Must Know Before You Go
Essential information, safety tips, and travel guides for your Iceland campervan adventure.
Quick Iceland Facts
Driving Side: Right side
Language: Icelandic (English widely spoken)
Voltage: 230V, Type F plugs
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Emergency: 112
Time Zone: GMT (no daylight saving)
Safety First
Check Weather Conditions
Always check road.is and vedur.is before traveling. Weather can change rapidly in Iceland.
Keep Tank Full
Gas stations can be far apart, especially in remote areas. Never let your tank go below half.
Emergency Numbers
Save 112 (emergency services) in your phone. Works even without signal in many areas.
GPS and Maps
Download offline maps. GPS signal can be weak in remote highland areas.
Driving Rules & Regulations
Speed Limits
50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel roads
Driving Laws
Headlights must be on at all times. Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers.
Off-Road Driving
Strictly prohibited. Hefty fines apply. Stick to marked roads and designated camping areas.
River Crossings
Only attempt in 4WD vehicles. Check depth and current first. Many rental agreements void insurance for river crossings.
Critical Safety Warning
Never drive off marked roads or paths. Iceland's ecosystem is extremely fragile and takes decades to recover from vehicle damage. Fines start at €1,000 and can reach €10,000+. Always camp in designated areas only.
Essential Packing Checklist
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layers
- Waterproof pants
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sturdy hiking boots
Tech & Navigation
- Portable charger
- Car charger
- Offline maps app
- Camera with extra batteries
- Headlamp/flashlight
Food & Cooking
- Non-perishable food
- Cooking utensils
- Water bottles
- Thermos for hot drinks
- Cooler with ice packs
Safety & Emergency
- First aid kit
- Emergency blanket
- Tow rope
- Emergency food/water
- Whistle
💡 Pro Packing Tips
- Pack in layers – weather can change quickly
- Bring more warm clothes than you think you need
- Waterproof everything important in dry bags
- Don't overpack – you can buy essentials in Reykjavík
- Bring a good camera – Iceland is incredibly photogenic!
Popular Campervan Routes
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Weather & Seasonal Information
Spring
Mar–May
0–10°C
Unpredictable weather, fewer crowds, lupine flowers bloom
Summer
Jun–Aug
10–15°C
Best weather, midnight sun, all roads accessible, peak season
Autumn
Sep–Nov
5–10°C
Northern lights return, fewer tourists, changing weather
Winter
Dec–Feb
-5–5°C
Northern lights peak, limited daylight, challenging driving
Essential Weather Resources
Vedur.is – Official weather service
Detailed forecasts and warnings
Road.is – Road conditions
Real-time road status and closures
SafeTravel.is – Safety information
Travel plans and safety guidelines
Aurora forecast – Northern lights prediction
Best viewing times and locations
Weather Warning
Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable. Always check conditions before departing and be prepared for sudden changes. Winter driving requires experience – consider summer visits if you're new to Iceland.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Now that you know what to expect, browse our campervan fleet and start planning your Iceland journey.