Driving in Iceland is an adventure in itself, and one of the most unique parts of that experience is crossing one-lane bridges. They’re common all around the country—especially in the west—so understanding how to handle them safely will make your road trip smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.
Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður near Borgarnes, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you’ll almost certainly encounter these narrow crossings on your way. Here’s how to approach them with confidence.
Iceland’s One-Lane Bridges: What They Are and Why They Exist
Many of Iceland’s roads were built when traffic was lighter and budgets smaller. Instead of building wide, two-lane bridges, engineers often opted for single-lane structures that are still in use today. You’ll find them:
– On the Ring Road and major routes
– On scenic detours and fjord roads
– In rural areas near rivers, glacial outflows, and fjords
If you’re driving from Reykjavík to Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, exploring the coastline around The Stykkishólmur Inn, or heading north to Ísafjörður Inn in the dramatic Westfjords, you’ll likely cross several of these bridges.
Who Has the Right of Way on a One-Lane Bridge?
The basic rule: the car that reaches the bridge first has priority. But there are a few details to keep in mind:
– Watch for signs: A white rectangular sign with a black arrow and a red arrow shows who has priority. The black arrow (your direction) means you have the right of way; the red arrow means you must yield.
– If you’re unsure, yield: If it’s not clear who arrived first, slow down and let the other car go. Icelandic drivers are used to this and generally patient.
– Don’t enter if another car is already on the bridge: Wait until the bridge is completely clear before you start crossing.
Approaching the Bridge: Step-by-Step
1. Slow down well in advance
As you approach, reduce your speed. This gives you time to assess oncoming traffic and road conditions—especially important in winter or in poor visibility.
2. Look ahead and scan both sides
Check if another vehicle is already on the bridge or clearly about to enter it. If so, wait at a safe distance.
3. Use pull-outs and wider sections
Many one-lane bridges have slightly wider sections at one or both ends. Use these to wait if needed, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle like a camper.
4. Cross at a steady, controlled speed
Once it’s your turn, drive across at a calm, consistent speed. There’s no need to rush—other drivers expect you to take your time.
5. Be extra careful in bad weather
In West Iceland and the Westfjords, wind, ice, and snow can make bridges slippery. If you’re staying at Ísafjörður Inn and exploring the surrounding fjords, take particular care in winter: brake gently, avoid sudden steering, and keep your speed low.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Don’t assume you always have priority just because you’re on a “bigger” road. Always check the signs.
– Don’t tailgate the car in front of you. If they need to stop or reverse, you’ll need space too.
– Don’t stop in the middle of the bridge to take photos, even if the view is stunning. Pull over safely before or after the bridge instead.
Driving West Iceland: Where You’ll Encounter One-Lane Bridges
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland puts you right in the heart of some of the country’s most scenic driving routes—and many of them include one-lane bridges.
From Reykjavík to Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes)
The drive north from Reykjavík toward Borgarfjörður is a classic introduction to Icelandic road conditions. As you approach Hvítá Inn, you’ll pass rivers, farmland, and mountain views, with a few one-lane bridges along the way. This area is perfect for first-time visitors to get comfortable with Icelandic driving rules before heading into more remote regions.
Around The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: lava fields, black beaches, mountains, and charming fishing towns like Stykkishólmur. As you explore from The Stykkishólmur Inn, you’ll likely cross narrow bridges on coastal and rural roads. Traffic is usually light, but visibility can change quickly with the weather, so the same rules apply: slow down, look ahead, and yield when needed.
To Ísafjörður Inn and the Westfjords
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most dramatic and remote regions, and Ísafjörður Inn makes a great base for exploring them. Here, one-lane bridges are more common, and roads can be winding and steep. You may also encounter gravel sections and sharp bends near bridges. Plan extra time for your drives, especially in winter, and always check road conditions before setting out.
Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Drive
– Check road conditions: Before leaving any of our hotels, look up current road and weather conditions. Staff at Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn can help point you to the right resources.
– Drive defensively: Expect the unexpected—sudden wind gusts, sheep near the road, or a car appearing quickly from around a bend.
– Use headlights at all times: It’s required in Iceland, day and night, and helps other drivers see you earlier, especially near bridges and hills.
– Take your time: Distances may look short on the map, but scenic stops, weather, and narrow roads mean you’ll enjoy your trip more if you don’t rush.
Staying with Ourhotels.is While You Explore
Ourhotels.is offers comfortable, well-located stays across West Iceland, making it easy to explore the region by car while learning to handle Iceland’s unique roads:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes): Ideal for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and the historic Borgarfjörður region.
– The Stykkishólmur Inn: A cozy base in one of Iceland’s most picturesque harbor towns on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
– Ísafjörður Inn: Perfect for discovering the wild beauty of the Westfjords, with fjord views and dramatic drives right outside your door.
By understanding how to handle Iceland’s one-lane bridges, you’ll feel more relaxed behind the wheel and better able to enjoy the landscapes around you. With Ourhotels.is as your base in West Iceland, you can focus on the experience—knowing you’re driving safely and confidently through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
