I'm planning an 8 dayish trip to Iceland with my boyfriend. We were originally planning on going in May, but now we may have to push it back to mid-August. I was kind of excited about going during a less crowded time though - do you think that makes a big difference? Also I know there are more activities you can do during the high season - does anyone have any experience with one of the ice climbing tours? Finally, should we go for it and rent a 4x4 at that time of year so we can drive on some of the F roads into the country (and where would you recommend?) My original plan was to rent a 2wd car and just circle the ring road, but I realize the possibilities in August are different from May... thanks for any help you can provide! It would be much appreciated! I've already found this forum to be extremely helpful.
Oh, one other question - I think we want to do some camping while we drive around - any suggestions in that area would be much appreciated as well!
Iceland in May or August?
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Hi,
We went to Iceland in August last year and although some of the sites (Golden Circle) was pretty busy it was not a mass of people or in anyway crowded (not like usual tourist places in Europe) - All very relaxed and you have plenty of time to enjoy the moment (If it looks busy just wait for the coach load to leave).
A 2wd would be OK for the ring road but if you want to enjoy the other bits of Iceland then IMHO you need a 4wd. You'll see some discussions I had with Annhig on this topic in her trip report but my best memories of Iceland were when we ventured down the 'F' roads and across glacial waters to less tourist wonders of Iceland.
You will have a great trip in May or August (Hope you get as good weather as us)
PS - What are you hoping to do on an Ice Climbing Tour? May sound silly but if you just want to experience walking on a glacier then you can do this yourselves at several places (no guide and no special gear) just get on glacier and start walking.
Ted
May will have longer days than August and may be a bit drier
If you aren't a real expert with 4WD stick with 2WD. It is very easy to come badly unstuck in the interior.
hi 'soon,
as Tedd has said, he and I have had some discussions here about the merits of travel in Iceland, following our [separate] trips last year.
to try to answer some of the specific points you have raised,
1. Iceland even in August is not like Venice! there is plenty of room for everyone. and the tourist infrastructure is well in operation then. the only thing you might miss is a glacier trip - they may be too soft that time of year. but i reckon they are overrated, like Tedd says. if you click on my name, you will find my trip report and the many other things we found to do.
2. there may be slightly more daylight in May, but when it doesn't get dark til 10pm in august, that hardly matters.
3. we rented a 4x4 and were told that we were absolutely forbidden to drive on the F roads [and boy are they well named!] with a hire car. if you do so, you are not insured. you will have no problems driving a 4x4 IMO, but stick to the A and B roads - they are bad enough. [I know Tedd doesn't agree with me here, but we'll have to agree to differ]. off-roading, crossing rivers in flood etc. [that's where the glaciers have gone] are best left up to the experts.
4. camping. we didn't - we don't! it seemed that there were quite a few places where people had set up tents by beaches, etc. you can also try www.farmholidays.is who have lists of farm accommodation all over Iceland from guest house type operations to camp sites, many of which offer evening meals even to campers.
do come back with any other Qs you may have,
I'm sure you'll have a great trip,
regards, ann