A Campervan 5-Day Iceland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for the First-Time Visitor

An Iceland itinerary for 5 days sounds rushed. It is. But if you're smart about it, five days is enough to get hooked. You won’t see everything. You will see the stuff that actually matters. The black sand. The big falls. The eerie quiet once the tourists leave. 

This route cuts the nonsense with places like the Golden Circle and the South Coast. You’ll sleep next to cliffs instead of checking into beige hotel rooms. You’ll cook your own food and skip the overpriced café lattes. It’s not luxury. It’s better. If you’re doing Iceland in five days, this is how to do it properly.

Why Choose a Campervan for Your 5-Day Iceland Itinerary?

There’s a reason why every smart traveler ends up googling an Iceland campervan itinerary at some point. Actually, a few reasons. Here’s why renting a campervan in Iceland isn’t just a good idea. It’s the only one that makes sense:

• More adventure, less routine - Most people sleep in beds. You’ll sleep beside glaciers, under volcanoes, in a van. That’s half the point.
• Budget hack that actually works - Hotel plus rental car? Too many bills. Campervan? One cost. Campsites are $11 to $27. Hotels can hit $400. That’s your entire fuel budget gone in one night.
• Camping Card = smarter savings - $187 for 28 nights, 2 adults, 4 kids. It's a great deal if you’re staying a 5 days or more, with you’re family. Not so great deal if you are only 2 people. So keep that in mind.
• Flexible travel, no bookings - No schedules. No check-ins. Park where it makes sense. Leave when you're ready.
• No roughing it - Bed, heat, stove, privacy. Glamping, but without the glitter and Instagram filters.
• Front-row views, no extra charge - Camp next to waterfalls. Cook by a glacier. Sleep near the ocean. You’re not seeing Iceland from the sidelines. You’re in it.
• Sense of community - Campsites come with stories, helpful strangers, and sometimes, free coffee. Hotel lobbies don’t.

Camper vs Car + Hotel

Your Iceland Trip Itinerary for 5 Days

Below, you’ll find a detailed outline with plenty of resources for your 5 day Iceland itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Reykjavik

• Airport to Reykjavik: 45 minutes, about 50 km (30 miles)
• View Route

You’ll land at Keflavik Airport and pick up your camper there. Just don’t expect it to be waiting outside the terminal. Most rental depots are a short shuttle ride away. Look for the signs. They’re obvious. 

If you’re starting in the city instead, check our Reykjavik camper rental options. Either way, once you’ve got the keys and figured out the handbrake, it’s time to head for your first stop: Reykjavik.

Bonus Tip: Before hitting the city, stop at Bónus or Krónan for groceries. Stock up now unless you want to pay double in the middle of nowhere. Fill the tank too. You’ll thank yourself later.

Things to Do/See

• Hallgrimskirkja - A landmark church in Iceland inspired by the natural features found on the island. It’s crazy to think that this remarkable building was the result of a design competition held in the capital city.
• Saga Museum - Explore Iceland’s history, intertwined with legend, with these life-sized wax figures and famous scenes. ‘Fake’ people and a history that reads like an adventure novel make this a great family outing.
• Sun Voyager - An art installation found at the waterfront that makes for incredible photos, especially at dawn and dusk, with the light creating all sorts of interesting shadows on the structure.
• Harpa Concert Hall - This modern architectural gem is home to Iceland’s national opera and orchestra and plays host to many artists coming to perform here.
• Laugavegur Street - This is our big shopping street, where you’ll find everything from clothes and souvenirs to outdoor gear, home décor, and much, much more. With everything this street has, it’s hard not to have your credit card take a punch.

Where to Stay

Reykjavík Campsite is your best bet for night one. Open all year.

Facilities include:

• Hot showers
• Heated indoor common area
• Free Wi-Fi
• Electric hook-ups
• Kitchen and dishwashing station
• Laundry service
• Grey/black water disposal
• Walking distance to downtown (30-40 mins)

You’ll need to book ahead in summer since it’s considered one of the best campsites in Iceland. In winter, you’ll pretty much have it to yourself. 

Day 2: Exploring the Golden Circle

• Golden Circle loop total: 286 km (168 miles) round trip
• Estimated drive time: 3.5-4 hours without stops. Add 2-4 more hours depending on how long you stare at geysers, eat tomatoes, or float between continents.
• View Route

Today’s your Golden Circle in 5 days moment. This isn’t just a scenic loop. It’s 300 km (190 miles) of some of Iceland’s most notable spots. Waterfalls. Geysers. Cracked earth that used to be a continent. Everyone does it. Most rush it. You won’t.

The route loops east from Reykjavik and back again, hitting the big three: Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Add some side stops if you’re smart, skip a few if they’re packed, and time it right so you don’t spend your whole day stuck behind tour buses. 

This is the day you start to understand why people come back here more than once.

Things to Do/See:

• Thingvellir National Park - Not only is it one of our beautiful national parks, but it’s also one of the most important historical landmarks in Iceland. Althingi (hence the name of the park) can be found here and was the first parliament of Iceland, where many important decisions were made.
• Geysir Geothermal Area - This area is filled with all things hot and steamy, including the OG of geysers and the very reason we call them that in the first place: Geysir. Although dormant, its sister geyser, Stokkur, still erupts regularly, launching liters of boiling hot water up in the air.
• Gullfoss Waterfall - A two-tiered waterfall of 11 and 21 meters (36 to 69 feet) each that often has rainbows that can be seen through its mist and spray. The name translates to ‘Golden Falls,’ and legend has it that a Viking hid his gold there.
• Diving or Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure - The Silfra Fissure is a tear in the earth’s surface where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates push apart. This gap has filled with the clearest glacial water, allowing visitors to go snorkeling or diving, essentially ‘hanging out’ between two continents. As a side note, snorkeling can be done by anyone, but diving requires a valid diving license and sufficient experience.
• Fridheimar Tomato Farm - Exactly what it sounds like. Just remember to pop into the eatery, where you can choose from all sorts of tomato-inspired dishes and even taste tomato beer! 

Where to Stay

Skjól Campground sits between Geysir and Gullfoss. Open April to October.

Facilities include:

• Hot showers and toilets (cleanliness can vary)
• Electric hook-ups for campervans
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site bar and bistro (pizza, soup, basic meals)
• Indoor common area (limited kitchen access, cold water sinks)
• Children’s playground with a jumping pillow and a soccer field
• Nearby horse rentals and golf course (Haukadalsvöllur)

Good location for looping the Golden Circle. Book ahead in summer. 

Day 3: Moving Down the South Coast

• Route distance: 235 km (146 miles)
• Estimated drive time: About 3 hours, not counting all the places you’ll want to pull over.
• View Route

Today kicks off your South Coast road trip. You’ll see waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic cliffs, and the kind of black sand beaches that wreck phone batteries. 

This stretch is one of Iceland’s most photographed regions, and for good reason. But it’s also one of the windiest, so keep both hands on the wheel and don’t open your doors like you’re in a parking garage back home. 

You'll be heading southeast toward Vík, with some of the best stops stacked along the way. If you pace it right, you'll hit the big sights before the tour buses catch up.

Things to Do/See

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall - This waterfall is also known as ‘the waterfall you can walk behind’ since a trail going up the 60-meter 197 ft) waterfall allows you to look through its veil of tumbling water over the spectacular Icelandic landscape.
• Skogafoss Waterfall - One of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, standing 60 meters (197 ft) tall and 25 meters (82 ft) wide.
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - Probably the most famous black sand beach in Iceland. It’s characterized by its kilometres-long stretch of beach and basalt column cliffs lining the coastline.
• Dyrholaey Rock Formation - This rock formation is a testament to the power of nature and time. This piece of land stretching out into the ocean has been eroded away to have a hole in the middle, turning it into an arch.
• Solheimasandur Plane Wreck - A dramatic plane wreck that was never the result of a dramatic plane crash but merely an emergency landing that left all crew completely unharmed. 

Where to Stay

Vík Camping is one of the largest campsites in the country, just 1 km from the village center. Open mid-May to end of November.

Facilities include:

• Hot showers (300 ISK fee) and toilets
• Electric hook-ups for motorhomes (1,000 ISK)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Indoor dining space and water access (hot and cold)
• Washing machine and dryer (800 ISK each)
• Grey/black water disposal station
• 250-person capacity with space for tents, vans, and caravans
• Walking distance to grocery, fuel, and a bakery worth the calories

No need to book in advance unless you’re part of a big group. Just check in at reception when you arrive or set up and check in later if it’s closed.

Day 4: A Glacier Lagoon and a Diamond Beach

• Route distance: 271 km (168 miles)
• Estimated drive time: About 2.5 hours from Vík if you can resist pulling over every 15 minutes.
• View Route

You’re now deep into Iceland’s Ring Road in 5 days. This stretch is slower, quieter, colder, and weirdly beautiful. Ice meets ocean. Seals nap like they own the place. And your camper might be the only vehicle in the lot if you time it right.

Today is all about water in solid form. You’ll be crawling past glaciers, floating icebergs, and one of Iceland’s most surreal beaches. If you’re doing this in summer, boat tours run all day. In winter, swap that out for ice caves and Northern Light sightings if you’re lucky.

Things to Do/See:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - A glacier lagoon found next to the Breidamerkurjökull Glacier, where all the pieces of ice breaking off the glacier can be found bobbing and drifting in the water.
• Go on a Boat Tour of the Lagoon - Jökulsarlon is full of pretty impressive sights, such as the glacier and seals lying on sheets of ice or playing around in the water. You can choose from two different types of boat experiences (the Zodiac or the Amphibian) to get you within almost touching distance of the lagoon’s most impressive features.
• Diamond Beach - A beach that’s the result of what’s happening “next door” at Jökulsarlon. All the ice from the glacier and the lagoon needs to go somewhere, and while many drift off into the ocean, others wash ashore at Diamond Beach. The name becomes evident when the sunlight starts dancing on all the ice scattered along the sand, making them glisten like Diamonds. 

Where to Stay

Höfn Camping Ground is right at the town entrance and makes it to our list of best campsites Iceland, with views of glaciers and easy access to everything. Open year-round.

Facilities include:

• Hot showers and restrooms
• Electric hook-ups for mobile homes
• Indoor cooking facilities
• Free Wi-Fi
• Laundry station
• Children’s playground
• Walking distance to pool, grocery, and restaurants

One of the better-equipped sites on the southeast. Flat ground, plenty of space, and close to boat tours, glacier hikes, and seafood that’s actually worth eating.

Day 5: Reykjanes Peninsula and Departure

• Route distance: Around 544 km (338 miles) if you loop the main highlights
• Estimated drive time: 2-3 hours total, depending on detours and closures
• View Route

You’ll wrap your 5-day Iceland itinerary with a circuit through the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is where the Land of Fire and Ice puts the ‘fire’ front and center. Think lava fields, boiling mud, smoking vents, and actual active volcanoes.

That said, check the conditions before you go. Grindavík and nearby areas have seen multiple eruptions since 2023. These aren’t cinematic explosions. Just steady lava oozing out of cracks in the earth. You won’t be running from fireballs. You might, however, find roads closed or access restricted.

Things to Do/See:

• Blue Lagoon - Probably the island’s most famous geothermal pool. Its warm waters are a bright turquoise blue and have healing properties.
• Fagradalsfjall Volcano - The volcano that’s seen the most eruptions in recent years. Depending on safety restrictions, there are tours that will actually take you to see what such an eruption looks like up ‘close.’
• Reykjanes Lighthouse - Reykjanesviti is the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, having been erected in 1878. It, unfortunately, had to be rebuilt because of damage caused by an earthquake in 1907, but it has pretty much just been maintained since.
• The Bridge Between Continents - This is essentially the drier version of the Silfra Fissure experience. Here, you’ll find a short footbridge of 15 meters (49 ft) ‘connecting’ the two continents.
• Gunnuhver Hot Springs - Gunnuhver is found close to Reykjanesviti, but they’re not the type of hot springs you want to swim in here in Iceland. Bubbling mud pools and steaming vents are at the order of the day here, and if you don’t stay on the clearly marked paths of this jaw-dropping landscape, you can end up with some serious injuries (Ed Sheeran can tell you all about what a misstep in Iceland can look like). 

Returning Your Campervan and Preparing for Departure

End of the road. Your 5-day Iceland itinerary has reached the finish line. It’s time to get yourself and your camper back to where it all began.

Drive toward Keflavik. Drop the van at the rental depot. Take the shuttle back to the airport. Simple enough, but don’t cut it too close. You’ll want at least 2.5 to 3 hours at the airport before your flight boards. 

Returning a camper isn’t like dropping off a rental car. There’s more to clean, check, and sometimes argue about.

Camper return checklist:

• Empty grey and black water tanks
• Refill the fuel tank
• Toss your trash
• Clear out food and fridge items
• Allow time for the inspection and shuttle ride

Most rental depots are close to the airport but not next door. Shuttle pickups can take time. Some companies will charge extra for late returns, fuel top-ups, or if your van smells like last night’s dinner. So play it smart.

Best Time to Take a 5-Day Iceland Itinerary

Timing your 5 day Iceland itinerary isn’t just about weather. It’s about daylight, road conditions, price spikes, and how much you hate crowds. Here’s what to expect, and when to go.

Summer in Iceland (June to August)

Midnight Sun, puffins, open roads, full campsite access. Everything’s green, bright, and expensive.

• 24-hour daylight from mid to late June
• Puffins nesting until early September
• Great for boat tours, hiking, and long drives
• Campsites are full, and so are the prices
• Reykjavík looks like a cruise ship unloaded every ten minutes

Verdict: Best weather, most access, highest cost. Ideal if you’re not price-sensitive.

Winter in Iceland (November to February)

Northern Lights, ice caves, limited daylight, and road closures waiting to happen.

• 4-5 hours of daylight
• Roads may close without warning
• Ice caves open, puffins gone
• Northern Lights possible if skies stay clear and dry
• Only for confident winter drivers or guided tours

Verdict: Magical if conditions align. Miserable if they don’t. Do your homework.

Shoulder Seasons (May and September)

Less crowded, cheaper, still accessible. The sweet spot for a smart 5 day Iceland itinerary.

• Roads mostly clear
• Puffins arriving or leaving
• Ice caves closed, but waterfalls are wild
• Campervan rentals and campsites cost less
• Crowds haven’t landed or have just left

Verdict: Best value. Still beautiful. No stampede of tourists. You’ll get space to breathe.

Budget Breakdown for a 5-Day Campervan Trip in Iceland

Here’s what a 5-day campervan trip in Iceland really costs and how it stacks up against the usual car-and-hotel combo:

Campervan Setup (5 days)

• Campervan rental: $900 to $1,200, depending on season and size
• Campsites: $10 to $30 per night = $50 to $150 total
• Fuel: $150 to $250 for around 1,200 km (750 miles)
• Food: $35 to $75 per person on groceries, or $25 to $50 per restaurant meal

Campervan vs Car + Hotel

Packing Essentials for Campervan Travel in Iceland

Here’s what to pack so you don’t end up cold, wet, or regretting your life choices halfway down the South Coast.

• Thermal base layers
• All-weather jacket 
• Waterproof jacket 
• Waterproof pants 
• Sweaters 
• Long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts l
• Gloves, wool beanie, scarf 
• Wool socks
• Informal pants
• Waterproof hiking boots 
• Informal shoes or slip-ons
• Flip flops 
• Swimwear
• Quick-dry towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Portable charger
• Headlamp or flashlight 
• Backpack
• Toiletries and medication 
• Camera
• Cables, chargers, devices
• Refillable water bottle 
• Food basics such as cereal, pasta, coffee, etc.

Navigating Icelandic Roads Safely

Driving in Iceland is easy until it’s not. Weather shifts fast, and so do the road conditions. If you're behind the wheel, pay attention or pay the price — literally.

• Speed limits: 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel. No guessing. It’s posted.
• No off-road driving: Ever. It damages fragile terrain and gets you a fat fine.
• F-roads: Don’t even think about it unless your van is 4x4 and rental-approved.
• Sand and gravel protection: Add this to your insurance if you’re heading south or east. Wind and volcanic grit will eat your paint job.
• Parking rules: Only in marked spots. Wild camping is illegal. The fine costs more than a legit campsite.

Check weather conditions twice daily:

• Weather: vedur.is
• Road closures and F-roads: umferdin.is
• Travel alerts: safetravel.is

Helpful Tips for Your Campervan Trip Through Iceland

These are the basics Johanna swears by, and after guiding campervan trips around Iceland for over a decade, she’s earned the right to be blunt.

• Layer up - It can be sunny, windy, and snowing in the same hour
• Download offline maps - Signal dies halfway across the Ring Road and doesn’t come back
• Leave the van for hikes - The real stuff isn’t parked by the road
• Restock smart - Bigger towns have cheaper groceries. Don’t wait until you’re desperate
• Dry your gear daily - Wet socks in a van? Absolutely not
• Book high-season campsites ahead - In July, everything fills up. Plan or risk the overflow lot
• Park facing the wind - Unless you want your door ripped off
• Top up fuel often - Rural stations close early or don’t exist
• Skip the heavy packing - Most campsites have basic facilities. You’re not going off-grid

Frequently Asked Questions About a 5-Day Iceland Itinerary

Is 5 days enough to see Iceland?

No, 5 days is definitely not enough to see Iceland. But unless you have at least a year to explore every inch of the island and all it has to offer, you’ll need to discover Iceland in bite-sized chunks.

Are there enough campsites on the South Coast?

Yes, there are plenty of campsites on the south coast. Iceland itself has over 100 campsites across the country, with 65 located in the south.

Can I Drive the Ring Road in 5 Days?

Technically, you can drive the Ring Road in less than 24 hours if you never stop or rest along the way, but that would entirely defy the point of road-tripping that incredible route. It’s recommended you set aside between 7 and 10 days for a Ring Road road trip, giving you enough time to explore all it has to offer.

Can you drive the full Ring Road in 5 days?

Technically yes, but you’ll rush through everything, skip half the sights, and spend most of the time behind the wheel. We don’t recommend it.

How many hours will I drive each day?

On average, expect 2 to 4 hours per day, depending on stops, weather, and detours. The point isn’t distance. It’s what you find between A and B.

Are roads open in winter?

Most main roads stay open, but conditions change fast. Check umferdin.is daily for closures, ice, or wind alerts. Don’t assume yesterday’s route is safe today.

Making the Most of Your Iceland Itinerary for 5 Days With a Camper

You won’t see it all. And that’s fine. This Iceland itinerary for 5 days gives you the good stuff without wasting time. The glaciers. The black sand. The roads that actually matter. You’ll miss a few things. But you won’t forget the ones you saw. If you’re ready to drive less and experience more, check out our campervan fleet and start planning the trip you’ll actually remember.