Key Takeaways:
When winter storms close Golden Circle mountain passes, drivers can safely bypass blocked segments using lower-elevation southern detours along Ring Road (Route 1) and Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35).
- Route 36 bypass: If Þingvallavegur (Route 36) over Mosfellsheiði closes, take Ring Road (Route 1) south across Hellisheiði toward Selfoss, then turn north onto Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35).
- Route 365 bypass: If Lyngdalsheiðarvegur (Route 365) over Lyngdalsheiði is blocked, use Grafningsvegur efri (Route 360) south along Þingvallavatn to link back to Route 36 and Route 35.
- Road tracking: Call the Vegagerðin assistance line at 1777 (06:30 to 22:00 daily) to check for Green (“Greiðfært”) passable roads versus Red (“Ófært” / “Lokað”) closures.
- Direct site costs: Expect fixed costs of ISK 1,000 for standard 5-seat parking at Þingvellir, ISK 700 per adult for Kerið crater, and ISK 0 for parking at Gullfoss.
How winter closures impact Golden Circle driving
Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle between November and April exposes travellers to rapid weather shifts across mountain passes. High-elevation segments accumulate heavy drift snow and ice quickly during winter storms, forcing state authorities to shut down specific road sections. Understanding how the road network links together allows you to adjust your itinerary without getting stuck.
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, Vegagerðin, monitors winter road conditions constantly. On official reporting maps, roads marked in Green (“Greiðfært”) indicate easily passable driving surface, while roads marked in Red (“Ófært” / “Lokað”) represent completely impassable or officially closed routes. Additionally, Veðurstofa Íslands issues hazard warnings split into Yellow, Orange, and Red alert levels. Driving through any region under an active Orange or Red alert is extremely dangerous and should be avoided entirely.
Option A: Navigating a closure on Þingvallavegur (Route 36)
Þingvallavegur (Route 36) over Mosfellsheiði serves as the primary western driving path from Reykjavík directly to Þingvellir National Park. Because this mountain heath sits at high elevation, wind and snow drift frequently force Vegagerðin to mark Route 36 as Red (“Lokað”) during winter storms.
If Route 36 over Mosfellsheiði is impassable, do not attempt to push through. Instead, use the low-elevation southern detour. Drive south out of Reykjavík on Ring Road (Route 1) across Hellisheiði toward Selfoss. Before reaching the main township of Selfoss, turn north onto Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35). This path routes you around the mountain pass and allows you to approach the Golden Circle attractions safely from the south.
Option B: Navigating a closure on Lyngdalsheiðarvegur (Route 365)
Lyngdalsheiðarvegur (Route 365) over Lyngdalsheiði acts as the direct connecting road between Þingvellir National Park and the lake settlement of Laugarvatn. This stretch is particularly prone to sudden whiteouts and heavy snow accumulation.
When Route 365 is closed, your workaround requires driving south along the lake. Take Grafningsvegur efri (Route 360) running along the eastern side of Þingvallavatn south until it connects back to Route 36. From there, continue toward Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35). Once on Route 35, you can drive north to reach Laugarvatnsvegur (Route 37), which connects Laugarvatn to Múli and the Geysir geothermal area.
Connecting Geysir, Gullfoss, and southern exit routes
Once you reach the central geothermal zone, navigation becomes more straightforward. Laugarvatnsvegur (Route 37) brings traffic to Múli and Geysir. From the Geysir geothermal area, Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35) continues northeast directly to Gullfoss waterfall.
If weather worsens while you are visiting Gullfoss, Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35) heading south provides an immediate escape corridor. Driving Route 35 south brings you cleanly down to Selfoss, connecting directly back to Ring Road (Route 1) for a low-altitude return trip to Reykjavík.
| Segment & standard route | Primary hazard area | Official winter detour route | Key destination access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Þingvallavegur (Route 36) | Mosfellsheiði mountain heath | Ring Road (Route 1) south to Selfoss, then north on Route 35 | Þingvellir National Park |
| Lyngdalsheiðarvegur (Route 365) | Lyngdalsheiði heath connection | Grafningsvegur efri (Route 360) south to Route 36, then Route 35 | Laugarvatn & Geysir area |
| Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35) | Upper inland sections near Gullfoss | Route 35 south to Selfoss to reach Ring Road (Route 1) | Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerið crater |
Essential winter travel costs and emergency contact tools
Budgeting for a winter self-drive trip involves distinct parking and entrance fees at key locations along the loop. Standard parking at major sites is strictly managed, so keep these exact figures in mind when planning your stops:
- Þingvellir National Park parking: According to the Þingvellir National Park Authority, parking fees are ISK 1,000 for a standard 5-seat passenger car and ISK 1,200 for a 6-to-9-seat vehicle.
- Kerið volcanic crater admission: The private landowners charge an entrance fee of ISK 700 per adult.
- Gullfoss waterfall parking: Visit Iceland notes that parking at Gullfoss waterfall costs ISK 0.
Before putting key in ignition each morning, verify live road closures. Vegagerðin operates a dedicated telephone service reachable by dialing short code 1777 (or international number +354 522 1100). Operating hours during winter are 06:30 to 22:00 daily. If you experience a life-threatening vehicle slide, engine failure in freezing conditions, or extreme emergency, dial 112 immediately to contact local search-and-rescue and emergency services via Neyðarlínan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if Route 36 to Þingvellir is closed due to snow?
If Þingvallavegur (Route 36) over Mosfellsheiði is closed, take Ring Road (Route 1) south out of Reykjavík across Hellisheiði toward Selfoss. Turn north onto Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35) to reach the Golden Circle sites safely from the south.
How do I check if Golden Circle roads are open in winter?
Call the Vegagerðin road assistance service at 1777 (+354 522 1100 internationally), operating daily from 06:30 to 22:00 during winter. Check their map to see if roads are marked Green (“Greiðfært”) for passable or Red (“Lokað”) for closed.
What emergency number do I call if stuck on an icy road in Iceland?
Dial 112 for the national emergency response call center (Neyðarlínan). This connects you immediately with Icelandic search-and-rescue, police, and medical assistance if your vehicle becomes stranded or unsafe during severe weather.
