Hello there,
I know, there have been several similar posts regarding this topic, but since there are strong differences in answers to rather small differences in requests, I hope you forgive me opening a new thread :-)
So, a friend of mine & me are flying to Iceland on 25th of September and we will return on the 8th of October. We have booked a car and we wanted to tour alongside the Ringroad. I have some questions regarding the possibilities at that time of the year and I am thankful for every advice you are willing to give away!
We are aware that the weather conditions are able to, and probably will change fast and drastically. So we are not planing on doing multi day hikes with just a tent and small luggage. Our plan was to drive alongside the Ringroad and sleep in our car or if possible the tent (a good one, new and steadfast tent) if possible. If both is impossible we are planing on booking some airbnb accomodations or guesthouses. I have heard from several people who went at that time, that almost all campsites are closed, but that you are still able to camp on some and that it is sometimes possible to leave a "financial thank you" in a box, or something like that.
We are aware of the necessity of layers, layers, layers and proper Equipment, we are fit and not seeking for unnecessary risks. But we still want carry out the trip, with minimizing the risks. So, we will not hike miles into the wild, leaving the safer shelter (car) in long distance behind us. We heard the stories of tourists hiking in late Fall / Winter, getting lost and maybe not being rescued at all. But does anyone have some tips, where we actually could be able to camp for some nights? What we really should consider and what rather is considered impossible.
What are things that are especially beautiful at that time of the year and what should rather be left alone during fall and probably approaching winter? As I said, we are planning on focusing on the sites closer to the Ringroad, due to the weather situation.
I am thankful for every advice and recommendation :-)
Most of the time the weather will not be threatening to life, and rain is rather more common than snow outside the highlands at this time of year. Most Icelandic sights involve a bit of a hike, so you will get plenty of short hikes, if you choose those sights that involve them, as described in your guidebook. So most of the time you can do just what most tourists do in the summer, remembering that the weather is often less than lovely even then. Use your common sense and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
You will see what the situation is when you are there and make your decisions on camping/accommodation as you see fit. A common reason people give for finding it uncomfortable to sleep in a vehicle, whether a campervan or a car, at this time of year is the noise and shaking the wind can give. Bear in mind that day/night is about equal that time of year, though night lengthens quickly as time passes after the equinox.
I'm curious how things turned out for you. I'll be going this year, the first two weeks of October. I've only just begun to plow through my guidebook, haven't read about the entirety of the Ring Road yet, but I'm certainly hoping to drive the loop. And ideally, I'd like to be able to camp / sleep in my rental car (not camper). Can you share some of your experiences? Did you end up trying to camp at all?
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