Travelling in Iceland

Preface:
Iceland offers the traveller an adventure in a beautiful and rugged landscape. However, experience shows that the forces of Icelandic nature can be harsh and inhospitable, and travellers are well-advised to exercise caution and respect for the countrys natural environment. Unfortunately, there have been far too many accidents in the past few years involving foreign tourists travelling around the country. These accidents range from minor to fatal. The most common type of accident is that of hikers losing their footing on uneven terrain. The most serious injuries, however, are caused by road traffic accidents where travellers drive too fast in unfamiliar conditions and do not wear seat belts.

Preparation:
Icelandic nature can be wild and dangerous, especially for those unfamiliar with it and unused to travelling in uninhabited areas and rough country. Travellers should prepare well for each trip and know its trail and route conditions. This is the best way to prevent accidents and ensure a pleasant and safe journey. Choose clothing and footwear with care. Read about conditions in the area you will be traversing and talk to people with local knowledge, such as rangers. Let somebody know about your planned trip. Check weather and road conditions.

Weather:
Icelandic weather is very volatile. Fair weather can change into a raging storm at a moments notice. Keep this in mind at all times, especially when travelling in the highlands. For every 100m in altitude gained, you can expect the mean temperature to drop by 0.6 celcius and precipitation to increase. The temperature can drop below the freezing point even during summer, especially at night. At mountain tops, wind force can multiply.

Winter:
Iceland looks very different in the wintertime, and is enjoyable to explore in that season. However, the vagaries of the Icelandic weather can play a decisive role regarding your trip. The frequency at which roads are cleared of snow varies, depending on their defined service level. It is important to check road and weather conditions before setting off. When travelling in a vehicle, it is important not to abandon it if something comes up or the
weather conditions are difficult. Winter tyres are essential for driving in the wintertime. Always bring warm clothing, blankets, a shovel and a first aid kit in the vehicle.

Signposts:
There are very few warning notices posted in the Icelandic wilderness, even at popular stopovers. Tourists travel at their own risk. You often have to rely on your own good sense and judgment when assessing the situation and making decisions.

Telephone connections:
The mobile phone connection is fairly reliable in towns, but outside them it can be very unstable. Therefore, do not rely on a mobile phone as a safety measure. The long-range NMT network covers most parts of the highlands but not all parts. The signals are often strongest on top of hillocks and mountains. Travellers intending to explore out-of-the-way areas are encouraged to use the Travellers' Reporting Service of the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR), tel. 570-5900. The Emergency Number in Iceland is 112.

Driving:
Road conditions in Iceland vary substantially. Highway 1 is mostly paved, but other country roads are often very narrow, steep and washboarded gravel tracks with potholes and sharp corners. Those unfamiliar with such conditions often find it difficult to drive on Icelandic roads, especially gravel roads. Drivers are advised to choose a vehicle which they are used to driving and can handle easily. Many travellers who are not used to driving jeeps find them difficult to handle on Icelandic gravel roads. Slow down when you meet other vehicles, especially when driving on a gravel road. Where the road changes from a paved road to a gravel road, you need to slow down considerably. Many serious accidents occur every year at such places, especially among drivers who are unfamiliar with such road conditions, lose control of their vehicle and drive off the road.

Blind summits are common in Iceland. Slow down and keep to the right-hand edge of the road. There are many one-lane bridges in Iceland. Slow down and use caution when driving across them. Many Icelandic roads are raised on embankments against winter snows. Therefore, roll-over accidents often occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles and drive off the road. Such accidents can be very serious, especially when seat belts are not used. In the summertime, there is sunlight 24 hours a day. Drivers need to be aware of this and not drive for too long, as they might otherwise fall asleep behind the wheel. The speed limit in urban areas is normally 50 km per hour. Outside towns, it is 90 km, on paved roads and 80 km on gravel roads. Always adjust your speed to the driving conditions.

Domestic animals are often close to, or even on, country roads. Drivers who hit animals may be required to pay for the damage. The use of hands-free kits is compulsory for mobile phone use whilst driving. Driving while intoxicated from drug or alcohol use is prohibited.Headlamps are required to be lit 24 hours a day while the vehicle is in operation. The use of front and back seat belts is compulsory they save lives. The speed limit in urban areas is normally 50 km per hour. On paved roads outside towns, it is 90 km per hour. On gravel roads, it is 80 km per hour. Highland roads in Iceland are usually narrow gravel roads, and most rivers are unbridged. On maps, they are indicated with an F before the road number, with most of these roads intended for jeeps only.

Highland roads are open only during the summertime, weather and other circumstances permitting. Information about opening dates can be obtained by phoning 1777. Driving outside marked trails is prohibited and is subject to nature conservation law. Crossing rivers should be attempted only in fourwheeldrive vehicles, such as jeeps. Ensure that the four-wheel drive has been engaged before driving into the water. Drive very slowly but steadily in first gear and use the low range if available. Keep in mind that fords over glacial rivers keep changing. On warm summer days, the flow increases as the day progresses. Heavy rain often causes rivers to swell, sometimes making them uncrossable even for large and wellequipped vehicles. Glacial rivers usually have less water in the mornings. Deaths have been caused by underestimating the water volume in rivers. Before crossing a glacial river, it is necessary to examine its velocity, depth and bottom by wading into it. If you find that you would be unwilling to wade across the river on foot, you should not attempt to drive across it. Seek advice from experienced drivers and watch how and where they cross.

There is only one petrol station in the highlands (at Hveravellir) that sells petrol and diesel. Keep this in mind when driving in the highlands. It is important to know the vehicles insurance coverage before going on a trip in the highlands. For example, rented vehicles are not insured for damage that occurs while crossing rivers or lakes, and the chassis is not insured. Also, you need extra insurance for travelling in the highlands. Accommodation is limited in the highlands, and you need to make reservations with sufficient notice if you do not want to sleep in the vehicle or in a tent.

Rangers operate at most major tourist centres in the highlands. Their job is to receive travellers and provide information. Travellers should obey rangers’ instructions. Geothermal areas Geysers and hot springs are found in many parts of Iceland. The water or mud discharging to the Earths surface can be above the boiling point. Always follow instructions around geysers. Do not use your fingers to check the temperature of water, steam or mud. Be careful where you step. The ground around geysers is often covered with a thin crust which can break through if stepped on, sometimes causing burn injuries. Therefore, always keep to footpaths where they are to be found.