ICELAND : EAST & NORTH
 

Hi everbody,

My husband and I are planing to drive the ring road in Iceland next February. We'll start from the south (Ice Caves and Glaciers) then East , North, and back to Reykjavik (all of that in 10 days).

It seems that east Iceland roads could be very difficult/impossible to drive during winter time. Any experiences ?

Also, is it possible in 10 days knowing that everything takes more time because of the snow?

And finally what's a MUST DO in East and North Iceland?

Ps: my husband will drive and he has some experience on snow and icy roads

Thanks sooooo much in advance

Sanda

We did the Ring Road in September but I would really not consider doing this in February. The weather is unpredictable but there is an excellent chance the driving will be dangerous. There is a ton of information online about ring road itineraries and the dangers of driving in the winter in Iceland.

I completely agree about not driving in February. It's the fierce winds, in addition to the snow and ice, that are troublesome.
10 days is short for the Ring Road in summer, when there's lots of daylight. In February, you'll only have 5 or so hours of daylight.

My favorites parts of the East and North were based on autumn (non-snow) vistas, like the road to Seydisfjordur. But when I think back to other items: the Húsavík Whale Museum was interesting. In Siglufjordur the Herring Era Museum had a nice depth of historical information. I can't say I was impressed by Myvatn (if you've been to Yellowstone it's not that impressive), but the Myvatn Nature Baths were a nice alternative to the Blue Lagoon, and the walk through the Dimmuborgi was nice.

We were in Iceland last February and we're very happy with our planning.

We didn't do any.

Don't plan to travel from town to town round the ring road. You are absolutely correct the weather could do anything. If you base yourself in Reykjavik for the duration and then make trips out when the weather cooperates then you will be in control of your logistics. I'd hate to be caught in a severe storm with wind and snow when you committed to be at a hotel 50 miles away. Clearly the downside is that you are making return trips but it's worth the comfort zone.

If there is a poor forecast just hang out in Reykjavik.

While we were there it was 8oC for a week and I didn't need a coat many days.

As I said expect anything.

Thanks a lot to all of you it really helped!

We finally decided to drive the ring road counterclockwise and we booked everything with booking.com so that if there's a snowstorm it can be changed easily.

Can't wait to discover this country under snow!

Just for those interested here's our itinerary (oh and if you have a "to do/see on each location :)

Skogar
Hofn
Breiðdalsvík
Laugar
Varmahlíð
Grundarfjörður
(Keflavik)