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36 Hours in Iceland sounds like a joke. It’s not. It’s enough if you know what you’re doing. Most people waste the first day figuring things out. You won’t. Camper keys in hand, you skip the hotel dance and point the nose toward actual adventure.
Sleep where the view slaps you awake. Cook noodles at midnight under a sky that looks fake. You’ll cover ground fast, stop when you feel like it, and steal moments tourists miss while queuing for check-in. This isn’t the slow way. It’s ‘the better way’. Let’s see how much Iceland you can steal before the clock wins.
Why a Campervan is the Smartest Choice for a Short Iceland Trip
The fastest way to turn 36 hours in Iceland into a real adventure is to rent a campervan. Hotels slow you down. Bus tours box you in. A camper keeps you moving and close to what you came here to see.
- Make the Weather Your Co-Pilot - Storm in the south? Swing north. Clear skies over the Highlands? Aim there. No reservations to undo.
- Sleep Close to the Action - Choose campsites near black sand beaches or under volcanic peaks. Wake up minutes from your first stop, coffee in hand, ready to explore.
- Spend on Experiences, Not Overheads - Skip paying for both car and hotel. Your wheels are your room. Your stove is your restaurant.
- Stay in the Moment - If a hidden canyon steals your afternoon, let it. You set the clock.
- Never Follow the Herd - Bus tours can keep their schedules. You’ll keep your freedom.
Your 36-Hour Iceland Itinerary by Campervan
So, what can you actually pull off in such a short window? More than you think. We’ve got the route, the stops, and the shortcuts ready. Keep reading to see how your first hours in Iceland should really go.
Hour 0-4: Arriving at Keflavik and Picking Up Your Camper
Off the plane. Through passport control. Customs barely glances up. There’s a duty-free shop the size of a small supermarket, but unless you need booze right now, keep moving. ATMs are everywhere, but rates bite harder here than in the city, grab just enough for snacks.
Need data? Siminn SIM card at the terminal. Or skip the whole SIM setup schlep and rent a mobile unlimited WiFi hotspot through us. Honestly, who’s still making regular phone calls when travelling internationally?
Our depot is at the airport, so no shuttle circus. Check the tires, kick them if you must, make sure the heater works, and figure out the fuel rules unless you like surprise charges. Bedding, gas canisters, cookware, ask now, regret nothing later.
Route 41 to Reykjavik is an easy 45 km (28 mi). Forty-five minutes if the traffic gods are kind. Stop for Skyr, Kleinur, harðfiskur, maybe a gas station hot dog. Three days in Iceland isn’t long, so start eating into it now.
Hour 4-10: Reykjavik Sights, Coffee Stops & Supplies
With 36 hours in Reykjavik, you do not have time to ‘just explore.’ Park the camper, lock it, and go straight for the heavy hitters. Hallgrímskirkja is the city’s tallest landmark, inspired by basalt columns. Take the elevator to the top; panoramic city, mountains, and ocean in one sweep. Harpa Concert Hall is all angles and glass, catching light from the harbor. Inside, you’ll find views worth pretending you’re here for the culture. Then stroll Laugavegur and downtown backstreets for street murals; every wall has a story, every alley is a free Instagram shoot.
Caffeine matters. Reykjavik Roasters for locally worshipped beans, Mokka Kaffi on Rainbow Road for vintage charm, and Kattakaffihúsið if sipping with cats is your thing.
Stock up before the real drive begins: Krónan or Bónus for groceries, snacks, and camping basics. While you’re at it, grab an N1 prepaid card for 24/7 fuel access or an Orkan card for 12ISK per liter discounts.
Hour 10-22: Golden Circle Adventure (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
Hit the Golden Circle. If you are seeing Iceland in 3 days, you do it on this route. No debate. Three big hitters in one loop, and if you keep moving, a few sneaky side stops too. Roughly 230 km or 140 mi from Reykjavik, round trip, unless you keep pulling over for ‘just one photo.’ Spoiler, you will.
Thingvellir National Park first. Rift valley, tectonic drama, North America on one side, Eurasia on the other. You will stand in the middle like you own the place. Law Rock is up the path where Iceland decided democracy was a good idea back in 930 AD. Silfra fissure looks like bottled glacier water. Öxarárfoss is loud, pretty, and cold mist hits your face.
Then Geysir. Strokkur is the main attraction, launching boiling water 40 m or 131 ft into the air every few minutes. Smells like sulphur, looks like special effects. Gullfoss closes it out. Two-tier drop, 32 m or 105 ft total. Mist soaks you before you get the photo. Worth it.
If you have daylight left, Kerid Crater is all red rock and blue water. Or head for Bruarfoss, where it is quieter and bluer than should be legal. Campervan bonus, chase the evening light or show up at sunrise when the buses are still parked in Reykjavik.
Hour 22-30: Soaking and Sleeping in Nature (Secret Lagoon or Reykjadalur)
You have chased waterfalls, dodged sulphur steam, and crossed tectonic plates. Now your 36 hours in Iceland need heat. The kind you sink into until your fingers wrinkle.
Head to Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, which is the oldest pool in Iceland. Warm year-round at 38 to 40°C (100-104°F), fed by hot springs, steam drifting in the evening light. A little geyser pops every five minutes like it is on a timer. Here, you will get none of the selfie circus like at the Blue Lagoon. You have changing rooms, showers, lockers, and towels. Book ahead in summer, or you will be the one stuck peeking through the fence.
Reykjadalur, ‘Steam Valley,’ makes you earn it. Three kilometres each way (2 mi), maybe 45 minutes if you charge ahead, ninety if you wander. Hills, bubbling mud, and steam vents make the place look prehistoric. At the end, you will find a hot river between 37 and 42°C (98 and 108 °F) with mountains watching. Wooden platforms and rough changing corners are all you get. Evenings here are something else.
Hour 30-34: Scenic Stops En Route Back to Reykjavik
Three days in Iceland vanish faster than you think. The airport is calling, but there is still time to eat like a local and pull over for one last ‘wow’ before reality hits. First stop, Hveragerði. Almar Bakari smells like cinnamon before you even park. Rye bread, sticky rolls, strong coffee.
You will want to sit, but the clock will argue. Selfoss (the town, not the waterfall) comes next. GK Bakarí piles its counter with pain au chocolat, cinnamon rolls people rave about, and even vegan pastries. Sandwiches, too, if you need something with weight before the flight. You could try other breakfast spots, but why bother?
Nature will not wait. Seljalandsfoss gives you that walk behind the water shot. Gljúfrabúi hides nearby, just enough to keep half the tourists out. If you want to stay closer to Reykjavik, Öxarárfoss in Thingvellir is an easy last stop. Or pull over on the south coast for steam rising from the earth and wild horses ignoring you.
Morning light is worth chasing, before nine, if you can. Waterfalls glow, mist catches rainbows, and even roadside moss looks expensive. Take the big landscape shots, then zoom in on the details. You know, lava, water spray, moss, just the usual. It’s the little stuff that sticks with you.
Hour 34-36: Final Reykjavik Breakfast and Return to the Airport
The last stretch of your 3 days in Iceland deserves more than a gas station coffee. Start with breakfast worth remembering. Grái Kötturinn has been feeding locals and travelers since 1997 with ‘The Truck’ breakfast, pancakes, bagels, and coffee in a snug, book-filled corner. Sandholt is the central bakery everyone raves about, serving pastries, artisan bread, and coffee in a stylish space. Or go old school at Kaffivagninn, Reykjavik’s oldest restaurant by the harbor, with classic plates and a view of the marina.
Before you leave, grab a piece of Iceland to take home. The Handknitting Association of Iceland sells authentic lopapeysa sweaters, mittens, and hats made by local hands. Thorvaldsens Bazar offers wool products with a side of history, while Kolaportið Flea Market is your weekend stop for bargains. Smaller shops like Rammagerdin have lava salt, chocolate, and easy-to-pack gifts.
Refuel the camper to avoid extra fees. Clear out your stuff and trash so you are not charged for the mess. Park at our depot, hand over the keys, and let the inspection and paperwork run its short course.
Best Year-Round Campsites with Showers and Electricity
Iceland’s weather will remind you that comfort matters. These year-round campsites keep you warm, powered, and clean, even in the middle of winter.
- Reykjavík Campsite (Laugardalur) - Large, modern, with hot showers, laundry, electricity, and close to downtown.
- Selfoss Campsite - Right on the southern Ring Road. Close to waterfalls and geothermal areas, with full amenities, and blissfully quiet in winter.
- Hveragerði Campsite - Year-round access, near steaming hot springs and hiking trails, with heated spaces and kitchens.
- Grindavík Campsite - Perfect for a Blue Lagoon visit before or after your flight.
- Skaftafell Campground - In Vatnajökull National Park with electricity, showers, and glacier access.
- Egilsstaðir Campground - Eastern Iceland’s base for winter adventures with dark skies for aurora hunting.
Best Campervan Spots for Northern Lights
From September to April, dark skies are your best friend. Pick the right campsite and you can watch the aurora dance without leaving your parking spot.
- Vestrahorn/Stokksnes Peninsula (Viking Cafe Campground) - Black sand, rugged mountains, and winter basics.
- Þakgil Campground - A quiet valley that blocks light pollution and coastal winds. Use a 4x4 in winter.
- Skaftafell Campground - Between glaciers and black sand plains, with wide open skies.
- Stykkishólmur Camping Ground - Coastal views and close to Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains.
Camping Laws in Iceland - Know Before You Park
Wild camping in a vehicle is illegal unless you have written permission from the landowner. Since 2015, rangers and police have enforced this hard, especially in tourist-heavy spots and protected areas.
The rules in short:
- No sleeping in vehicles outside marked campgrounds without landowner permission.
- You can be fined or told to move on the spot.
- There are legal campsites in every region, so plan ahead instead of winging it.
Practical Tips for a Smooth 36-Hour Camper Trip in Iceland
If you skip these, you will regret it. Iceland will chew up your time, your budget, and possibly your patience if you wing it. These are the fixes.
- Fuel Smart - Top up whenever you pass a station. Rural gaps are bigger than you think, and running on fumes here is not an adventure.
- Stock Up Early - Buy groceries and snacks in Reykjavik before you hit the road. You will not want to waste prime daylight hunting for bread in the middle of nowhere.
- Layer Like a Local - Weather flips fast. T-shirt at noon, windproof jacket by two, thermal layer at four.
- Check Road Conditions - Use Umferdin.is for closures, ice, and wind alerts. Icelandic roads do not care about your schedule, and high winds can end your trip faster than snow.
- Watch the Weather Apps - Vedur.is for the skies, so you know when to run for that photo or hide in the camper.
Campervan Packing Checklist
Skip half of this and you will either freeze, go hungry, or miss the shot of a lifetime. Pack smart.
- Warm Layers - Thermal base, fleece mid, windproof outer. Iceland’s 5°C (41°F) mornings are no joke, even in summer.
- Quick-Dry Towel - Essential for hot springs and campsite showers.
- Headlamp - Vital in winter’s long nights and for rummaging in the van without waking your travel partner.
- Food Staples - Pasta, Skyr, and snacks you can eat while driving.
- Portable Charger - Keep devices alive off-grid.
- Camera Tripod - For low-light aurora shots.
- Flip-Flops - Hot spring changing areas are wet and cold.
What’s Included and What Extras Can You Add?
Relax, you do not have to bring half your house to Iceland. Most of our campers already come stocked with the essentials, but exactly what’s included can vary depending on the model you rent.
Commonly Included Items:
- Unlimited Mileage - Drive as far as you like without worrying about extra fees.
- Webasto Heating - Keeps the van warm on cold Icelandic nights.
- Fuel Discount Chip - Save money at N1 stations around the country.
- Sleeping Bag - Warm enough for Icelandic nights.
- Camping Set - Foldable table and chairs for roadside meals.
- Kitchen Set - Pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery.
- Cooler / Refrigerator - Keep your food fresh on the move.
Popular Extras You Can Add:
- Child Seats & Booster Seats - Multiple sizes for safe family travel.
- Extra Driver - Share the driving and the views.
- GPS - Navigate with confidence even where mobile coverage drops.
- Unlimited Mobile WiFi - Stay connected anywhere in Iceland.
- Inverter - Charge laptops and other devices with 230V power.
Tip: When booking, check your camper’s ‘included’ list carefully; some models already come with extras that others do not, and you can always add what you need for maximum comfort.
Road Conditions and Weather Advice
If you think 36 hours in Iceland means a smooth, scenic cruise, think again. Driving in Iceland is not complicated, but please read these tips before you take on our roads:
Narrow Roads and Infrastructure
Out here, ‘two lane’ often means two strips of tarmac with no shoulder and not much forgiveness if you drift. The Ring Road might be paved, but it will still throw single lane bridges at you and the occasional jolt from asphalt to loose gravel.
Head into the Highlands or anywhere truly remote, and you will find sharp bends, blind hills, and nothing but air where you might expect a guardrail. F-roads? You will need a 4x4, and if the season is right, you might be splashing through rivers instead of crossing bridges.
Sudden Storms and Gravel Hazards
The weather can turn quickly, even in August. Calm one moment, strong gusts the next, and taller campervans feel it the most. Gravel gathers along road edges and can send you skidding if you re-enter too sharply, so slow down before transitions. Gravel protection insurance is worth it for the peace of mind.
Seasonal Nuances in Iceland
Seasons here don’t ease in. They just… switch. One morning it’s light until midnight, then suddenly you’re eating dinner in the dark. In June, you get about 21 hours of daylight, which is great until you’re still driving at 2 a.m. and realise you forgot to sleep. By September, the days are noticeably shorter, and December? Feels like the sun’s on vacation.
The weather doesn’t care what month it is. A July afternoon might flirt with 15°C (59°F), but the wind will cut right through you anyway. Winter likes to hang around freezing, with ice and snow popping up whenever. Spring is a liar. Sunny one minute, sleet the next. Best trick? Pack for everything and believe nothing the forecast tells you.
Gas Stations and Rest Areas
If you are tackling 3 days in Iceland, gas stations are not just for fuel; they are your lifeline. N1 has the widest reach, with locations across the country, open long hours or 24/7, staffed or self-service. Olís runs over 50 stations with fantastic amenities, friendly staff, and discounts, while ÓB is their budget self-service brand.
Orkan keeps prices low at its 72 stations and offers mobile payment and discounts with an Orkan card. Atlantsolía sticks mainly to Reykjavík, competitive and no frills. Fuel runs ISK 304-320 per liter (about $2.47-2.64 USD), with remote stations costing more. COSTCO is the cheapest but only near Reykjavík and requires membership.
Big stations can feed you with burgers, sandwiches, or Icelandic hot dogs, plus showers, free Wi-Fi, and even groceries. Treat them as coffee stops, planning hubs, and resupply points. Top up early, and you will never panic-search for fuel in the wild. You can also check our Iceland gas station map for locations along your route. Rent with us, and the fuel card is free, because we know what you’ll forget.
36 Hours in Iceland Is Plenty If You Play It Right
36 Hours in Iceland is enough if you stop wasting time. You can sip coffee in Reykjavik, stand between tectonic plates, soak in hot water with steam in your face, then chase a waterfall before the airport dash.
A campervan makes it happen. No hotel check-ins. No waiting for a bus full of strangers. Just drive, park, sleep, repeat. Think you can handle that pace? Then stop scrolling and pick your van. We have heaters, fuel chips, and the kind of freedom you will miss the second you leave. The clock is ticking already.
