Iceland is an incredible place to visit, and summer is without a doubt the best time to rent a car in the land of Ice and Fire. It’s the magical time of the midnight sun and easy traveling in a land controlled by the elements.

Just imagine cruising the open roads surrounded by the stunning scenery of glaciers and lava fields. Embarking on a new adventure as you pass through black sands and active volcanoes heading to amazing waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. It is no wonder most travelers want to visit Iceland in summer.

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should rent a car in Iceland in summer.

1. Embracing the Icelandic summer Weather

The weather plays the lead role when traveling to Iceland. That’s part of why summer is the most popular time for exploring the country. After a long and hard winter, the Icelandic summer opens the possibility to explore the country at a much greater level. Although Iceland is beautiful in its winter uniform, traveling is not always easy and many interesting sights are simply out of reach.

This all changes during summer. This is also why summer is the best time to rent a car in Iceland. Allowing you to travel freely and make your own itinerary without having to worry about the weather. The weather is usually calm and warm enough so you can travel lighter and faster around the island.

2. Taking on the Open Roads

Summer is such a fantastic time to drive in Iceland. All roads are open and you only need a small car to travel around on the country’s main road, the Ring Road. As well as going to other stunning areas such as Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords.

For all the adventures out there, you can also travel in Iceland’s highland during summer. The F-roads, which go across the Icelandic Highland are only open during summer. Usually opening in mid-June and closing in early September. This includes highland roads such as Kjalvegur and Sprengisandsleið. As well the routes towards Landmannalaugar and Hveravellir.

3. The irresistible Midnight Sun

One of the highlights of visiting Iceland in summer is witnessing the magical midnight sun. Iceland’s summer nights are bright as day and around the summer solstice the sun never sets. Giving you unlimited time to explore the island. It is the most wonderful experience, driving in the midnight sun in Iceland.

4. World Only Mosquitoes Free Vacation  

Iceland is the only country in the world without mosquitoes. Therefore, travelers are not just escaping the blazing summer heat on the mainland, but also these annoying flies. Please do not mistake Iceland for being bug free. There are still bugs and flies here, but just no mosquitoes.

5. Coolest Cultural Events of the Year

Summer is the best time to drive in Iceland, it is also the best time to see cultural events in Iceland. Having a rental car will allow you to explore not just Iceland’s natural wonders, but also to dive into Icelandic culture.

Summer is the time of festivals in Iceland. Throughout the island you can find various town festivals and other fun celebrations. These summer festivals are the cultural highlights in Iceland as it brings the community together. Music and art are usually the main focus in Iceland’s summer festivals.

The biggest and most notably being Þjóðhátíð (e. The National celebration) in Vestamannaeyjar and Menningarnótt (e Cultural Night) in Reykjavik.

Driving in Iceland

Driving in Iceland is such a unique experience. To choose where you go and what you see is the biggest perks of having a rental car in Iceland. In summer the options multiply as you can go in so many ways. From renting a modern electric car or keeping things simple with a small economy car. 

It all depends on how you plan your trip. Exploring the most amazing sights such as Reynisfjara black sand beach, Kirkjufell mountain as well as Iceland's greatest waterfalls, hidden gems and other incredible roadside attractions. 

Our Conclusion

Summer clearly is the best time to visit Iceland and the perfect season to rent a car here. With the weather ever improving from the unpredictable spring you can rely on a more stable condition and time your adventure to perfection.

With the rental car at your hand and the warm arctic summer breeze around you, there is no stopping you in capturing the best of Iceland. Whether that being exploring the great mystery of Iceland’s highland or cruising the coast in the astonishing midnight sun.

The road is open and all you need is to book a rental car in Iceland and start counting down the days to the most amazing vacation of your life.

Please visit our blog to find more fantastic articles about Driving in Iceland and other Practical Info.

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