ICELAND in February

Old Nov 12th, 2017, 09:16 AM
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ICELAND in February

Hi everybody!

We just booked our flights for Iceland beginning of February!

First of all we need a car because we want to go round the island. I just don't realize how bad road conditions will be, so is it mandatory to rent a 4wd? Or is it so bad that the uncleared roads can't be taken even with a 4wd?

We already traveled in south iceland last year during september, so we've seen some amazing places already and we would like now to discover more the north part (fjords?). Any recommandation?

Also, as I understood by reading some blogs and infos everything will be closed ? Restaurants? etc. I'm checking for AirBnbs but if there's no supermarket open then it's not worth it.

Any other thing that I'm not thinking about?

Thanks sooooo much
SandaIc is offline  
Old Nov 12th, 2017, 11:18 AM
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I suggest you think long and hard before renting a car and driving in February.

You might gain some insight here:

https://iheartreykjavik.net/2015/02/...and-in-winter/

https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/tr...ng-in-iceland/
Melnq8 is offline  
Old Nov 12th, 2017, 11:46 AM
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You'll have abolsutely no idea about whether hiring a car is a good idea, until you return home.

We visited in the middle week of February this year.

It was around 8oC every day, some days when the sun came out, I didn't wear a coat.

I have to say it was one of the disappointing trips we have completed. The drab countryside and weather being more drab than at home in Scotland didn't leave a stunning impresssion.

A week after we returned, the temperatures dipped and storm came through, depositing a couple of feet of snow. Travel was severely restricted for two days.

I not sure if you are aware but the F roads in winter are closed, whatever the weather.

In short, I wouldn't plan anything until you arrive but do hire a car as the motorway between the airport and Reykjavik obviously receives a lot of attention to keep it open. This will allow you to get into the capital and venture out when the weather allows.
BritishCaicos is offline  
Old Nov 12th, 2017, 11:59 AM
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Hi!

We were there in late March for 10 days.

As stated in above comments, it's Winter. Considerably different than traveling in September.

The weather changes on a dime. We had a plan A and B often checking the (fabulous) Icelandic weather station and website which updates as it changes.

I recommend a 4 wheel drive in February for safety purposes. Our trip took us to the Westfjords and some backcountry so we opted to rent the Land Rover defender with Isak. Not necessary if you aren’t traveling those routes. February is Winter and extremely unpredictable with road closures and storms.

Initially, our plan was to do the Ring Road.

We were happy to switch gears to add Snaefellsnes Peninsula (the best Iceland has to offer in a concentrated region). If you haven’t been there, HIGHLY recommend. We were there for 3 days and it wasn’t enough.

Our trip took as far East as Hofn.

Since you’ve been, you know the high price of food. Of course, Bonus grocery store is a local fav and best prices. Going the Airbnb will save costs on meals...but keep in mind you may be unable to reach those destinations in poor weather.

Yes, seasonal restaurants will be closed (we had a couple on our list that were still closed in March).

My best advice: use Booking.com for researching lodging. It was a planning godsend. I often triple booked places until itinerary was finalized. And...no deposit required! Important to keep an eye on cancellation deadlines.

Our fav places we stayed:

South:
The Garage (amazing experience. our fav stay of all)
Sel Guesthouse (newer addition) Golden Circle
Snaeffellsnes: Fosshotel Hellnar (best location on waters edge with coastal hike trail nearby)
Ragnar Cottages at Reynisfjara beach (on Airbnb and book by email via google search). Amazing!

Highlights:
-Dragsnes (sp?) hot tubs on the ocean
-Pakkhaus restaurant in Hofn (a worthwhile splurge)
-Stykkishokmur town (Snaeffsnes)
-Kirkjufell (seeing this landmark in person was incredible)

My advice..is to map out a loose plan and change accordingly. Select places in those areas and book once assured weather isn't a factor. Keep an open mind and roll with the weather. You will have a marvelous trip with the right mindset.

Enjoy!!
adventureseeker is offline  
Old Nov 22nd, 2017, 10:56 AM
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Thanks so much for your answers it helps a lot! Especially for booking.com you're totally right!

Does anyone have an advice on "must see" by winter time in Iceland?
SandaIc is offline  
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