Advice on how to have the best road trip in Iceland

My latest partner, KONVIN Car Rental, stands out with its new car offering, emphasis on cleanliness, and excellent service.  From compact hybrids to rugged camper vans, their vehicles ensure that every traveler finds the perfect match for the best road trip in Iceland. The Managing Director of KONVIN Car Rental is Börkur Óðinn Bjarnason. He took the time out of his busy schedule to give my readers insights into how to have the best road trip in Iceland. Sign up for my free and exclusive newsletter to receive a discount code for 10% off when you rent their vehicles. The vehicle types you can rent from KONVIN Car Rental for your road trip in Iceland are the following: Camper vans, Subcompact cars, Compact SUVs, Large SUVs, and Roof tent SUVs.

Börkur, what inspired you to start KONVIN Car Rental, and how did you envision its role in Iceland’s travel industry?

My team and I recognized a frequent issue: the inconvenience visitors faced when booking a car and hotel separately. We were inspired to bridge this gap. We envisioned a service that would offer a seamless experience right from the moment our customers land in Iceland. With seven years of experience in the car rental industry, I brought my expertise to KONVIN, where I now lead the initiation of KONVIN Car Rental. By integrating hotel stays directly with versatile car rental options, including standard cars and campervans, we not only simplify the planning process but also enhance the overall travel experience. At KONVIN Car Rental, we’re dedicated to removing the hassle of handling these details separately, allowing our customers to immerse themselves in the beauty and adventure of Iceland immediately.

We envision KONVIN Car Rental playing a transformative role in Iceland’s tourism by setting a higher standard for tourist experiences. Our integrated service model aims to strengthen the relationship between car rentals and hotels, offering a seamless transition from arrival to exploration. This cohesive approach is designed to enhance visitor satisfaction and contribute to a more connected and enjoyable travel ecosystem in Iceland.

Can you describe the journey from concept to execution for KONVIN Car Rental?

The journey unfolded in three distinct stages: it began with defining our vision, continued with identifying the necessary actions, and culminated in the realization of our goals.

Creating a stress-free travel experience for visitors to Iceland

Our concept was driven by the vision of creating a stress-free travel experience for visitors to Iceland. We recognized a unique opportunity to enhance customer satisfaction by merging hotel and car rental services. This integration allows us to provide a seamless experience without the extra hassle and costs typically associated with car delivery. Our focus on quality is evident in our commitment to offering new, reliable vehicles—ensuring travelers get exactly what they book. Additionally, our approach saves valuable time for our customers. They can conveniently pick up and drop off their vehicle at the same location where they stay,.

Sourcing a fleet of new and dependable vehicles

To turn our vision into reality, several key steps were necessary. Firstly, securing facilities adjacent to the hotel was crucial to provide the convenience we envisioned. Acquiring a fleet of new and dependable vehicles was next. This ensures that we could deliver on our promise of quality and reliability. Finally, navigating the bureaucratic landscape to obtain all necessary licenses and permits was essential for legally operating our car rental service. Each step was taken with the goal of crafting an unparalleled travel experience that stands out in the competitive Icelandic travel market.

As of now, we are excited to announce that we are at the final stage of bringing our vision to life. The legal requirements are fulfilled, and our facility next to the hotel is fully operational. We proudly offer top-of-the-line new models such as the JEEP Compass and JEEP Renegade, among others. Behind the scenes, our operations team works tirelessly to ensure a smooth connection between our hotel and car rental services. This provides a cohesive and enjoyable travel experience. We are thrilled to invite travelers to enjoy the convenience and quality that define our brand, as we continue to innovate and improve our offerings.

The sea stacks at Reynisfjara, AKA the Black Beach.

How do you choose vehicles included in your fleet so your customers can have the best road trip in Iceland?

Choosing the types of vehicles for Konvin Car Rental’s fleet started with an assessment of our customers’ needs. We analyze travel patterns, feedback, and booking trends to determine the most sought-after types of vehicles. These include subcompact cars for city travels, SUVs suitable for Iceland’s rugged terrain, and campervans for those planning extensive travels.

This careful selection ensures that our fleet meets the high standards of service and sustainability that Konvin Car Rental stands for.

Sustainability is a global concern. How does KONVIN Car Rental address environmental issues?

Konvin Car Rental addresses environmental concerns by having 90% of our fleet consist of plug-in hybrids. This  significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with our services. We enhance this initiative by securing availability for charging cables with each vehicle. This gives our customers the option to charge their rentals conveniently, thereby maximizing the use of electric power over gasoline. Additionally, we encourage the use of these eco-friendly vehicles by offering incentives like reduced rates for hybrid rentals. Through these measures, Konvin Car Rental actively contributes to global sustainability initiatives and promotes eco-conscious travel within Iceland.

How should people prepare to have the best road trip in Iceland?

For a truly enjoyable road trip in Iceland, it’s all about being well-prepared, especially with the right clothing and essentials. I always dress in layers, including waterproof and thermal wear, to handle the often unpredictable and chilly Icelandic weather. It’s also easy to stay hydrated. Iceland boasts some of the cleanest tap water in the world. Simply fill up a reusable bottle and enjoy fresh water anytime.

I pack easy-to-eat snacks like fruits and sandwiches for energy on the move. Furthermore, I always carry a thermal blanket, especially if I plan to stargaze or watch the Northern Lights on those colder nights. A portable charger is crucial to keep my devices fully powered, essential for navigating and capturing all the breathtaking moments. With these essentials, you’ll be all set to comfortably and safely explore all the stunning scenery Iceland has to offer.

What are your favorite places and activities in Iceland?

Exploring the glaciers of Iceland is a passion of mine. I particularly enjoy steering a mountain truck or guiding a snowmobile across the vast icy expanses. There’s something truly exhilarating about the tours on Vatnajökull Glacier, where the wide-open ice fields offer the perfect playground for thrilling snowmobile rides and truck adventures. The stunning views of the landscape captivate me every time. Langjökull Glacier also holds a special place in my heart. Here, I can delve into deep ice tunnels or race across the glacier’s surface, reveling in both the thrill of the adventure and the awe-inspiring scenery.

What advice do you have for those visiting Iceland for the first time?

If it’s your first trip to Iceland, I highly recommend checking the local weather and road conditions daily, as they can change quite dramatically and affect your plans. Also, it’s a good idea to book your visits to popular spots like Friðheimar in advance. Friðheimar is renowned for its unique greenhouse cultivation methods and its delightful tomato-based menu, served right in the greenhouse. This way, you won’t miss out because of capacity limits—trust me, you wouldn’t want to skip the experience of dining among the vines at this charming tomato farm!