Rides
**COMING SOON** Iceland ring
**COMING SOON** Iceland long trip
Accommodation
Requirements
| Carnet de Passage | no requirements |
| Insurance | UK issued Green Card |
| International driving permit | not required |
| Travel Visa | no requirements, 90 days within a 180 day period |
Riding in Iceland
Iceland is amazing, but it is also a country that must be taken seriously. Winter in Iceland is beautiful, but you must plan accordingly if that is when you are planning to visit. However, even summer has its drawbacks. Like any popular tourist destination, Iceland has an “on” season and an “off” season. These times are otherwise referred to as high and low seasons (with the in-betweens being called shoulders).
But just because the weather is colder in the low season does not mean you should not visit! Many people enjoy the low and shoulder seasons more because there are fewer crowds and it is cheaper, making it the best time to travel to Iceland for a lot of people.
One major point before taking to the road is to ensure you are attired correctly in protective gear. Though this can be cumbersome, protective gear can be the potential difference between life and death. Of course, you are required both by law and common sense to wear a motorcycle helmet, and you will also want to purchase goggles, earplugs, a reinforced jacket and pants and gloves.
Those planning on dirt biking off road will also need to wear neck protection, elbow and knee guards and even a chest guard.
It is also imperative that you have a thorough appreciation of the weather in Iceland, namely how quick it can be to change. One moment, you’re riding under blue skies and glowing sunshine, only to turn a corner to find yourself beneath dark storm clouds, hailstones pelting down on your leathers.
You need understandable documents.
The police can require the immediate presentation of all driving documents by the roadside, including license, logbook, and insurance, is common in most jurisdictions. If you cannot these documents in a language that the police can understand, there is a likelihood of having your bike impounded.
As a tip, it is to laminate all of your key documents or otherwise waterproof them. It is also highly recommended to scan all your original documents and email them to an easily accessible email address.
It is also worth printing off the Constat Amiable D’accident Automobile, which is used across numerous and other countries (the downloadable one on our website has English as well as French).
Speed limits.
Urban areas: 31 mph (50 km/h)
Rural areas: 55 mph (90 km/h)
Unpaved roads: 49mph (80km/h)
Unless indicated by road signs
Other hints.
National Geographic map – Iceland
Ride on the right.
Authorities have no tolerance whatsoever for those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Make sure to always check the weather forecast prior to setting out, and simply reschedule your journey should conditions look unsuitable. Speed limits vary depending on what type of road surface you are riding.
It is prohibited to drive outside marked roads or tracks.
Special warning signs indicate possible danger, such as sharp bends, as there is no sign to reduce speed, please drive carefully, and choose appropriate speed according to road and weather conditions.
Motorists much use headlights at all times, day and night.
Use of mobile phones is not prohibited while driving.
When to visit Iceland
High Season: June-August:
This is the high season in Iceland for the obvious reasons: weather and temperature. It is undeniably the best weather to visit Iceland with much more sun and higher temperatures.
However, this is also by far the most expensive time to visit Iceland. Airfare, hotel fees, food prices–everything costs a pretty penny during the summer.
Not to mention the crowds. The high season is high season because it is when most people visit Iceland.
Shoulder Season: Sept-Oct & April-May:
This means that there are still more people than in the low season, but not the huge crowds of the high season. Prices are a little higher too, but still generally reasonable.
The best part of the shoulder season is that the weather is still reasonable. It may not be as great as the high season, but still totally tolerable!
This is the best time to see the Northern Lights also.
Low Season: November-March:
The low season in Iceland is during the typical winter months. For a country named after ice, Iceland’s winters are not that bad! Can have road closures, so expect to change your plans.
Map
National Geographic map Iceland £12.32
How to get to Iceland
Flying you and your bike out.
Has be come much more affordable and more people are now flying their bike out cargo. Speak to a professional shipping company for more information.
Ride to Denmark and Ferry to Iceland.
A great trip through Northern Europe followed by 36 hours on the ferry to the Faroe islands then a further 19 hours to Iceland.
*Depending if you go Dover to Calais, Euro Tunnel or if you go across to Amsterdam or Belgium.
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Please note, this page was correct when written in December 2024.