Iceland.

Hi sidibibi,

Unfortunately I’m not posting here to answer your question, but what I will do is move your topic over to our ‘Iceland’-specific branch, as you’re far more likely to get some good responses over there.

Good luck!

Yes. The roads are you require are all year roads. Nevertheless, from time to time there is disruption to travel from on-going weather - storms, snowfall - which temporarily disrupts travel, usually for no longer than about a day at a time. So when travelling at this time of year you should include some spare time in hand in case you get delayed on the way.

Are you aware how short daylight hours are in mid-November? There's only about 6 hours between sunrise and sunset in Reykjavik, and its barely more than 5 by the end of the month, and it will be even less in the north. http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/reykjavik.html

People who drive around Iceland in the summer can have long days because it is light all the time. Unless you just want to drive in the dark, it will take you rather longer.

It is possible to drive any car (including a Toyota Aygo :-)) on all parts of the ring road all year round. This is not to say that it is advisable for a foreigner to do so - at least not without carefully checking www.vegagerdin.is and asking locals every time a mountain pass is approached - after it starts snowing some mountain roads are only opened on particular days of the week, etc.

The road to Raufarhöfn (why would you want to go there?) may be a bit trickier - it takes you off highway 1 for an awfully long stretch. Still, apart from the southern route to the Westfjords and the odd mountain pass in the Eastfjords I believe it is the policy that all roads (except the "F" ones) should be passable all year round - subject to the snow clearance schedule of course.

Having said all that, in November you would stand a reasonable chance of doing the whole circuit without encountering a snowstorm (and any snow which fell previously should have been cleared). No guarantees though ... and you should definitely pack clothing that would allow you to stay in your car for a few hours awaiting rescue :-)

Last winter we had numerous "tourist rescues" - primarily on the Golden Circle route. One involved hundreds - in conditions which caused Icelanders to stay home. That lack of local knowledge is the biggest problem, not the conditions as such.

I suggest you email vegagerdin@vegagerdin.is (our highway administration) - I am sure they will give you all the info you need.

For clarity, a heavier car is more stable in ice and wind, that doesn't have to be a 4wd.

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