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There is no better way to experience Iceland’s raw and untamed natural beauty than by immersing yourself in our landscapes via a campervan road trip. There are also many other perks to traveling with a campervan, from being cost-effective to affording you the ultimate freedom. This article shares with you all the ins and outs of a campervan road trip in Iceland, and we’ve even provided you with a comprehensive 7-day Iceland campervan itinerary that you can either use as is or use as inspiration for your own customized itinerary.
So, if you’re a traveler who’s always dreamed of visiting Iceland and you’re seeking the ultimate comfort, flexibility, and adventure, read on. With all sorts of helpful info, local tips, and the outlined itinerary, this is an article not to be missed!
Why Choose a Campervan for Your Iceland Road Trip?
There are many advantages to exploring Iceland in a campervan. These include the following:
It Gives You the Ultimate Freedom and Flexibility
You don’t need to adhere to some tour guide’s schedule or clock in and out of pre-booked accommodation at specific times. With a campervan, you captain your own adventure, and because there are many campsites that don’t require pre-booking, you can easily change your plans (or not make any plans) when it comes to staying overnight somewhere.
It’s the Most Cost-Effective Option
The thing that gives a gut punch to any holiday budget is usually accommodation. If you rent a campervan, you’ll have transportation and accommodation taken care of transportation and accommodation all at once, and by making use of our super affordable campsites (and cooking in your own campervan kitchen, of course), you’ll drastically cut down on costs. If you’d like to add on even more savings, you can check out the Camping Card and the Reykjavik City Card.
You Can Camp Earlier or Longer
Try as the outdoor companies might, traditional camping tents (for us normal folks and not those exploring the Antarctic) make camping challenging if the weather isn’t playing along. Winter, with its ice and snow, is definitely no time for camping unless you’re filming a Bear Grylls episode, and our winter conditions tend to come early in the northern parts of the country and also stick around till well into early spring with patches of unmelted ice and snow still lying around.
But this is what makes a campervan so convenient. Because of the extra shelter it provides, you can start camping earlier or still go camping for longer, irrespective of the winter creeping in or refusing to go.
You Can Camp in Comfort
Needless to say, traveling around like a slug with your fully equipped home with all its creature comforts really puts a basic traditional tent to shame. With a campervan, you never have to worry about your comfort levels – they’ll be well taken care of.
You Can Get Closer to the Action Than Most
Our campsites have other perks than just facilities and amenities, and an affordability factor; they can get you as close to the action as you can possibly get. For example, Skogafoss Campground allows you to stare out your window onto Skogafoss Waterfall!
What to Know Before You Go: Important Info Before Taking On Our Iceland Campervan Itinerary
Below, you’ll find some useful information to help you plan your trip and avoid any unnecessary hiccups:
The Best Time to Travel in a Campervan
While the different seasons all bring their own unique experience of Iceland, you need to keep the following in mind when planning a campervan road trip:
- Summertime (June to August) is your best bet when it comes to the best weather, the warmest temperatures, and the most daylight hours.
- Summertime (specifically mid-June to the end of June) is also when you can experience one of our most famous natural phenomena, the Midnight Sun. This is when you’ll get 24-hour daylight even though the sun takes a quick dip behind the horizon.
- Except for sudden road closures due to extreme weather conditions, certain roads here in Iceland, such as the F-roads, are kept closed throughout the colder months of the year, essentially making summer the only time you’re guaranteed to have all roads open for a no-fuss road trip.
- Summertime in Iceland is considered our peak season, which, unfortunately, means two things: peak season crowds and peak season prices. So, if you’re not one for too many people and you’ll be traveling on a tight budget, you might have to reconsider visiting during the summer.
- The shoulder seasons (fall and spring; September, October, and April, May specifically) are an excellent compromise. Because they are shoulder seasons (caught between winter and summer), you’ll still be able to experience many of the benefits of either season, but without so many of their drawbacks. The weather will still be pretty mild during these months, with adequate temperatures, enough daylight hours to support a pretty packed itinerary, not a lot of people, and reasonable prices that are much kinder on your wallet.
- Winter in Iceland can be pretty magical. A thick blanket of snow with everything seemingly frozen in time and ice sparkling all around – there’s a good reason why so many photographers come to visit the island during this season.
- Winter brings extraordinary experiences: from exploring ice caves to watching the brightly colored Northern Lights dance across the sky – these are exclusive to our winter season.
- Of course, the drawback of winter is its harsh and cold weather conditions. So, if you’re someone who gets chilly quite easily, winter is definitely a season to avoid at all costs.
- Another drawback of winter is the amount of daylight hours you have to work with. Mid-winter, you’ll only have about 4 hours of daylight, which means pretty careful planning when it comes to an Iceland campervan itinerary.
- Except for the sudden and annual road closures during the colder months of the year, winter also brings with it very challenging road conditions. So, if you’re not used to driving in ice and snow and pretty strong winds back home, or you’re just a bit of a nervous driver, winter might not be the best idea for your campervan road trip.
What to Pack for a Campervan Trip
We know you already know how to pack for a trip in general, but some of the items we want to highlight are campervan road trip specific. So, don’t forget the following:
- Clothes (Yes, you’ve probably got this down pat, but here in Iceland, you’ll need to wear layers. This means thermals, long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, and coats).
- Waterproof clothing, hiking boots and gear, and a raincoat (Many think this is to be prepared for a sudden change in the weather, but this is actually more to keep you dry on hikes where you might have to cross streams or when you visit our waterfalls that will leave you absolutely drenched by their powerful mist and spray).
- A sleeping bag (Some campervans do not come with bedding included, so please inquire specifically from your rental agent).
- A refillable water bottle (Iceland boasts some of the purest water on earth, so as long as you have a bottle, you’ll be able to top up at any tap as you go).
- Groceries so you can cook your own meals (Opt for budget-friendly stores such as Bonus and Kronan, and don’t overdo it with the fresh ingredients that will go bad before you can use them. Keep a steady balance between fresh ingredients and those with a long shelf life, such as nuts and energy bars, which make for excellent nutrition during emergencies.
- Swimwear, irrespective of the season (One of Iceland’s biggest claims to fame is our hot springs, so you don’t want to miss out just because you don’t have proper attire).
- A towel (We recommend opting for a quick-drying towel so you don’t end up lugging wet things around on your travels all day).
- Chargers and power banks (Something many don’t know is that the colder it gets in Iceland, the quicker your electrical device’s batteries get drained).
- A flashlight or a headlamp (We recommend the latter, so your hands remain free to use).
- Hard copy and downloaded offline maps (Most will bring or get a GPS with their campervan, but you’ll need a backup plan in case technology or signals let you down).
Camping and Parking with Your Campervan in Iceland
Before you hit the road in your camper and just start to park and camp wherever and whenever the mood strikes, please take note of the following:
- Wild camping is a thing of the past here in Iceland. Due to visitors abusing the privilege, invading locals’ privacy and private property, and destroying our fragile environment, wild camping has been officially illegal since 2015.
- You are now only allowed to camp at designated camping spots or on private property if you have the explicit permission of the landowner. Even with the owner’s permission, you are still not allowed to pitch more than 3 tents or stay for more than 48 hours.
- Parking lots are not camping spots. Unless the parking lot specifically states that it can be used as an overnight stop, it will be illegal to overnight there.
- Wherever you park or camp, please follow the “leave no trace” principle. This not only means you don’t litter, but you also don’t DIY your own little pathways and trample sensitive flora or even step through a Puffin borough. And it DEFINITELY means you don’t do your bathroom business out in nature – either use the facilities at the campsite or the one fitted in your campervan.
- Choose a campsite based on your specific needs and requirements. For example, if you’re traveling with kids, you probably want a campsite with a playground or other facilities and activities to keep them entertained. Similarly, if you’re driving a compact campervan without a bathroom or kitchen, you’ll need to camp at a site with communal facilities.
Budgeting for Your Campervan Trip
While many things will impact prices, the following should be a good general guideline to base your budget on:
- Campervan rental = Between 14 000 ISK and 60 000 ISK ($109.90/€96.52 and $470.99/€413.65), depending on the make, size and season
- Fuel = Between 5095.60 ISK and 6369.50 ISK ($40/€35.13 and $50/€43.91) per day, depending on mileage, road conditions, etc.
- Campsites = Between 1273.90 ISK and 2547.80 ISK ($10/€8.78 and $20/€17.56) per person per night, depending on location and amenities
- Groceries = Between 38 217 ISK and 63 695 ISK ($300/€263.47 and $500/€439.12) per week, depending on where you shop
- Activities & Attractions = 12 739 ISK (+/- $100/€87.82) per week (Although this will allow you to take in some of the more expensive museums or whale watching boat tours, for example, it still remains your prerogative what you want to spend. There are many free activities and attractions in Iceland if you’re really on a tight budget).
Staying Safe When Driving in Iceland with a Campervan
Whether this is your first time on the island or your first time road-tripping with a campervan, the following will help you have a safe and memorable trip:
- Our local saying goes, “You can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland,” so you can expect the unexpected, irrespective of season. To mitigate any nasty surprises, please keep an eye on the weather forecast on the Vedur website as well as the roads on the Umferdin website.
- Strictly adhere to our speed limits (remember, they may not be what you’re used to back home). Not only is this for the safety of yourself and others, but if caught, your wallet will feel it.
- It will always be a good idea to drive slower on the gravel roads. This will allow you to remain in full control of the vehicle and will lower your risk of having the vehicle kick up debris like rocks or sand that can damage the camper.
- Save our emergency number (112) on your phone. This number is literally for any emergency, from car breakdowns and accidents to fires and other medical emergencies.
- If you plan on exploring the remote regions of Iceland (like the Westfjords in our 7-day Iceland campervan itinerary), then you’ll need to fuel up whenever you hit the larger cities or towns. Gas stations become few and far between in the remote areas, and they also tend to be a bit pricier.
- Always keep an eye out for animals crossing the road. Remember, we have free-roaming sheep, horses, reindeer, and more that can cross the road unexpectedly.
- We have one-lane bridges, especially in the countryside. Although these are clearly indicated by their road sign, the only thing you need to know if you come across a bridge with just one lane is that the rule of thumb is whoever was first at the bridge gets to cross first. Don’t just cross at full speed with no regard for others – it’s bound to end in disaster.
Our Recommended 7-Day Iceland Campervan Itinerary
Below, you’ll find the detailed outline of our recommended 7-day Iceland campervan itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival & Heading Out On the Ring Road (aka Route 1)
Driving Distance: +/- 120 kilometers (+/- 75 miles)
Driving Time: +/- 2.5 hours (excluding any time spent at stops)
After arriving at Keflavik Airport, pick up your campervan from your rental agent’s lot. Since the lots are a ways off from the airport, you’ll need to catch one of the rental car shuttles at the airport entrance. Before leaving the lot with your campervan, please remember to check a few things. First, chat with your agent about your planned route and insurance to ensure your coverage is sufficient. Also, chat about any other things included/excluded from your rental package.
Lastly, you’ll need to inspect the vehicle for any scratches or other damage and double-check that all equipment is in working order so you don’t get blamed and end up with a bill that shouldn’t be yours. Once you’ve got the all-clear, you can head out onto Route 1 for your first day, exploring the Golden Circle.
Highlights of the Day:
- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
Overnight At: Ulfljotsvatn Campsite
Day 2: The Stunning South Coast
Driving Distance: +/- 300 kilometers (+/- 186 miles)
Driving Time: +/- 5 hours (excluding any time spent at stops)
Today, you’ll continue on Route 1 down our beautiful south coast, known for its waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacial adventures.
Highlights of the Day:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- The Town of Vik
- Fjadrargljufur Canyon
- The Skaftafell Section of the Larger Vatnajökull National Park (this includes the famous Svartifoss Waterfall)
- Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Overnight At: Skaftafell Campground
Day 3: Exploring the Eastfjords
Driving Distance: +/- 260 kilometers (+/- 162 miles)
Driving Time: +/- 4.5 hours (excluding any time spent at stops)
Today is a special time, winding your way along the beautiful Eastfjords, passing many charming little fishing villages. Keep an eye out for some of our local wildlife and impressive seabird species.
Highlights of the Day:
- Djupivogur
- Seydisfjördur
- Hengifoss Waterfall
Overnight At: Seydisfjördur Campsite
Day 4: North Iceland and Akureyri
Driving Distance: +/- 270 kilometers (+/- 168 miles)
Driving Time: +/- 4.5 hours (excluding any time spent at stops)
Today, you’ll continue your Ring Road journey and explore the amazing sights and attractions the northern part of the country holds, including the so-called capital city of the north, Akureyri.
Highlights of the Day:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Lake Myvatn
- Myvatn Nature Baths
- Godafoss Waterfall
- Akureyri
Overnight At: Hamrar Campsite
Day 5: Exploring the Westfjords (Including an Optional Detour)
Driving Distance: +/- 400 kilometers (+/- 249 miles) if you opt for the Westfjords detour/ +/- 250 kilometers (+/- 155 miles) if you opt out of the Westfjords detour
Driving Time: +/- 7 hours (excluding any time spent at stops) if you opt for the Westfjords detour/ +/- 4 hours (excluding any time spent at stops) if you opt out of the Westfjords detour
Today, you’ll have a choice of continuing on the Ring Road towards Snæfellsnes Peninsula or taking a detour and exploring one of Iceland’s most remote regions, the Westfjords. But please note that the Westfjords consist of many unpaved roads, and you’ll need a 4x4 campervan to take these on.
Highlights of the Day:
(On the Westfjords Detour)
- Isafjördur
- Dynjandi Waterfall
- Latrabjarg Cliffs
(On the Ring Road to Snæfellsnes Peninsula)
- Grabrok Crater
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
- Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfall
Overnight At: Isafjördur or Patreksfjördur Campsites
Day 6: Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Driving Distance: +/- 250 kilometers (+/- 155 miles)
Driving Time: +/- 4 hours (excluding any time spent at stops)
Snæfellsnes Peninsula is referred to as the “mini Iceland.” This is because you can get a taste of all the Land of Fire and Ice has to offer by exploring this area, from glaciers and volcanoes to black sand beaches, quaint villages, dramatic mountains, and more.
Highlights of the Day:
- Stykkisholmur
- Snæfellsjökull National Park
- Arnarstapi
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Svörtuloft Lighthouse
Overnight At: Arnarstapi or Olafsvik Campsites
Day 7: Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon
Driving Distance: +/- 180 kilometers (+/- 112 miles)
Driving Time: +/- 3 hours (excluding any time spent at stops)
Today, you’ll take on the last stretch of the Ring Road, leading you all the way back to Reykjavik. The idea is to
spend your last day exploring the capital city and relaxing and unwinding before catching your flight home. How much you can squeeze into today will all depend on your flight time.
Highlights of the Day:
- Reykjavik (visit places such as Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, Perlan, the Sun Voyager, and much, much more)
- Blue Lagoon (this is on your way to Keflavik Airport, so please allocate enough time so you don’t end up missing your flight)
Overnight At: Reykjavik Campsite
Are You Ready to Take On Our 7-Day Iceland Campervan Itinerary?
The benefits of exploring the country in a campervan are clear. Whether it’s the financial aspect, the comfort, convenience, freedom, or flexibility that draws you the most – a campervan road trip is a savvy solution to travel cost-effectively and in style. So, if you’re ready to take on our 7-day Iceland campervan itinerary, book your camper in Iceland and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
