Driving in Iceland in Summer: Campervan Tips for the Ultimate Road Trip

Summer is considered peak season here in Iceland and for very good reason. The weather, daylight hours, road conditions, you name it – everything is the best you’ll ever find it here in Iceland, and then we haven’t even touched on all there is to see and do during this time. This is also why most go on a campervan road trip during this time, since driving in Iceland in summer is simply an absolute joy!

If you’ve been pondering a trip to the island, or you already want to rent a campervan in Iceland to tick this adventure off your Icelandic bucket list, then this article is for you. Here, we tell you everything you need to know to plan and prep for the ultimate and unforgettable road trip!

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Drive in Iceland?

There are numerous reasons why summer stands out from the other seasons as the best time to drive in Iceland. These include the following:

• The weather is the best you’ll experience here in Iceland. Our harsher weather conditions, such as blizzards, are a thing of the past, and temperatures reach lovely highs (for Iceland, at least).
• Due to the amazing weather, road conditions are also pristine, and all roads (even the ones closed during the colder months of the year) are open, making it the perfect time for that road trip.
• You’ll have plenty of daylight hours to plan a fully loaded trip itinerary.
• The combination of great weather and the abundance of daylight hours makes it the ideal time for all sorts of outdoor activities, such as hiking, canoeing, etc.
• The weather also makes it a great time to go camping. Needless to say, this will save you a ton on accommodation and make for a more cost-effective trip.
• If you’re going to be visiting the island from mid to late June, depending on where you’ll be, you’ll get to experience one of our most famous natural phenomena, the Midnight Sun. This is when the sun only takes a quick dip behind the horizon, but darkness never really falls, essentially resulting in a 24-hour day.

What to Expect From Iceland’s Roads in Summer

As already mentioned, summertime in Iceland is when you’ll find all our roads open. Here’s what you can expect from the different roads during this time:

Driving Our Main Routes in a Campervan

The main roads and routes in Iceland tend to be paved and well-maintained. Although there may be a few gravel road turnoffs along the way, these tend to be fairly even and well-maintained, so most will be accessible with 2-wheel drives. Some of our most popular main roads and routes are the following:

The Ring Road

Length: 1332 kilometers (828 miles)

Recommended Road Trip Length: 10 Days (Although you can get away with 7)

The Ring Road (also known as Route 1) is not just a popular road trip route but also an important piece of infrastructure here in Iceland. This road wraps around the island in a circle, connecting most cities and towns, which makes it the main route for any product or service delivery around the country.

Since it connects most cities and towns, it also runs through most of the different regions in Iceland, giving you a taste of all the different areas of the country. The Ring Road also runs along many of our most famous attractions.

The Golden Circle

Length: 300 kilometers (190 miles)

Recommended Road Trip Length: 1 to 2 Days

The Golden Circle is another loop route, just not as long as the Ring Road, making it the perfect solution for those with limited time on the island. The Golden Circle is also renowned for its famous attractions, and since the loop starts right outside Reykjavik, it’s also a super convenient option after landing at Keflavik Airport.

The South Coast Way

Length: 320 kilometers (200 miles)

Recommended Road Trip Length: 2 to 3 Days (although there are those who stretch it out to 4, depending on the activities you want to partake in along the way)

The South Coast Way is essentially just a piece of the Ring Road that allows you to travel along the south coast of Iceland. This drive is particularly famous for its beaches, waterfalls, and frosty, glacial side. Due to its location and length, it’s yet another great option for those who have just landed at Keflavik Airport, with limited time on the island.

Driving the Untamed F-Roads in a 4x4 Campervan

The F-roads are also unpaved roads in Iceland, but these guys are so rough and tough that you’ll sometimes wonder if the F doesn’t stand for a specific curse word. These roads can be extremely challenging with obstacles, steep uphills and downhills, river crossings, and much more.

But while they may be challenging and definitely only for those who can appreciate a bit of adrenaline, these roads are extremely rewarding. It gives you the chance to see places in the more remote regions of Iceland that not many get to see (including the Highlands and the Westfjords), and these areas still consist of fairly raw and untouched nature. Simply breathtaking!

But due to the challenging conditions of the F-roads in Iceland, you’re only allowed to drive these roads with a 4x4 campervan, and the F-roads are only open during the summer season (talk about perfect timing!)

Campervan Rentals vs. Car Rentals: Which Is Better?

Below, we’ve created a comparison table so you can easily compare the differences between a campervan and a car rental when it comes to driving in Iceland in summer:

Rules and Safety Tips for Driving in Iceland in Summer with a Campervan

If this will be your first time on the island or just your first time exploring the country in a campervan, the following tips and advice will be useful:

Speed Limits, Fuel Stations, and Local Etiquette

• Please remember to adhere to Iceland’s speed limits, which may be different from what you’re used to back home. You will find road signs along the road, but as a general guideline, you can prepare for the following:

• 50 km/h in urban areas
• 80 km/h on rural gravel roads (although you’ll need to decrease this for your own safety, depending on the road conditions)
• 90 km/h on rural paved roads (so, essentially, our “highways” such as Route 1)

• Gas doesn’t cost the same everywhere here in Iceland (not even at the same brand of gas station), so you’ll need to do your research to fuel up cost-effectively.
• If you’re heading out into the more remote regions, please fuel up beforehand and plan your next fuel stop. This is because gas stations can be few and far between in these areas, and you don’t want to be left stranded with an empty gas tank next to the road – especially not in a remote area!
• A good general rule of thumb to follow (yes, even back home) is to always ensure you have a gas tank that’s at least half full. That way, you’ll significantly lower your risk of ending up with no gas in the tank.
• Headlights must be kept on, whether night or day. This is not only to give you better visibility but also to help others see you better.
• Remember that everyone must have their seatbelts on the moment the vehicle starts moving. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines.
• Drinking and driving is an absolute no-go here in Iceland, and it’s reflected in our incredibly low blood-alcohol limitations (which are practically zero).
• You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving, so ensure you’ve got your Bluetooth sorted.
• You will find some single-lane bridges and tunnels here in Iceland, especially in our countryside. Here, unless there are specific signs stating otherwise, we tend to follow a first-come-first-served principle: so, whoever arrives at the bridge or tunnel first has the right of way.

• We place a high value on our environment and keeping it safe and preserved, so we expect the same from visitors. Don’t DIY your own roads and pathways or park where there are no designated parking spots; you might cause irreparable damage to our fragile ecosystem. Also, follow a “leave no trace” principle wherever you drive and camp.
• Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable and can have an impact on your driving, so always keep a close eye on our weather website, Vedur.
• If our legendary winds start howling, please ensure you hold on to your vehicle door when getting in and out – our winds have literally ripped vehicle doors off their hinges in the past!
• It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the road conditions and any possible sudden road closures when road-tripping through the island by checking the Umferdin website.

Staying Safe on Gravel Roads and Highland Routes

If you’re planning on taking the “road less traveled,” keep the following in mind to ensure you have a safe and memorable journey:

• There is a big difference between our gravel roads and our F-road, so ensure you know which you’re driving on. As we already mentioned, the F-roads can also only be legally driven with a 4x4 vehicle.
• Whenever you’re driving on our gravel roads, it’s best to slow down and keep a longer distance between you and the other cars on the road. This will prevent your vehicle from kicking up pebbles and other debris, and also prevent your vehicle from being hit by any pebbles or debris kicked up by other vehicles.
• Also, try to avoid suddenly having to brake on any gravel road since this could lead to the vehicle skidding and you losing control.
• You will come across things such as obstacles, steep gradients, and river crossings when traveling on our unpaved roads. Here, you must practice caution. For example, don’t risk going over an obstacle if you’re not really certain the vehicle’s clearance is high enough, and don’t cross rivers without testing the strength of the current and the depth of the water first.

What Type of Campervan Do You Need in Summer?

The right or wrong campervan can make or break a road trip through Iceland. The following will guide you in the right direction:

Camper Insurance: What’s Important When Driving in Iceland in Summer with a Campervan?

Certain campervan insurance is mandatory in Iceland and will already be included in your campervan rental package. This is called CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), which means that you’ll only be responsible for an excess amount (a small percentage of the total cost of the damage) if you ever have an accident with the rental. Other insurance policies you can consider during your drive in the summertime are the following:

• SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) – This essentially further decreases the excess amount you have to pay according to the CDW.
• Gravel Protection Insurance – This covers any damage caused by loose rocks or other debris while driving on a gravel road. Just read the small print of your policy, as this may exclude some parts of the vehicle.
• Tire Insurance – This is exactly what it sounds like; it covers any damage to your tires (a must when heading out on those rough and tough roads!).
• Sand and Ash Protection – Sand and ash can really batter a vehicle, especially when our winds pick up. For those traveling along the coast, this should be a non-negotiable.

What to Pack for a Summer Camper Trip in Iceland

We’re not as presumptuous as to think that you don’t know what to pack for a trip, but there are a few things about a trip to Iceland that you may not be aware of. These are some of the essentials you need to think of:

• Pack clothes you can layer. As mentioned, Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and by wearing layers, you’ll always be able to take something off or put something on.
• Pack waterproof clothing and gear, including a raincoat. While many think this is to counter the weather, it actually helps when going hiking, crossing rivers during drives on the F-roads, and even keeping dry at our powerful waterfalls with their mist and spray.
• Warm woolen socks, a warm hat (we recommend a beanie), and warm gloves. These are a must, irrespective of which season you visit Iceland.
• Warm sleeping bags (this will depend on a chat with your rental agent, since some provide bedding while others don’t).
• Outdoor cooking gear (once again, this will depend on a chat with your rental agent, as some provide these with their rental packages, while others don’t).
• A flashlight or a headlamp (we recommend the latter since it keeps your hands free).
• Reusable water bottles for everyone in your party (Iceland has some of the purest water in the world coming straight out of our taps, so you only need to top up as you go. If you want, you can actually purchase these on the island as souvenirs.).
• Swimsuit (for our cold swimming pools, waterparks, and hot springs)
• A Quick-Drying Towel (you don’t want to travel around with wet towels getting moldy and smelly)
• Adapter Plugs (if your devices are not European)
• Chargers and Power Banks (please note that batteries tend to run out quicker when it gets cold here in Iceland)

Ready to Go Driving in Iceland in Summer with a Campervan?

Driving in Iceland in summer with a campervan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a cost-effective and convenient way of exploring the island, allowing you to captain your own adventure and remain flexible.

It also doesn’t matter how many you are in your party, what’s included in your trip itinerary, or how large your wallet is – you will find the perfect campervan for you. So, use this guide, start planning your dream trip, rent a campervan in Iceland, and experience all this incredible country has to offer!