The Ring road surrounding Iceland (Route 1) is asphalt, along with many other popular roads. However all mountain roads and a lot of roads in the interior of Iceland have a surface of loose gravel. The surface on the gravel roads is quite often loose, especially along the sides of the roads, so one should drive carefully and slow down whenever approaching an on-coming car. The mountain roads are also often very narrow, and are not made for speeding. The same goes for many bridges, which are only wide enough for one car at a time. In addition to them not having an asphalt surface, the mountain roads are often winding. Journeys therefore often take longer than might be expected. For information on road conditions: Tel: 354-563-1500, answering service 24 hours, Tel: 800-6316 (also in English from June until end of August).
The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads in rural areas, and 90 km/h on asphalt roads.

Opening of the mountain tracks
Most mountain roads are closed until the beginning of July, or even longer because of wet and muddy conditions which make them totally impassable. When these roads are opened for traffic many of them can only be negotiated by four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is strongly advised that two or more cars travel together in these areas.
Before embarking on any journey into the interior, collect as much information as possible regarding road conditions from a travel bureau, tourist information office or the Public Roads Administration, Tel: +354-563-1500. A booklet; “Mountain Roads”, can be obtained at Tourist Information Centers and the offices of the Icelandic Tourist Board abroad. Always take along with you a detailed map of the area.

Daily accurate information in English on road conditions and opening of the mountain tracks at vegagerdin.is.

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