Guide to using Google Maps in Iceland
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Iceland, with its dramatic landscapes, volcanic terrain, and endless natural wonders, is an adventurer's paradise. Exploring the country is an experience in itself, as its many natural wonders unfold before you. And, if you are not familiar with Iceland’s unique terrain, you’re going to need help to move around, especially if you're using a car (and you should) to get to all its magnificent natural monuments and charming towns.
For many travelers, Google Maps is the go-to tool for planning routes and navigating unfamiliar places. However, Iceland's unique geography and weather present specific challenges that tourists must be aware of. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Google Maps effectively in this Nordic country, its limitations, and alternatives to ensure your trip is safe, easy, and unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Google Maps usually works correctly throughout Iceland, although there are some remote areas where there’s no network.
- The weather can have a huge impact on the roads, and Google Maps does not always keep up to date with disruptions or other issues.
- Some other apps and sites can come in handy when exploring Iceland.
Does Google Maps Work in Iceland?
The answer is straight and simple: Yes, Google Maps works well in Iceland and is a reliable tool for travelers. Although the country’s unique geography has disadvantages when getting around, Iceland’s infrastructure, even in remote areas, is well-developed, with good mobile network coverage across the island. This means that Google Maps can be your best friend for getting to most destinations.
However, there are a few things that are important to consider. While the app is excellent for finding major attractions and navigating Iceland’s main roads, like the Ring Road (Route 1), it can be less useful in some less-traveled regions. F-roads, Iceland’s rugged mountain roads, are often marked on Google Maps, but their conditions can be challenging and change depending on the weather, so specific details might not always be accurate. For example, river crossings and seasonal closures are not usually shown on Google Maps.
Despite these limitations, Google Maps remains a reliable tool for planning your journey through Iceland. You can use it to create an itinerary in advance, save locations, and even download offline maps for areas without mobile service. When combined with real-time weather and road condition apps, it will be one of your best allies for enjoying an unforgettable trip.
Google Street View in Iceland
Another useful feature of Google Maps is Google Street View. It can significantly improve your experience in the country. It covers many of the country’s most popular and accessible routes, allowing you to explore locations virtually before visiting. This can be particularly helpful for planning trips to famous places like the Golden Circle, where you can preview roads and parking areas.
Street View also provides a great opportunity to check accommodations, gas stations, and other amenities. This is particularly useful in Iceland, where services can be sparse in certain areas.
That said, coverage in Iceland is not everywhere. There are some areas and roads, like the Highlands and F roads that don’t have Street View. This tool also allows you to preview some places you’re planning on visiting. It’s a helpful tool not only for navigation but also for inspiration as you plan your adventure.
F-Roads and Remote Areas
As we have mentioned before, there are some areas and roads in Iceland that require special planning and careful navigation. The infamous F roads, short for Fjallvegur (mountain roads), give access to the Central Highlands and rugged interior of the country. These gravel roads are unpaved, and sometimes, it’s necessary to cross rivers and drive on uneven terrain. For this reason, if you are going to visit the Highlands or drive on F roads, it’s absolutely necessary to do it in a 4x4 vehicle. In general, most F roads appear on Google Maps, but it’s crucial to approach these routes with caution.
F-roads are normally open only in the summer, as snow and ice make them impassable during winter. Even in summer, conditions can vary dramatically due to weather. These changes don’t usually show on Google Maps, so it’s essential to check the road status on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) website or other reliable sources before setting out.
It's also important to bear in mind that there are many parts of the Highlands or other remote areas with limited or no mobile network coverage. For added safety, travel with a GPS device and consider bringing a detailed printed map of the region.
Google Maps in Offline Mode
One of the best ways to prepare for your Icelandic adventure is to download offline maps from Google Maps. This feature is especially valuable in areas with limited mobile coverage, such as the Highlands or remote fjords. To download maps, open the Google Maps app while connected to the internet, search for the area you’re interested in, and select the “Download” option. The offline maps will save detailed routes, place names, and points of interest that you can later see even without data. This also applies if you don’t plan on getting an international plan for Iceland or purchasing locally, which is not recommended.
Offline maps rely on your device’s GPS, which works independently of mobile networks. This way, you won’t lose your way even in remote locations. However, it’s essential to remember that offline maps don’t provide real-time traffic updates, road closures, or weather conditions.
To make the most of offline maps, plan your routes in advance, saving key destinations such as gas stations, accommodations, and emergency services. By combining offline maps, asking the locals, and other tools, you’ll be able to travel around Iceland without problems.
Alternatives and complements to Google Maps in Iceland
Iceland’s weather is notorious for its unpredictability, and this can significantly impact road conditions. Storms, snow, and high winds can appear suddenly, especially in winter, making certain routes dangerous or impassable. While Google Maps excels in navigation, it doesn’t provide weather-related updates or reflect road closures caused by adverse conditions.
Google Maps is very useful, but some other apps and websites are specifically designed for navigating Iceland and can cover things Google Maps doesn’t.
- Vegagerðin Managed by Iceland’s Road and Coastal Administration, this site provides real-time road conditions, closures, and traffic updates. It also features webcams that let you see the weather and road status live. This is especially useful during winter when sudden storms can make roads dangerous or impassable. Access online at road.is to get all the information.
- Vedur App This weather app, operated by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, offers accurate forecasts and hazard alerts. It’s probably the most accurate weather forecast in Iceland, and it’s indispensable for planning the best routes, especially considering that the weather in Iceland changes constantly and suddenly.
- Wapp: Ideal for hikers, Wapp provides detailed offline maps of hiking trails across Iceland, providing also information on geology, history, and folklore. It’s perfect for exploring the three national parks in the country.
- Emergencies: The 112 Iceland app allows you to send emergency signals and tracks your location in real-time, even without network coverage. It’s a must-have for any road trip or highland adventure.
Winter travelers should always check these apps before hitting the road. Even in summer, it’s wise to monitor conditions, as heavy rains or sudden strong winds can make certain roads difficult to navigate. Always carry emergency supplies, including food, water, and blankets, in case of weather-related delays. By staying informed and prepared, you’ll easily navigate Iceland’s ever-changing conditions.
Conclusion
Using Google Maps in Iceland can simplify your journey, but it’s only part of the complete kit you should have. Combine it with offline maps, weather and road conditions apps, and a bit of preparation to ensure a smooth and safe adventure.
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