panecott

I'm thinking of going to Iceland in late March and don't have a great deal of time to plan and research so I've been looking at some pre-planned self drive trips along the southwest coast.

This itinerary looks pretty complete to me but I'm just wondering about the driving times the first few days. Does it seem like too much driving, especially since the first few nights are one nighters?

I've read that there is one main h'way that circumnavigates the island so I assume driving times will be fairly quick? Or are there other more scenic roads that are likely to add to the driving times.

I'm assuming there will be lots of stop offs for photo ops along the way and realize that there will still be limited daylight in March.

Also, how is late March weatherwise and daylight wise? I was reading about the four seasons on one website and it said, in substance, "If it's possible for you to visit in winter, then do so". Would that be b/c of the northern lights, or another reason such as beautiful winter scenery?

This trip is considered a "winter" trip and has departures thru' April 30th. I can also go in April if that would be better

http://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/tra...st-winter/858/

All advice/comments appreciated.

bilboburgler

"I've read that there is one main h'way that circumnavigates the island so I assume driving times will be fairly quick"

Assumption is a mistake in this case. How many days are you expecting the drive to take?

bilboburgler

Strange to have to look at another website to read the itin. Still thank goodness not the whole way around.

What weather are you expecting and what are your skill levels?

panecott

When I C&P the link, it was on the "Itinerary" page, but it must have defaulted back to the overview when it posted.

It seemed easier to just post the link rather than cutting and pasting the detailed itinerary, especially since it was not possible to block only the text without including the photos.

Sorry you had to click twice instead of just once. @@

My questions were pretty specific and I was looking for answers, not more questions.

panecott

Thanks just the same.

SusieQQ

at the beginning of March daylength in Reykjavik is only about 9 hours, but by the end of the month it has increased to roughly 13 ½ hours. So it makes a big difference when in the month you are considering.

Weather is a huge factor. When I visited it was July and some days were so windy and rainy that cars were being blown off the road. So, you should always be prepared.

As far as quick driving on the roads, once you get away from Reykjavik, the roads we were on were narrow, just two lanes. You can't make fast time.

Hope this helps somewhat....

panecott

Thanks, SuzieQ, it does help.

Not sure I like the thought of being blown off the road! LOL

Anastasia_131

I suggest renting 4x4 due to possible ice and snow. You may try Reykjavík Cars (www.reykjavikcars.com) or Cars Iceland (www.carsiceland.com).
As for the stay, I prefer guesthouses. They are more expensive than hostels, but comfortable and cute. And really cheaper than hotels.
Relaxing in Blue lagoon at the end of the journey - is a really wise decision!

SusieQQ

I passed on the Blue Lagoon and all the other pools and hot springs which are all over Iceland....sorry, I'm not going to strip down naked and shower in front of everyone including the "supervisors" making sure I've cleaned all the relevant places!

Cattail

Supervisors?

SusieQQ

Is Attendant or Person who Manages the Shower area better than Supervisors? What ever they are called they are in the Shower area to make sure that you shower properly.

mikeyred242

There is no point in renting a 4x4 in late March as the F-Roads will be closed anyway. a 2WD will be fine but it is always good to check the weather and road conditions before you travel which you can do here.. http://www.vegagerdin.is/english. If there are high winds or too much snow and ice then the website will advise against travel. It is more likely that in late March the conditions will be fine (although make sure your car has proper winter tyres as the roads could be icy)

I would say that is a very good itinerary, not too much driving and you get to see the very best of the West and South coast of Iceland. (you miss out on the Westman Islands but time is a factor so you´ll just have to come back another time for that!)

You might be lucky with the Northern Lights in late March, my advice is to never try and search for them, if you´re lucky they will come to you.

Blue lagoon is a bit overrated in my opinion but hey, I went and enjoyed it so go for it. The attendants are there to make sure the shower and changing rooms/shower area are tidy, NOT to check if people have showered correctly..a myth perpetuated by extremely paranoid tourists

panecott

Thanks very much for the comments and information, especially the comments on the itinerary, mikeyred.

If I go this year, I think I might go in late April, rather than March.

What are the F Roads?

Cattail

"The attendants are there to make sure the shower and changing rooms/shower area are tidy, NOT to check if people have showered correctly..a myth perpetuated by extremely paranoid tourists"

Thanks, Mikey, That's a relief!

panecott

Still, stripping down naked and showering in front of strangers is a big turnoff for me, so I'd probably pass on the Blue Lagoon as well, as much as I'd like to try it.

I assume the showers are required before entering the pools?

SusieQQ

mikeyred242,

I read that there are T-Shirts for sale in the Blue Lagoon gift shop with a copy of the shower poster illustrating where to wash. Is that another tourist perpetuated myth?

Bedar

Have a look at the film Land Ho. What a bleak, unattractive place Iceland is.

GreenDragon

F roads are roads that require a 4WD to go down. They are marked. The Ring Road is not an F road, but roads going off of it may be.

panecott

Thanks, Green Dragon.

mikeyred242

@SusieQQ I don´t know about the gift shop selling t-shirts..but there is a sign outside every shower in every public pool advising guests exactly what body parts they have to wash..as if there was any doubt!

I totally understand why people are uncomfortable showering naked in front of strangers - I didn´t like it - but once you get over that the pools are soooooo nice, so its well worth it.

@Bedar - it is Iceland´s bleakness that makes it so attractive..but hey if you don´t get it then don´t come here, no-one´s forcing you. ;o)