertheless, we met scores of tourists that were hitching their way around the country (we even picked up a few) and most of them had very positive reports. Single female travellers and couples tend to get a lift the quickest – sorry guys, best find a woman to travel with. Of course when it comes to hitching, patience is a prerequisite, and logic is important too – be savvy about where you position yourself. Don’t stand in the middle of a long straight stretch of highway because drivers will zoom right by before they even notice you. Try standing at junctions, near petrol stations or even by Bónus supermarkets. When you arrive