Preparing your trip to Iceland: the practical guide for an unforgettable road trip

Arriving in Iceland is like setting foot on another planet. The ground seems to be steaming, the mountains stand out in an unreal light, and the lava fields stretch as far as the eye can see. In an instant, everything changes: the perception of time, the way you breathe, and how you see the world. Here, nature reclaims its rights, wild and untamed.

From glaciers that move slowly to waterfalls that roar relentlessly, from black sand beaches to geysers that burst from the ground, every corner tells a story that is thousands of years old. Traveling in Iceland is about confronting the power of the elements, accepting the feeling of being both tiny and free at the same time.

Before you set off to explore this unique place, it's essential to prepare your trip well. The unpredictable climate, sometimes isolated roads, and local customs can surprise you, but they are also part of the country's charm. This guide gathers our travel tips for a road trip in Iceland, drawn from our experiences on the ground, to help you savor every moment of your adventure and fully embrace the magic of this Northern land in complete peace.

Iceland can be visited all year round, but each season tells a different story. This country lives in harmony with the elements: light, snow, wind, and rain shape its landscapes like eager artists. Traveling here in summer or winter feels like discovering two parallel worlds, both equally fascinating.

From May to September, the island adorns itself in its most beautiful colors. The days stretch endlessly, bathed in the soft light of the midnight sun, and roads like the legendary Icelandic Ring Road become the backbone of all road trips across Iceland. It’s the perfect time to explore glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers, hike to stunning waterfalls, or watch puffins perched on the northern cliffs. In summer, everything seems possible: camping under the stars, cooking outdoors, stopping wherever the road opens up to a new panorama. It’s the season of absolute freedom, the one we recommend for a first road trip in Iceland (and what we offer with Iceland Nomads).

Winter, on the other hand, changes everything. The country is covered in a blanket of snow and sinks into an almost sacred silence. The Northern Lights dance in the sky, isolated villages become warm refuges, and time seems to slow down. Some roads close, but that only adds to the sense of adventure. Iceland becomes more raw, more intimate, more mysterious as well. It’s another way to love it, more contemplative, more profound.

In short, the best time for a trip to Iceland depends primarily on what you’re looking for: the vibrant freedom of summer or the enveloping magic of winter. In either case, the experience is complete and the wonder is guaranteed. If you’re curious to learn more about the climate and different seasons in Iceland, check out our article dedicated to the topic.

Packing for a trip to Iceland is a bit like preparing to experience four seasons in a single day. Here, the sky changes its mood without warning: a ray of sunshine can suddenly disappear behind a rain-heavy cloud, before the wind sweeps everything away to reveal a bright blue sky. In Iceland, you quickly learn to adapt... and to laugh about it.

The best strategy is the layering approach. Breathable, warm, and waterproof clothing will be your best allies in facing the unpredictable. A windbreaker to withstand the southern gusts, a lightweight fleece for cool evenings, thermal underwear, and good hiking shoes make the ideal combination to enjoy every moment, whether you’re in front of a geyser in full eruption or paddling around a glacier sparkling in the sun.

And then, there's the essential item that’s often too easily forgotten: the swimsuit. Yes, even in Iceland. Between two stops on your road trip across Iceland, you will definitely come across a natural hot spring, often nestled in a lunar landscape. Diving into water at 38 °C, surrounded by fields of lava and steam, while the wind blows around you, is one of those moments you never forget.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, Iceland Nomads also provides a comprehensive packing list, crafted from our own experience on the Icelandic roads. You’ll find everything you need to travel light, well-equipped, and ready to face all the surprises of this unpredictable island.

Spending the night in Iceland is all about extending the magic of the landscapes and staying a little longer in this timeless bubble. Camping is an integral part of the road trip experience in Iceland: it's a simple, authentic, and deeply Icelandic way to live in tune with nature. The island is full of official campsites, often nestled in spectacular settings, like at the foot of a mountain, in front of a waterfall, or by a peaceful fjord. At Iceland Nomads, we select the most beautiful campsites for you and book each stop in advance. All you have to do is enjoy, with a free spirit and your eyes set on the horizon.

Traveling with a roof tent across Iceland means embracing the philosophy of freedom. Every day, you choose your landing spot, without time or location constraints. In the morning, you wake up facing a glacier, among lava fields, or near a herd of Icelandic horses grazing peacefully. In summer, the midnight sun envelops the landscapes late into the night, giving every sunrise and sunset a sense of eternity.

This way of traveling also encourages a more responsible tourism. By respecting local rules (staying on paths, leaving no trace, avoiding wild camping on private land), we all contribute to preserving the fragile beauty of this unique island. Traveling in Iceland is primarily about learning to observe, to slow down, and to honor the nature that welcomes us.

Spending the night in Iceland means extending the magic of the landscapes and staying a little longer in this timeless bubble. Camping is an integral part of the road trip experience in Iceland: it’s a simple, authentic, and deeply Icelandic way to live in tune with nature. The island is filled with official campsites, often nestled in spectacular settings, at the foot of a mountain, for example, or facing a waterfall, or beside a peaceful fjord. At Iceland Nomads, we select the most beautiful campsites for you and book each stop in advance. All you have to do is enjoy, with a free spirit and eyes turned towards the horizon.

Traveling with a rooftop tent across Iceland means embracing the philosophy of freedom. Each day, you choose your landing spot, without the constraints of schedules or locations. In the morning, you wake up facing a glacier, amidst lava fields, or near a herd of Icelandic horses grazing peacefully. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscapes late into the night, giving each sunrise and sunset a hint of eternity.

This way of traveling also encourages a more responsible tourism. By respecting local rules (staying on trails, leaving no trace, avoiding wild camping on private lands), we collectively contribute to preserving the fragile beauty of this unique island. Traveling in Iceland is, above all, about learning to observe, to slow down, and to honor the nature that welcomes us.

The Icelanders live in harmony with nature, and their calmness is contagious. In a country where the wind often decides the day, there's no point in fighting the elements: you learn to listen, adapt, and slow down. This serenity is felt everywhere, in the way people drive, talk, work, or greet you. Even on isolated roads, a wave or a shared smile is enough to create a connection.

Respect is at the heart of Icelandic culture. First and foremost, respect for nature: here, nothing is thrown on the ground, you don't stray from the paths, and you leave the animals in peace. The cleanliness of the places is a true national pride, reflecting a deeply rooted ecological awareness. This country and its incredible landscapes remind us of everything our planet has to offer and why it's essential to protect it, with every gesture, every trip, every step taken on this land of fire and ice.

The locals are not only respectful but also open. Connecting with them is simpler than you might think. A few words are enough: “takk” to say thank you, “bless” to say goodbye. Icelanders appreciate genuine curiosity and simplicity. If you want to experience a typically local moment, step into a thermal bath or an Icelandic sauna: these places are not just spaces for relaxation, but true centers of life. People come here after work to chat, share stories, or simply warm up together in natural hot water, while outside, the wind blows over the mountains.

Experiencing Iceland means embracing this gentle and sincere rhythm. It's understanding that luxury here lies in nature, silence, and the kindness of the people.

As you may have guessed, traveling in Iceland is much more than just moving from one place to another: it’s a sensory experience, a face-to-face encounter with nature at its most magnificent. Here, everything feels more intense: the weather, the light, the silence. Every moment spent on this island is a pause outside of time. Walking on a glacier or kayaking around it, listening to the roar of a waterfall, observing whales offshore, or crossing black sand beaches under a changing sky is to feel the planet in its raw state.

And if this adventure entices you, Iceland Nomads is here to guide you. We’ve created road trips in Iceland designed for those who want to experience this land without filters, far from the crowds and close to the elements. With a 4×4 equipped with a rooftop tent, carefully chosen stops, and an itinerary designed to combine freedom and comfort, you’ll set off with a light heart, ready to experience Iceland as it should be: intensely, simply, freely.

Iceland is a destination you don’t just visit; it’s one you feel. And there’s only one way to truly understand it: go there.
So, when will you be ready to carve your own path on this island of fire and ice?