Reykjanes Peninsula

Visas

US, EU, Australian, NZ and many other nationalities get 3 months without a visa. Sth Africans need to get a Schengen visa before travelling.

Getting There

Keflavík Airport (RKV) is 48kms (30mi) from Reykjavik. Iceland Express, Iceland Air, BA and SAS maintain regular scheduled and some seasonal flights. Air Iceland is the domestic airline. The Faroe Smyril Line operates a weekly service from Bergen in Norway and Hanstholm in Denmark to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, and Seydisfjördur in Iceland.

Getting Around

A rental car is essential for a surf trip to Iceland, even if only surfing the Reykjanes peninsula spots, which are no more than an hour’s drive. All these roads are manageable with a normal car but a 4WD will prove to be very helpful if travelling north to the Snaefellsness peninsula or down south to Vik and beyond. It is illegal to go off-road where no road or track exists and headlights must be on at all times, day and night. The general speed limit is 50km/h in urban areas, 80km/h on gravel roads in rural areas, and 90km/h on asphalt roads. The total length of the Ring Road around Iceland (National Highway 1) is 1339km. Most smaller roads are gravel, narrow and usually take much longer than planned. Many mountain roads are only passable in summer – check road conditions before travelling and travel in convoy or leave an itinerary. BSI Travel runs regular bus service to most parts of the country, especially around the Ring Road. Special offers include 1-4 week unlimited bus travel round the Ring Road or daily tours but getting to the surf will be difficult. Most coaches have bike racks so carrying surfboards should be no problem. Like just about everything in Iceland, rental cars and accommodation are quite expensive although hostels are available and 68 campgrounds are open from June to mid-September. The minimum age for driving a hired car in Iceland is 21 years and 25 years for a 4WD.

Accommodation

Accommodation is expensive - Northern Light Inn in Grindavik is $270/dble, Heimagisting Borg is $100/dble. Book a surf/snow/sup tour with Arctic Surfers. 68 campgrounds are open from June to mid-September and many campervan rentals are available (get a 4x4). Expect to pay $25 for a simple meal. Prices for beer at the pub have come down recently to $8-10. Arctic Surfers are a Surf/SUP/Snow tour operator with gear rental.

Activities

Natural hot springs and snowboard fields are flat day options for those with extra cash. Midnight sun and northern lights are part of the experience. Travel the 1339km long ring road around Iceland and gaze at glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes and vast lava deserts.

Hazards & hassles

Sharp volcanic rocks are unforgiving. Inclement weather can move in swiftly and bring thick fogs and sea mists. Lack of daylight and big tides can prevent sessions in winter and rip currents can be extra strong. Anywhere off the beaten track is a long way from help so solo missions are a bad idea. Take extra precautions.

Handy Hints

Equipment is hard to come by as there are no real surf shops selling hardware and if there were, prices would be very expensive. Take a gun and thicker board to float all the rubber. Two wetsuits can help!

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.