Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise?

And on page 32, I find the same question answered :)

If you use the advanced search function to search for the word "clockwise" in the Iceland forum, you will find 95 posts on the topic. There is nothing to add.

You have a realistic approach and sensible philosophy, so I guess you won't be disappointed: though no one can yet say whether the weather will be better or worse than normal for you.

Btw, why have you hired a 4wd? Where do you think you are going with it? You can drive most Icelandic roads with a hired 2wd. By mid-Sept there is a risk that some of the 4wd roads will close, and by late Sept it becomes likely - though sometimes they can stay open for rather longer. Again, this is one of those things you just can't predict.

Tbh, I hadn't figured out the 'advanced search' function yet :)

The weather is the weather - I chose to come in a shoulder season a) because prices are significantly cheaper and b) there will be far less tourists (relatively speaking). The trade-off is that the weather may not fully cooperate, some places may not be open, etc. Sometimes, some of the most memorable experiences come from the not-so-perfect days

As to why I hired a 4WD - as this is my first visit to Iceland, I wanted to give myself the most flexibility to get around, especially as I've mentioned that I like heading off-the-beaten-path, and there's always a few things that don't make the guidebooks (but can be found on the 'Net). For example, I don't believe Haifoss appears in the LP guidebooks.

With some of the potential road conditions, having a higher-clearance vehicle might come in handy, and finally, in a real pinch, they're a bit more comfortable to sleep in, than say a Corolla :). In all likelihood, I'll probably look back and decide 'I could've done the trip with a 2WD' - but if that's the biggest issue, then the trip probably was a success :)

I´ve not done the search - but I would head counter clockwise - the road between RVK and Akureyri is nothing special (but then I have travelled it more times than I care to mention so maybe I´m just bored with it)
As you have a 4WD I would try and go to Þórsmork if the road is still open...

Interesting opinion on the road between RVK and Akureyri. I will (hopefully) be getting into Snaesfellsnes and the West Fjords, but I'm presuming that you're referring to the section of the Ring Road between those two cities

I travelled the ring road on last week of September two years ago and I think the shoulder season was really good for the road trip. The prices of accommodation had already dropped and we didn't book anything but Reykjavik beforehand. And I can't think we were missing anything really, maybe some sea birds but I can live without that.

Interesting opinion on the road between RVK and Akureyri

It's a common opinion. We should be clear, it's only disappointing by Icelandic standards, not tedious on the scale of driving across agricultural plains of continental Europe. There's some fine views as you come in to Borgarnes and just beyond, but then you cross an extensive and largely featureless moor with just hints of something interesting occasionally visible in the far distance. Then Hunafjordur is among the least interesting fjords in Iceland. And when you go somewhat inland to cross to Blonduos it is just rather ordinary farmland. The last bit between Varmahlid and Akureyri is more interesting than the rest.

Myvatn to Egilsstadir is also not very interesting. The most scenic bits of the ring road are in the south and east. Then there's plenty of scenery away from the ringroad in various places.

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