Road signs in Iceland can be very different from what you’re used to back home.
Close your eyes for a second and imagine this…
You’re on the road, cruising in a rental car – maybe it’s a manual and you haven’t touched a clutch in years.
You’re excited to reach your destination, but suddenly, you spot a sign in Icelandic and you have no clue what it means.
What are you going to do?
Have no fear!
I’ll be clearing up all your concerns about road signs in Iceland.
Decipher unusual symbols, speed limits and more so you know what to expect.
Ready to hit the road without sign-angst?
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Are the Road Signs in Iceland in English?
- What Do the Colors Mean?
- Types of Traffic Signs in Iceland: General Signs
- Directional Signs
- Caution Signs
- More Road Signs in Iceland
- More Information About Taking a Road Trip in Iceland
Are Road Signs in Iceland in English?
Very few road signs in Iceland are in English, which can be challenging.
Some street signs in Iceland are pretty standard, and most of the time, there’s a picture that goes with it.
So, thankfully you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure it out!
While the signs might be manageable, the terrain is a whole different story. Navigating Iceland’s unique roads is a lot easier when you’ve got the right car for the job.
🚙 If you’re looking for a reliable rental, I highly recommend Blue Car Rental.
They have a great selection of vehicles perfect for the rugged terrain, and their service is top-notch.
Plus, booking through them is super easy – just click here 👉 (Blue Car Rental) and a 5% discount will automatically be applied at checkout!
What do the Colors Mean?
As far as signage goes, different colors mean different things.
Red and yellow signs mean warning or danger. They will be in the shape of a circle or a triangle.
Blue or yellow signs are for general instructions or information. They will be in the shape of a rectangle.
Types of Traffic Signs in Iceland: General Signs
Understanding the road signs and rules makes all the difference when it comes to having a smooth driving experience here.
So, let’s take a look at some of the common road signs in Iceland.
Iceland Speed Limit Signs
The first thing you need to know to avoid an expensive speeding ticket is the speed limit in Iceland.
Remember, Iceland uses the metric system (KMPH).
The main paved roads, like the Golden Circle and Ring Road, have a speed limit of 90 KMPH which is about 55 MPH.
While this may seem slow, I recommend sticking to it. Speeding tickets in Iceland are really expensive, and the fines have recently gone up!
The speed limit drops to 80 KMPH (50 MPH) on gravel roads, 50 KMPH (30 MPH) through towns and villages, and 30 KMPH (19 MPH) in residential areas.
Iceland’s F-Roads are particularly tricky to navigate, check out this video on everything you need to know about conquering these gravel roads.👇
Roundabout
Roundabouts are VERY common here, especially in Reykjavík.
Once you get used to them, you’ll notice how they keep things moving quickly without the hassle of traffic lights in Iceland.
Just be sure to yield to cars already in the roundabout, and you’ll be navigating like a local in no time!
Speed Bumps
This is quite straightforward, but be on the lookout because they are also used a lot in Iceland.
You don’t want to go crashing over one – ahem, speaking from experience!
Fun fact: The town of Kópavogur is the town with the most speed bumps per square km in the world.
And Ísafjörður in the Westfjords has made use of an optical illusion to prevent speeding by painting 3D speed bumps on the road.
This is definitely one of the most interesting traffic signs in Iceland!
Directional signs
These signs help guide you to where you need to go, giving you all the information you need about locations and nearby destinations.
Attractions
All the major attractions you’re eager to see will be marked with a distinctive squiggly design, making it super easy to find your destination.
As you drive, keep an eye out for these signs showing points of interest and attractions worth checking out – they’ll lead you right to them!
Towns
Yellow signs will point you towards the town you’re headed to and it’s divided into three parts.
First, you’ll see the road number you’re on (like Route 1, the Ring Road).
Next, you’ll find the name of your destination, for example, Vík or Akureyri.
Finally, the sign will show the distance to that town – so if it says 57, Vík is 57 kilometers away.
Now that you know how to get to your destination, it’s time to make sure you’ve got a great place to stay once you get there!
👉 I always recommend using Booking.com to book accommodation in Iceland.
With their wide selection of accommodation options and an easy map search feature, you can find the perfect spot.
Plus, many options offer free cancellation – perfect for keeping things flexible! Whether you’re headed to Vík, Akureyri, or anywhere in between, you’ll have a cozy spot waiting for you!
Area Schematic
I don’t know about you, but I find this sign hilarious!
It’s like a little neighborhood map that shows you where everything is in that town. The houses, beach, church, and more.
It’s a quirky way to get a snapshot of the town and helps you get your bearings quickly.
Plus, it’s always fun to see how towns lay out their landmarks.
Caution Signs
Caution signs in Iceland are there for a reason – ignore them, and you could end up in a dangerous situation.
Whether it’s a one-lane bridge or a blind hill, always take these warnings seriously to stay safe on your journey
One-Lane Bridge
Are there one-lane bridges in Iceland?
Yes, one-lane bridges are VERY common here!
That means when you’re driving over a bridge with only one lane. 😬
Some are short, some of them are long, and a few are downright terrifying.
You’ll come across these as you’re heading into South Iceland, especially around Jökulsárlón – there are a few in that area.
The sign to watch for will show a road narrowing into an hourglass shape, with the words ‘Einbreið Brú,’which means one-lane bridge.
Blind Hill
Another really important sign in terms of driving safety is blind hills.
It means that the road is coming to a hill and it will be difficult to see oncoming traffic and they could be going up or around.
Drive slow, be careful, and look out for the signs.
Do Not Pass
Iceland’s roads can be narrow and winding, especially in more remote areas, so don’t risk it when you see a Do Not Pass sign, it’s there for good reason!
The passing could be dangerous – whether it’s because of a blind hill, a sharp turn, or oncoming traffic.
Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s always better to play it safe.
So, resist the urge to pass, and just enjoy the drive!
Road Closure Sign
Another incredibly important sign is the road closure sign.
These signs are for your protection, DO NOT ignore these under any circumstances!
They come in a few different forms.
Sometimes they’ll say ‘Lokað’ or they’ll say, ‘Ófært’, which means impassable.
There could be a washed-out bridge down the way. It could be impassable in terms of weather, a road condition, or whatever the reason.
Don’t ignore these signs, and if you do, and get caught, you can get a really big fine for it.
Pro tip: Before heading out for the day, it’s really important to check Road.is. This website keeps you updated on weather conditions and road closures – an absolute must to check daily before you start exploring!
Wondering what you can do if the roads are closed during your trip and you can’t get to where you want to go?
Don’t fret.
Instead, check out this video I did on the best things to do when it’s raining in Iceland. From experiencing cafe culture to exploring some of Iceland’s best museums, there’s still so much to do in bad weather.
Pull Off/Passing Space
When the road gets tight or you come across a one-lane tunnel (yep, those are a thing in Iceland!), keep an eye out for a blue sign with a white “M.”
It means there’s a pull-off area where you can safely let other vehicles pass.
More Road Signs in Iceland
These are by no means all the signs you’ll find in Iceland, but they are some of the most popular. Here are a few others you may run into:
Amenities: These will list nearby amenities such as where to fuel up, restaurants, accommodation, and toilets.
Sheep crossing: One thing to know about Iceland, is that there are a lot of sheep! They are free to roam the countryside and will often be found crossing the road.
Police camera: This sign gives you a heads-up when there’s a radar around, so you can slow down and avoid getting hit with a big fine!
Stop sign in Iceland: It’s got eight sides, a red background, and a big bold “STOP” in the middle. Super easy to spot!
More Information About Taking a Road Trip in Iceland
This post is one of four in a road trip planning series. Check out these out these blogs and videos you plan on taking a road trip through Iceland.
👉 Part 1: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Iceland
👉 Part 2: Driving in Iceland | Do NOT do this!
👉 Part 3: 19 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Trip to Iceland
👉 Part 4: Road Signs You Need to Know Before Driving in Iceland
👉 Bonus: 7 Budget Friendly Restaurants in Reykjavik
These resources are super helpful in helping you figure out everything from driving to ways to save money on your trip!
Remember, understanding the road signs in Iceland is just one piece of the puzzle for your trip.
There’s so much more to explore, from navigating those winding routes to finding the perfect place to stay.
Don’t you wish you had your entire road trip planned out for you?
Like a detailed daily itinerary, accommodation options to fit your budget, and details on hidden gems most tourists overlook?
The first time I visited Iceland, I only had one week and didn’t want to miss out on anything or waste precious time on logistics like where to dine, stay or fuel up.
If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip experience – one that’ll allow you to circle the entire country, experience the most iconic sites, and have you leaning on your hiking poles, breathless from the most stunning landscapes – I have something special for you!
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There’s a digital map pinpointing the best places to stop, attractions, restaurants, and quaint towns.
You’ll also get exclusive discounts for your trip and so much more!
Happy planning,
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