Many think of Iceland as one of the coldest countries. Coastal Iceland has a more moderate climate than most think. Michigan has colder winters. Toronto and New York have similar winter temperatures. In Iceland, the weather forecast for the next hour comes across as more misses than hits. You can experience four seasons in one day. With far fewer man-made structures, there is nowhere to hide from weather. Its unbelievable geology, together with the unpredictable weather, the biting-winds, the persistent rain and the cold, it is the place to feel the raw power of nature and its beauty first hand.
There is no need to rough it to endure without modern gears. High quality wind breakers and rain gears will keep you warm and dry. That, together with the high quality hiking gears, are what you need to enjoy Iceland. Many times in my two weeks, when I look around to find what people wear, they all wear hiking shoes. Hiker or not, a pair of comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes are a must in Iceland.
With the weather and the geology, Iceland is arguably the only place we paid more for the car insurance than the rental car alone. It was expensive. It was worth it, not only for the peace of mind, but for what can possibly happen. These protections are either sold as a bundle or as separate add-on. We purchased the full bundle. There are some special protections that are not commonly heard of. Fortunately our rental car did not run into any that needed the protection.
- Grave protection covers damage to headlights and the windshield/body from rocks kicked up on unpaved or gravel paths. There are rocks almost everywhere, with the gusty winds and your car, the loose rocks can create damages.
- Sand and Ash Protection covers catastrophic paint, glass, and body damage caused by volcanic sand and ash storms.
- Door insurance covers damage when gale-force winds catch and bend or snap car doors. We ran into gusty winds exceeding 25 miles/hr during the South Coast Drive. Gale force could snap a car door. We were careful before opening the car door in the “gale force”: checked for anything before opening the door that the door could strike if the wind blew it open to the max, then opened the door very slowly.
Iceland is a must go for genuine nature lovers. Geologists could even regret not going earlier. I would remember for a very long time to hike in the highlands, to go down the inside of the volcano, the cave. And it is a once-in-a-life experience to stroll on the black sand (lava) Diamond beach, where the glacial lagoon, icebergs and glacier are on one side, crystal-like iceberg cubes washed ashore the beach and the Atlantic ocean waves on the other side.
I am glad I spent two weeks there and got a taste of its weather (to be continued).
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