Plan B Options

(Bad-Weather Alternatives That Actually Work)​

​

Weather changes are normal. Panic isn’t.

In Iceland, plans shift.

Wind increases.
Roads close.
Visibility drops.
Conditions change.

The difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one isn’t perfect weather.

It’s having a Plan B.​

What a Good Plan B Looks Like

A strong backup plan:

✔ Stays within the same region
✔ Reduces driving distance
✔ Avoids exposed roads
✔ Uses indoor or sheltered options
✔ Keeps your overnight location logical

A weak Plan B:

✘ Requires driving farther
✘ Depends on better weather elsewhere
✘ Adds complexity
✘ Destroys your schedule

Plan B should simplify your day — not complicate it.

​

If Wind Is the Problem

Strong wind affects:

• Coastal drives

• Exposed bridges

• Mountain passes

• High-profile vehicles

• ​

Smart alternatives:

• Shorter local loops

• Staying closer to your overnight base

• Indoor stops

• Museum visits

• Geothermal pools

• Cave tours

Wind rarely shuts down an entire region — just exposed roads.

​

​

If Heavy Rain Is the Issue

Rain reduces visibility and increases fatigue.

​

Good alternatives:

• Fewer stops

• Focus on one or two key sites

• Skip long scenic detours

• Visit geothermal baths

• Explore Reykjavík or Akureyri

Rain doesn’t ruin Iceland — but it changes pacing.

​

If Snow or Ice Affects Roads (Winter)

When snow impacts travel:

• Avoid long drives

• Stay within one region

• Move major travel to the next day

• ​

Smart winter Plan B:

• Stay two nights instead of moving

• Explore closer waterfalls

• Visit local pools

• Take a glacier tour near your base

Winter rewards patience.

​

If a Road Is Closed

Closures are part of Iceland’s safety system.

Do not:

✘ Attempt to bypass closures
✘ Follow another vehicle blindly
✘ Assume it will reopen quickly

Instead:

✔ Reorder your itinerary
✔ Swap sightseeing days
✔ Stay an extra night
✔ Use indoor options

Closures often resolve within a day.

Fragile itineraries don’t.​

Region-Based Plan B Examples

South Coast

If wind closes exposed areas:

• Explore waterfalls closer to base

• Visit geothermal spas

• Shift glacier lagoon to a later day

• ​

Snæfellsnes

If coastal winds are strong:

• Focus inland

• Visit lava caves

• Adjust clockwise/counterclockwise direction

• ​

North Iceland

If mountain passes close:

• Explore town areas

• Visit geothermal baths

• Shift regional travel

• ​

Indoor & Low-Exposure Alternatives

Always useful in bad weather:

• Geothermal pools

• Lava caves (guided)

• Museums

• Coffee shops & local restaurants

• Indoor exhibitions

• Cultural centers

Iceland has more shelter options than many expect.

​

The “Stay Put” Strategy

Sometimes the smartest Plan B is no movement.

Stay in your current location.
Wait out the weather.
Resume travel when safe.

Losing a few hours is better than losing flexibility for the entire trip.

​

The Most Important Plan B Rule

Your backup plan should be decided before conditions turn.

Know in advance:

• Which day is flexible

• Which stop can move

• Which overnight can extend

Preparation reduces stress.