Driving/Parking in Iceland

Ok, some of you may roll your eyes at this, but it's really worth looking over the different road signs in Iceland. Overall, driving in Iceland is pretty safe. There are only 300,000 people living there, so the roads tend to be clear, but sometimes that can play tricks on you. Driving for hours without passing another car can be pretty freeing, but then a huge truck or tour bus will come out of nowhere and throw you off guard. When they pass you, first make sure no one is directly behind you, and then SLOW DOWN! Don't feel silly for being safe.

Here are a few notes from my driving experience:

1. They drive on the same side of the road as we do in the US! Yay!

2. Watch out for the single-width bridge sign. These can be really scary, especially when driving alone and at night. Just slow down and breathe. You'll make it across, I promise.

3. Don't pull over on the side of the highway, no matter how cute those Nordic horses are or how beautiful the sunset over the mountains is. It's dangerous and you may get stuck in the snow, even with four-wheel drive. I am so guilty of this. Look for resting stops. There are plenty!

4. This goes for anywhere, but driving just before sunset is brutal on the eyes, especially with the reflection from the snow.

5. The wind really picks up at nighttime, so just be cautious.

Parking:

Just like anywhere else, don't forget to read the parking signs! You do not want to get a ticket and you definitely don't want your car to be towed. Most streets will have parking meters at the end, so make sure you pay there, get your ticket, and put it on the dashboard of your car.

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