Driving in Iceland (in winter)

[zio]

Looking for advice, please, from those with experience.
Intending to visit Iceland in February. Have been above the arctic circle in winter but didn’t drive anything bigger than a husky sled, and have never used snow tyres/chains.
Is driving route 1 easy enough? What about before dawn? eg Google maps reckons Reykjavik to Vik is about 2.5 hrs, and it would be nice to maximise daylight at destination.
I have similar doubts about the wisdom of driving (aurora hunting) at night NW out of Reykjavik, likely going off route 1. I know tours will be plentiful but I joined similar out of Tromso and was disappointed by people wanting to return after a couple of hours while the show was still on.
Many thanks as always.

[No Longer Entitled]

I’ve driven in winter in Iceland a few times and it is pain free. First, all cars come with studded snow tires and the main roads are kept clear more often than not. And when not, they have an excellent system telling you what is open and how many cars have made it. If you want peace of mind get a 4 x 4, especially if wandering off the beaten track, but common sense will suffice. It’s a great way to see Iceland.

Here is the website:

https://www.road.is/travel-info/road-conditions-and-weather/

I have specifically done Route 1 to Vik in February. It passes through the mountains just east of Reykjavik before dropping back to see level for the remainder. Being such a busy route it is kept clear as best they can so rarely closed for long but it can close. Give yourself a bit of flexibility for the return journey. Perhaps drive to Vik and then work your way back leaving Reykjavik for the end?

[Travel Strong]

As above – 4×4 (with studded tyres) and it will be an easy drive. The way studded tyres handle on snow really is incredible.

[zio]

@NLE Thank you for the helpful and reassuring reply. 4×4 suggestion, the weblink, and the recommendation to drive first and stay in Reykjavik last were all particularly useful.
Any advice about advisability of driving in the dark? I’m not expecting many street lamps! However, I am reasonably experienced and confident at driving single-lane rural roads in the dark… just not in the snow.
I’m thinking about moving on from Vik as far as Hofn. Do you have any other suggestions for places I ought to try to get to?

@TS thank you for further validation that this isn’t a bad idea.

[TJ]

Stating the obvious here, but check the weather forecast before taking off. I was there in 2022 and got caught in a heavy snow storm which made driving very treacherous even with a 4×4 with winter tyres.

[No Longer Entitled]

I wouldn’t fear driving after dark. Main roads are well marked and you drive to the conditions. The darkness perhaps adds a level of complexity but it really comes down to your confidence. No point having a stressful holiday but if you are confident driving in daylight no reason why you couldn’t in the dark. The weather is a greater impediment than the light.

In terms of advice, we didn’t go further than Vik but there isn’t a part of Iceland we didn’t enjoy driving. The landscape is out of this world so we found the travel itself a joy.

We stayed at a place called Blue View Cabins which are near Selfoss and all the sites on the golden triangle. Being there means you can do the sites before the Reykjavik tours arrive or after their departure. Cabins have naturally fed hot tubs (be prepared for your hair to freeze) and it is rural enough that there is no light pollution should the Northern Lights appear (we had them on one of our two nights). We really enjoyed the location and would recommend.