Driving yourself around Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the country’s wild landscapes, hidden hot springs, and dramatic coastlines at your own pace. Whether you’re planning to circle the island or explore the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a few self‑drive tips will make your journey safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. Basing yourself with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland gives you a comfortable, well‑located starting point for day trips and longer road adventures.
The first thing to know about self‑drive holidays in Iceland is that conditions change quickly. Even in summer, you can encounter fog, heavy rain, or strong winds within a short distance. Always check the official road and weather websites before you set out, and be prepared to adjust your plans. From Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland, it’s easy to plan flexible routes: if the highlands are too rough, you can opt for a scenic coastal drive or explore nearby waterfalls, lava fields, and fishing villages instead.
Choosing the right rental car is essential. For most of the Ring Road and main paved routes, a regular 2WD vehicle is enough in summer. However, if you plan to drive on gravel roads or venture onto F‑roads in the highlands (only allowed in summer and with a suitable vehicle), a 4×4 is strongly recommended. Many guests staying with Ourhotels.is combine a comfortable hotel base with day trips in a 4×4, returning each evening to hot showers, good food, and a warm bed rather than remote mountain huts.
Speed limits in Iceland are lower than in many other countries: generally 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on gravel roads, and 90 km/h on paved rural roads. These limits exist for a reason—gravel, sharp bends, and sudden weather changes can catch drivers off guard. Take your time, especially on single‑lane bridges and blind hills. When you stay at Ourhotels.is, our staff can help you estimate realistic driving times between attractions in West Iceland and beyond, so you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy the scenery safely.
One of the most important self‑drive tips for Iceland is to respect gravel roads. Many visitors are surprised by how loose the surface can be. Slow down when transitioning from paved to gravel roads, keep a firm grip on the wheel, and increase your following distance to avoid flying stones. If you’re exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the quieter roads of Borgarfjörður from an Ourhotels.is location, you’ll likely encounter gravel stretches—driving calmly and steadily will make the journey far more pleasant.
Iceland’s weather deserves special attention. Wind can be strong enough to damage car doors if opened carelessly, especially on exposed viewpoints and mountain passes. Always hold onto your door when getting in or out of the car. In winter, snow and ice demand extra caution and studded tires. Many travelers choose to stay at Ourhotels.is in West Iceland during the colder months because it offers easy access to main roads that are cleared more frequently, while still being close to natural wonders like lava fields, hot springs, and waterfalls.
Another key tip is to never stop in the middle of the road for photos, no matter how stunning the view. Use designated parking areas and lay‑bys. Iceland’s roads are often narrow with limited visibility, and sudden stops can be dangerous. Fortunately, many of the most photogenic spots in West Iceland—such as coastal cliffs, black beaches, and glacier views—have convenient parking areas, and Ourhotels.is staff can point you toward the safest and most scenic stops.
If you’re new to driving in Iceland, consider planning shorter driving days and focusing on one region at a time. West Iceland is ideal for this style of travel. From Ourhotels.is hotels, you can reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, historic sites, and geothermal areas on easy day trips. This allows you to enjoy the freedom of a self‑drive holiday without the stress of long, exhausting days behind the wheel.
Fuel stations can be far apart in rural areas, so fill up whenever you have the chance, especially before heading into more remote regions. Many stations are self‑service and open 24/7 with card payment. Ourhotels.is reception teams are happy to advise you on where to refuel along your planned route and which services you’ll find in each town.
Finally, remember that part of the magic of a self‑drive trip in Iceland is the ability to slow down and explore. Build extra time into your itinerary for unplanned stops—maybe a small hot spring you spot from the road, a local café in a fishing village, or a viewpoint you hadn’t heard about. By using Ourhotels.is as your base in West Iceland, you can enjoy this flexibility while always having a comfortable, welcoming place to return to at the end of the day. With the right preparation and respect for Iceland’s unique driving conditions, your self‑drive adventure will be both safe and unforgettable.
