Self-Driving in Iceland in Winter

Driving in Iceland in winter is one of the best ways to explore Mývatn at your own pace. The Ring Road stays open in most areas, but conditions change fast between October and April. This guide covers the weather, the roads, and the rental car you need for Lake Mývatn. With a little planning, winter driving in Iceland becomes a calm, rewarding part of your trip.

Why Drive Yourself Around Mývatn in Winter

Mývatn sits along the Ring Road in North Iceland, between Akureyri and the Eastfjords. Driving in Iceland lets you stop at craters, lava fields, and geothermal areas whenever you like. It also lets you set your own pace around the short hours of daylight in winter, and there are plenty of things to do at Mývatn to fill the day.

North Iceland tends to see fewer crowds than the south coast in winter, so roads near Mývatn stay quieter. Many local sights stay open year-round, as long as the weather allows. These include Dimmuborgir and Hverir.

What Are the Road and Weather Conditions Like in North Iceland in Winter?

Before any drive, check the latest weather and road updates for your route. Icelandic weather can shift within an hour, turning a clear morning into a snow-covered afternoon.

Two official sources cover most of what you need. Road.is shows live road conditions using a colour code, from green for clear to red for closed. Vedur.is, the national weather service, which covers temperature, wind speed, and storm warnings by region.

How Do Road Conditions Near Mývatn Change Through the Day?

Road conditions near Mývatn can vary widely in a single day. A road that looks dry in the morning may turn icy once the sun drops and the temperature falls.

• Snow-covered patches are common on shaded stretches and mountain passes.
• High winds often pick up around open plains and bridges, especially on exposed stretches like Möðrudalsöræfi.
• Bad weather can close mountain roads with little warning, especially between Mývatn and the Eastfjords.

December and January bring average wind speeds of around 50 to 70 kph (30 to 40 mph). Temperatures sit between 16°F and 27°F (-9°C to -3°C). Wind chill matters more than the number on the thermometer. A calm day at 27°F feels manageable, but the same temperature with strong wind cuts through layers fast.

Before You Set Off

Register your route with SafeTravel.is, the Icelandic Search and Rescue's travel plan service. If a storm rolls in or you fall behind schedule, rescue teams already know roughly where to look.

Tips for Winter Driving in Iceland

Winter driving in Iceland rewards a steady, careful approach rather than speed. Most visitors find the roads manageable once they slow down and adjust to local conditions. A few habits make a real difference on snow-covered or icy roads.

• Slow down well before bends, junctions, and bridges. Ice often hides in these spots even when the rest of the road looks clear.
• Keep your headlights on at all times, even during the day. This is required by law in Iceland and helps other drivers see you in poor light.
• Leave plenty of space between your car and the vehicle ahead. Braking distances increase on snow and ice, so a longer gap gives you more time to react.
• Pull over only in marked stopping areas, never on the road itself. Stopping on the shoulder puts you and other drivers at risk on narrow roads.
• Open car doors carefully in windy conditions, since strong gusts can pull them from your hand. This is a common and avoidable cause of damage to rental cars.

Build extra time into your plans during winter. A short drive can take twice as long once you factor in road conditions and limited daylight. In January, daylight lasts about four and a half hours, with sunrise near 11 am and sunset around 3:30 pm. This matters most on routes heading further into the highlands, where services thin out quickly.

What Kind of Rental Car Do You Need for a Winter Road Trip to Mývatn?

A reliable rental car is the foundation of any winter road trip around Mývatn. The right car depends on your route, not your budget alone. Match the vehicle to the driving you actually plan to do.

• Small car with winter tyres: Suits the Ring Road near Mývatn if you avoid gravel or highland routes.
• Four-wheel drive (4WD): Worth the extra cost for gravel roads, higher ground, or routes off the main paved roads.
• Larger 4WD or SUV: Better suited to longer trips with more luggage or extra ground clearance on snow-covered side roads.

Mývatn Car Rental offers cars suited to North Iceland's conditions, including four-wheel-drive options for travellers heading off the Ring Road. They also run a car wash and repair workshop in Mývatnssveit. Renting locally means support is close by if you run into trouble.

What Are the Top Winter Highlights to Visit Around Mývatn?

The Ring Road through Mývatn connects easily to some of North Iceland's best winter highlights, all reachable without leaving the paved network. Hverfjall crater and Dimmuborgir lava field stay accessible year-round, weather allowing, and both sit a short drive from the main road.

Jarðböðin geothermal baths offer a warm soak with views over the surrounding lava fields, a good way to end a cold day on the road. Snow Dogs runs husky sledding tours just outside Reykjahlíð, while Geo Travel operates the only permitted ice cave tour into Lofthellir. Some visitors prefer to leave the driving to someone else, especially on longer highland routes. Mývatn Tours runs guided day trips from the Mývatn area for travellers who want local knowledge without renting a car. An ultimate travel guide to Lake Mývatn is also worth reading before you set off.

What Do You Need to Know About Winter Tyres in Iceland?

Tyres matter more in Iceland than almost anywhere else in winter. The right set can be the difference between a smooth drive and a stressful one. By law, rental cars in Iceland must carry winter tyres from 1 November to 15 April. Many companies, including Mývatn Car Rental, fit studded tyres for extra grip on ice. Always confirm which type is fitted before you set off.

If you plan to drive on F-roads in the highlands, note that these routes are closed completely over winter. They reopen only once the snow has cleared, usually by early summer.

Winter Driving in Iceland: Worth the Planning

Self-driving in Iceland in winter takes a little more planning than a summer trip. It still opens up Mývatn and the wider Ring Road at your own pace. Check conditions before you leave, and pick a rental car with the right tyres. Slow down when the roads ask for it. With those basics covered, a winter road trip to North Iceland becomes a memorable part of any visit.

FAQs

Is it hard for an American to drive in Iceland in winter?

Driving in Iceland in winter differs from the United States because cars are left-hand drive and they drive on the right-hand side. Major adjustments also include narrow roads, blind hills, one-lane bridges, and highly unpredictable winter weather.

Is it worth renting a car in Iceland?

Renting a car gives you the freedom to set your own pace. It also helps you reach quiet spots around Mývatn that tours often skip. It suits travellers who feel comfortable with winter driving conditions.

Do you drive on the right or left in Iceland?

Iceland drives on the right-hand side of the road, as in mainland Europe and the United States.

Can I drive on F-roads in Iceland during winter?

No. All F-roads in the highlands close for winter and reopen only once conditions allow, usually by early summer.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Iceland in winter?

Most travellers do not need one if their licence is written in English or another Latin-script language. Check with your rental company if your licence uses a different script.

What are the safest routes to drive near Mývatn in winter?

The Ring Road through Mývatn is paved and ploughed regularly, making it the most reliable route. Gravel side roads, including Route 864 to Dettifoss, often close for winter, so stick to paved options.

What is the speed limit on Icelandic roads in winter?

Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns and 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel roads. On paved roads, the limit is 80 km/h (50 mph). Winter conditions often call for driving well below these limits.