Renting a car and self-driving Iceland on your own is the best way to experience this beautiful country, as it truly gives you the freedom to go at your own pace and stop anywhere that you find interesting on your road trip.

There are several car rentals in Iceland offering a variety of vehicles from which to choose. However, renting a car in Iceland from Keflavík International Airport is the most obvious choice, as that's where most people begin their Icelandic road trip. The airport is about 40 minutes away from Reykjavik. However, you can also rent cars in the heart of Reykjavik if you decide to take a bus or shuttle into the city for a few days before exploring the rest of the country.

Renting a four-wheel drive - an SUV or mini truck - is popular outside the city limits because they hold plenty of luggage and are capable of managing most terrain you'll encounter.

The minimum age to rent a passenger car in Iceland is 20 years old for insurance and safety reasons.

The minimum age to rent a four-wheel drive or a minibus is 23 years old, as these vehicles require further experience and more intimate knowledge of vehicle handling.

You must present a valid driver's license (held for a minimum of one year) at the time of the rental as a means of proving your age.

You do not need an international driver's license to drive in Iceland or to rent a car. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver's license from your home country.

Driving off-road in Iceland is very illegal and could get you large fines. However, we need to make a distinction between driving off-road and driving gravel F-roads. Sometimes people get confused of the two. F-roads are very basic (and marked) dirt roads in Iceland, and you CAN drive these with a 4x4 vehicle.

Adventure F-Roads (Gravel) are designed dirt mountain roads that wine through Iceland's rugged interior highlands. It is strongly advised to travel in groups of 2 or more cars for safety should a breakdown occur.

The rocky, sometimes muddy conditions are more treacherous than other gravel roads. You can travel for miles without seeing any other cars.

Iceland's F-roads require a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. They also require your full attention. Some F-Roads can get quite rough, with deep glacial river crossings.

Local Access H-Roads (Gravel) are dirt roads that often lead to farms and private homes off the main paved roads in Iceland. They are better maintained than the F-Roads, and do not require a 4x4 in the summer, but aren't plowed as frequently as paved roads in the winter.

Wearing your seatbelt is required in Iceland. Driving without your seatbelt could get you pulled over and fined. Passengers under 12 years old are not allowed to ride in the front seat.

Driving with a cellphone in your hand is illegal unless you are using a hands-free device.

Iceland has a variety of different landforms and terrain, you've got to think about the type of trip you want to have. You'll need to decide if you are looking for more adventure across the Icelandic highlands like a Nordic explorer, or if you want a more relaxed and comfortable drive. This will determine the roads you'll encounter and the vehicle you'll need.

Ring Road & Golden Circle (Paved) is a mostly paved road (Route 1) that runs a giant circle around the outer rim of the island and through many towns, including the capital of Reykjavik.

There are some remote sections with gravel, but a 2-wheel drive car will still be okay when traveling this road. While you can technically drive around the whole country non-stop in about 17 hours, you'll definitely want to give yourself plenty of time, at least a week to really enjoy all the sites while traveling this route.

You can choose a 2-wheel drive vehicle for driving the , as well. This shorter route is a great day trip from Reykjavik if you don't have as much dime.