Winter Iceland Road Trip: Harsh Roads, Stunning Views
Back on February 2020 my cousin and I went on a trip to Iceland which turned out far more freestyle than any rigid plan, weaving through iconic South Coast spots over four intense days of driving, extreme weather, and stunning landscapes. We hit Seljalandsfoss first, then Eyjafjallajökull, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey Viewpoint, Reynisfjara Beach with its Reynisdrangar sea stacks, Mýrdalssandur plains, and Vík í Mýrdal—staying our first night at Hótel Kría there, with the rest at Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik. Roads blocked Diamond Beach and Stokksnes, but that's just an excuse to return someday.
February Travel: Beauty and Harshness
Iceland in February brings beautiful winter light but also very low temperatures, strong winds, and roads covered in ice. Even with tires that have spikes for grip, winds of 100 km/h can push your car off the road. We had to check official road sites often for closures and turn back from some spots like Diamond Beach.
Safety First, Shots Second
Photographers get excited fast at places like Reynisdrangar or Reynisfjara's black sands, but big waves and strong winds make it dangerous. My cousin learned this the hard way—he got too close to the water at one beach and ended up soaking wet in freezing cold water, which made the rest of his day tough as he had to dry his clothes using the car heater. No photo is worth that risk, so always stay at safe distances from waves, cliffs, or icy spots.
Driving and Gear: No Skimping
A good 4x4 rental car is key for safety on icy roads and in high winds from Seljalandsfoss to Vík. This setup let us freestyle south with more confidence, even if some roads stayed closed. Iceland costs a lot due to imports, so plan a big budget for fuel, car, and hotels like Hótel Kría and Fosshotel Baron.
Costs, Local Beer, Small Joys
Food, drinks, and daily costs add up fast compared to other places in Europe. After long drives past Eyjafjallajökull, we enjoyed Viking beer to relax and warm up in Vík or Reykjavik while looking at photos from Dyrhólaey or Mýrdalssandur. These breaks helped balance the cold days and heavy driving.
Fewer Crowds, More Space
February means fewer tourists, so we could spend time at Skógafoss or Reynisdrangar without big crowds. This made spots like Seljalandsfoss and Vík feel more special and quiet. Photos turned out real and personal, shaped by the weather.
Keep Driving: Hidden Gems
We also checked out Grindavík, Gunnuhver's hot mud pots, and Reykjanes' rough coasts—nice side stops. Just keep driving in Iceland, and you find small towns and views that are not famous on Instagram but still worth it. Skip strict plans, follow safe roads, chase good light, and let the island show you surprises.
