The post Two-Lane Roundabouts are Different in Iceland – Know These Rules Before You Drive Here appeared first on All Things Iceland.
]]>I’m diving into an important yet often overlooked aspect of driving in Iceland—the unique rules of two-lane roundabouts. Even if you are from Europe, there is a good chance that Iceland does two-lane roundabouts a little different than what you expect.
How to Save Money on Your Rental Car in Iceland
Before we get into that, I want to give a shout-out to our amazing sponsors, Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers.
I actually use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I’ve partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from.
They’ve also given me a link so you can save 7% on your rental, plus get a couple of really useful extras.
With Go Car Rental, you’ll save 7% and get free 4G WiFi with your rental.
With Go Campers, you’ll save 7% and get a free sleeping bag included.
You can head to gorentals.is/allthingsiceland
for the discounts.
Once you enter your travel dates, the 7% discount is automatically applied.
For Go Car:
When you get to the extras section, select 4G WiFi. You’ll see the price stays the same, even though it has been added.
For Go Campers:
Choose a sleeping bag under the “Sleeping” section, and same thing, the total price won’t increase.
And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that.
Why Are Iceland’s Two-Lane Roundabouts Unique?
Roundabouts exist in many countries, but Iceland’s two-lane roundabouts come with specific rules that often catch foreign drivers off guard. If you’ve ever rented a car in Iceland or plan to, knowing these rules will save you a lot of confusion—and possibly a fender bender!
The key thing to know about Iceland’s two-lane roundabouts is that the inner lane (the one closest to the center) has the right of way. This is different from many other countries where the outer lane might have priority. Here’s how it works:
- When entering a two-lane roundabout, you should choose your lane before entering.
- If you plan to take the first exit, you should be in the outer lane (right lane).
- If you plan to go straight or take any further exits, you should be in the inner lane (left lane).
- Once inside the roundabout, changing lanes is not allowed. This means if you entered in the inner lane, you must continue in that lane until you exit.
- If you’re in the outer lane and another driver is in the inner lane, you must yield to the inner lane driver if they need to exit. This is where most accidents happen because foreign drivers don’t expect this rule.
- When exiting, use your turn signal to indicate your intention, just like you would in any other roundabout.
Two-Lane Roundabout Example in Iceland
The first image shows two cars entering a two-lane roundabout in Iceland. The orange car is in the inside lane (left) and the pink car is in the outer land (right).
Below shows the the exits that the pink car (outer lane) can take.
And here are the exits that the orange car (inner lane) can take.
This example is showing if the orange car is entering the two-lane roundabout in the inner lane on the bottom and the pink car is coming from the right in t he outerlane.
As a reminder, the pink car can either go to the first or second exit. In this example, it will be going to the second exit.
Since the pink car and the orange car are in close proximity to each other, the pink car is the one that gives the right of way, since the orange car is in the inner lane.
The pink car (outer lane) must stop and let the orange car (inner lane) exit before continuing on to its second exit.
Why These Rules Matter?
Iceland’s road system is designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly, and roundabouts play a big role in that. However, every year, rental car companies report minor accidents in roundabouts because of misunderstandings about these rules. The last thing you want is to start your Iceland adventure with an accident or a costly insurance claim!
The Savvy Traveler's Guide to Iceland
The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland I created The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland, a comprehensive 8-module video guide that walks you through everything you need to know before visiting. I even have a whole module dedicated to getting around Iceland, covering types of transportation, car rentals, road rules, and so much more.
Not only that, but when you get the guide, you’ll have lifetime access, bonus itineraries to make planning easier, and access to my free and private Facebook group, where I share specially curated Iceland travel posts and do a live Q&A each month!
Random Fact of the Episode
You might notice that as you venture outside of the downtown Reykjavík area, that you will see less traffic lights, occasionally roundabouts, and long stretches of road. One of the many things I enjoy about the Icelandic countryside is that traffic lights are not necessary.
Roundabouts are used, when necessary, at intersections to slow vehicles down and allow for cars to head in different directions.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Hringtorg – roundabout
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The post Two-Lane Roundabouts are Different in Iceland – Know These Rules Before You Drive Here appeared first on All Things Iceland.
]]>The post Renting A Camper Van in Iceland: 6 Important Pros & Cons appeared first on All Things Iceland.
]]>Over the years, I have traveled extensively around Iceland in a camper van, so the pros and cons I’m sharing in this episode are from personal experience. While the list might not cover every possible pro and con, I think it will give you enough insight about the experience to help you decide if this is something you want to do.
Rent a Camper Van in Iceland & Save
If you plan to rent a camper van, I highly recommend using Go Campers. I’ve use two of their campers on long road trips. One was the Go Lite Automatic camper and the other is Go Big Automatic Camper. They have a large selection of campers available, great customer service, and competitive rates. When you use my link with Go Campers (https://www.gocampers.is/?ref=allthingsiceland) you’ll save 7% and get a free sleeping bag included.
to get the sleeping bag included, choose a sleeping bag under the “Sleeping” section, and the total price won’t increase.
And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that.
Pros of Renting a Camper Van in Iceland
1. Save Money: Renting a camper van can be more cost-effective than constantly checking into hotels or guesthouses every night. By having your accommodation on wheels, you can reduce the expenses of your trip significantly.
2. Travel Flexibility: One of the greatest joys of a camper van is the freedom it offers. You’re not bound by hotel check-in/check-out times, and you can decide to stay longer in a place you love or move on if you’re ready for a change of scenery.
3. Icelandic Campsites: While this can also be a con (more on that later), many of Iceland’s campsites are situated in breathtaking locations. Waking up to a waterfall, geysers, or vast landscapes can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I recommend using the website tjalda.is to find campsites in Iceland.
4. Variety of Camper Vans: Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a family, there’s a camper van to fit your needs. From basic models to luxurious ones with all amenities, the choices are plentiful.
5. So Many Places to Explore: Iceland is replete with natural wonders, from the Blue Lagoon to the colorful mountains in the Icelandic highlands. With a camper van, you have the convenience of stopping at off-the-beaten-path locations, making your trip even more memorable.
6. What Comes with a Camper Van: Most camper vans come equipped with cooking facilities, bedding, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. This means less to pack and a more comfortable journey overall. A heater, electric cooler, a sink and different amenities are available on what kind of van you choose.
Cons of Renting a Camper Van in Iceland
1. Icelandic Campsites: Here’s the flip side – not all campsites are created equal. Some might be crowded, especially during peak tourist season, and may lack essential facilities.
2. Using the Bathroom at Night: Most camper vans don’t come with a toilet. So, those midnight nature calls can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re parked far from campsite facilities or in more isolated areas.
3. Extra Camper Van Costs: While the van itself might seem like a bargain, remember to factor in the cost of fuel, campsite fees, and any additional equipment or insurance you might need.
4. Icelandic Weather: Iceland’s weather is notorious for its unpredictability. Driving a camper van in strong winds, rain, or snow can be challenging. And even if you’re not driving, being cooped up in a small space during bad weather can be less than ideal.
5. Confined Space: Even the most spacious camper vans can feel tight after a few days, especially if you’re traveling with others. It requires a certain level of adaptability and patience. Here are some packing cubes that are so useful to use for your camper van adventures.
6. When Campsites Are Open: Not all campsites are open year-round. If you’re traveling during the off-season, you might find limited options, which can pose challenges for where you can legally and safely park for the night.
Free Iceland Packing Checklist for Winter & Summer
For the full list of essentials of what to pack and wear in Iceland, grab my free Ultimate Packing Checklist.
Random Fact of the Episode
My favorite campsite in Iceland is called Heydalur in the West fjords. They have such amazing facilities, like a gorgeous pool in a greenhouse, geothermal hot springs, beautiful grounds, a hotel, a restaurant and more.
Icelandic Word of the episode
Ferðabíll or Húsbíll – camper van
The post Renting A Camper Van in Iceland: 6 Important Pros & Cons appeared first on All Things Iceland.
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