Posts

Showing posts from November, 2025

A Guide to Iceland's F-Roads for Beginners

Image
Most people's ideas of driving in Iceland are completely upside down. The truth about the famous F-roads? These routes aren't some cozy, picture-perfect drives. What drives experts nuts is how many roll up in tiny city cars and expect a casual Sunday outing—they're in for the shock of a lifetime. What Makes F-Roads Different The thing most visitors get wrong is assuming all roads are built for everyday cars. That's completely ridiculous once someone actually sees what F-roads throw at drivers. It's not just rough gravel—these tracks dive into river beds, volcanic ash plains, and rock gardens that would make SUVs sweat. A smooth ride? Forget it. Research shows F-roads test both nerves and hardware, with the country’s mood swings thrown in for good measure—what’s crazy is the weather changes the roads overnight. Most F-roads have signs marked with “F”—and that's a warning, not a suggestion. Vehicle Requirements Anyone thinking of tackling F-roads in anything less ...

Common Questions About Driving in Iceland with a US License

  What is an IDP for Iceland, and should I get one? An IDP for Iceland is a translation of your license, but not a replacement. Most US visitors don’t need one unless they plan to drive in other countries as well. However, having one as a backup is always a good idea, especially if you’re traveling for an extended time. Do I need an international driver’s license? Drivers only need an international driver’s license in Iceland if their license isn’t printed in the Latin alphabet or they haven’t had their license for at least a year. Can I rent a car if I’m under 25? Yes, you generally need to be 20-23 to rent a car in Iceland. Are US automatic cars available in Iceland? Yes, automatic cars are available in Iceland, although manual vehicles are generally less expensive and more common. What side of the road does Iceland drive on? In Iceland, you drive on the right-hand side of the road—just like in the United States. The driver’s seat is on the left side of the vehicle, so it should ...