SafeTravel information for the next few days

SafeTravel connects travelers in Iceland with essential resources to help reduce their exposure to risks and ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience. Here you find information for the next few days.

Useful information in one place:

We want to point out our new Travel Conditions map. Here you get information on road conditions, weather, wind speed, avalanche danger and many other things, as well as web cameras on various roads. All this in one map now.

Weather and road conditions:

Due to rain rivers have swollen on highland roads. 
Some are only passable for bigger/modified jeeps until the river levels get back to normal. 
Strong winds and rain are expected for the next few days. Can be hazardous for vans and other vehicles sensitive to wind. Travelers are advised to follow alerts and weather forecasts.
Strong wind and rain is expected in Hornstrandir in the next few days, hikers are advised to show extra caution, follow alerts and weather forecast closely and even postpone hiking in the area.   

Reykjanes: 
Valahnjúkur is closed due to fissures and danger of landslides!  
Seltún: The whole area is high geothermal and dangerous boiling hot springs  around. Stay on marked paths only - even on the opposite part of the road!!  

West Iceland: 
Snæfellsjökull National Park: Important to only go on the glacier with an experienced guide.  Show caution at/around sea cliffs. Stay on marked paths/trails. 
Djúpalónssandur: The beach can always be dangerous due to the unpredictability of the waves. 
Löngufjörur: Not recommended to hike in Löngufjörur without an experienced guide. Important to be very careful around cliffs in the area and know the tides. The beach can always be dangerous due to the unpredictability of the waves and quicksand. 

North Iceland: 
Hvítserkur: The road down to the parking can be difficult for 2WD cars, 4x4 is better. 

East Iceland: 
Víknaslóðir and Stórurð:  Stay on trails to protect nature.  

South Iceland: 
Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon) and Fjallsárlón: Do not jump/climb onto icebergs. Falling into the ice cold water is fatal! 
Svínafellsjökull: Civil Protection advises against travel on Svínafellsjökull due to danger of landslide. Guided tours on the glacier are discouraged. Travelers are advised to stop only for a short while at viewpoints by the glacier tongue.  
Dyrhólaey: Nesting season time restrictions are now over and the nature reserve is open. Stay on marked paths only. 
Reynisfjara:  Do not enter the cave –  danger of rocks falling from the ceiling. In general at the beach: show extra caution, stay FAR back from the water, and do not leave children unattended! The beach can always be dangerous due to the unpredictability of the waves. So called sneaker waves (every eighth wave or so) are dangerous for the sake that they reach further up and are stronger than the others. 
Reykjadalur: Remember to stay on the paths. The whole area is high geothermal and dangerous boiling hot springs around 

Highlands:

Highland roads (F-roads): Due to rain rivers have swollen. Some are only passable for  modified jeeps until the river  levels get back to normal.  

Askja: F910/905 to Askja is fine for jeeps. F88 is only for large jeeps, the Lindaá river is 60 cm deep.  

F249 to Thorsmörk: The road and river crossings are not at all suitable for smaller 4x4 or SUVs. Krossá river is deeper than usually, only for modified vehicles and experienced drivers. 

Fimmvörðuháls trail:  Snow approx 5 kms of the trail. Proper equipment/clothes needed. 

Laugavegur trail: Proper equipment/clothes needed, weather can change very quickly.

Hiking in general:  
Hiking in Iceland requires proper equipment, even on shorter hikes as trails are often not like the ones travelers are used to. Very bad weather can also be expected, even in the summer. Please study our equipment list because preparation is key for successful travel in Iceland. The way down can often be harder than the way up so hiking poles are a good tool to help tired knees.  
Trails can be wet, muddy and slippery so it’s important to wear proper footwear. Important to stay on marked paths and trails everywhere.  

Best regards,Safetravel team