AI Summary
Imagine waking up in a cosy campervan as mist rises over lava fields, or drinking your coffee in your RV while a waterfall roars just yards away. Iceland road trips deliver this sense of wonder and plenty of freedom. Moreover, with roads that bend by rocky shores and open highlands, every mile in your motorhome promises a fresh surprise. In this complete guide, you will find everything to how to plan your trip to an epic itinerary featuring the top ten must see spots.
Why Take a Road Trip in Iceland?
To begin with, if you have ever dreamed of exchanging hotel keys for campervan keys, Iceland is calling your name. This island is perfect for campervan explorers. You can wake up in your campervan with sunlight over lava fields, then admire a waterfall, relax in a warm geothermal pool, or drink coffee by a glacier.
What is important to have is a comfortable and warm campervan, but if you are up for extra adventure a 4×4 campervan model fit like a sock. No matter what model you choose, you can cover 1.300 kilometers in under two weeks among amazing landscapes. Inside the campervan, you will find a cosy bed, basic cooking facilities, a heater and space for your luggage.
Check out our full list of campervan tips and available amenities to make any Iceland road trip just perfect, no matter your route or style.
Road Map: Top 10 Stops for an Epic Iceland Journey
1. Reykjavík Kickoff (Day 1, Distance: 0 km)
Begin in Iceland’s colourful capital, mix of vibrant street art alongside the mountains. Walk past Hallgrímskirkja church and take a selfie in front of Harpa Concert Hall’s glass façade. For lunch, try a classic pylsa (Icelandic hot dog) from a street stand. It is a mus try.
In the evening, relax at the Sky Lagoon or Laugardalslaug geothermal pool to take a warm dip under the setting sun before parking your campervan by the city harbor.
2. Golden Circle Wonders (Day 2, Distance: 230 km round trip)
Drive the Golden Circle route to see Iceland’s top sights. At Thingvellir, stand where two tectonic plates diverge. Next, go to Gullfoss waterfall and feel its cool mist on your face. Then watch Geysir erupts, sending a boiling jet into the air. End the afternoon relaxing at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, where steam surrounds you as you float in warm water.
3. South Coast Waterfall (Day 3, Distance: 160 km)
Head east to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two iconic waterfalls that deserve their own postcards. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss’s curtain for a secret vantage point, then climb the 500 steps beside Skógafoss to earn panoramic cliff views.
On the way, stop at the old DC-3 plane crash site to stretch your legs and spot nesting seabirds. Midday calls for a stop at a roadside café, sample an Icelandic lamb stew that will warm you down to your hiking socks.
4. Glacial Adventures & Glacier Lagoon (Day 4, Distance: 120 km)
Put on trekking boots and join a guided walk on the Sólheimajökull glacier. See bright blue cracks in the ice and giant ice towers all around. Warning: you might feel like an ice explorer!
After that, head to Fjallsárlón glacial lagoon and float in a small boat among icebergs. Honest, it is the coolest way to chill with nature’s giants.
5. Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach (Day 5, Distance: 230 km)
Roll into Jökulsárlón lagoon, where huge icebergs float like slow ships in a crystal sea. Hop on a small zodiac boat to get up close and feel the cool spray on your face.
Next, walk over to Diamond Beach, where black sand glitters with disperse ice gems. Keep an eye out for seals sunning themselves on the ice packs. For a fun snack break, find a nearby food truck serving warm seafood soup or hot chocolate to sip as you watch the waves crash on ice.
6. Serene Eastern Fjords & Wildlife Spotting (Day 6–7, Distance: 300 km)
Drive through narrow fjords lined with small fishing villages. Stop in Djúpivogur to taste smoky fish right from the boat and creamy goat cheese flavored by sea breeze. Keep an eye out for wild reindeer on the hills.
Then take a short boat trip to Papey Island to watch puffins diving and seals playing on the rocks. After a day of wildlife fun, park your motorhome and fall asleep under a sky full of stars.
7. Northern Wonders & Diamond Circle (Day 8, Distance: 350 km)
Dettifoss roars in the northeast and is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. After that, head to Mývatn and walk among bubbling mud pools that smell like fresh earth. Nearby, you can see strange crater like hills at Skútustaðir.
Then relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where warm water and steam surround you, just like the Blue Lagoon without the crowd. If you visit in winter, you might even soak under the stars and see the aurora borealis above.
8. Akureyri & Whale Spotting (Day 9, Distance: 90 km)
Arrive in Akureyri, the friendly capital of the north. Stroll through its charming botanical gardens and then warm up with plokkfiskur (creamy fish stew) at a cosy café.
Next, set off to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale watching hotspot, and climb aboard a small boat to spy humpback whales breaching and maybe even orcas cutting through the waves. Keep watch for playful dolphins and seabirds diving nearby, all while your RV waits quietly at the harbour.
9. Westfjords Wild Detour (Optional Day 10–12, Distance: +400 km)
Drive into the remote Westfjords, where the roads get smaller and nature takes over. Visit Dynjandi waterfall, where water falls in wide, bridal veil tiers. Then head to Látrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s largest bird cliff, to see puffins up close and seals playing below. Next, warm up in Hellulaug hot spring, a secret pool right by the sea.
Back at camp, bake rúgbrauð (dense rye bread) underground using natural heat, then enjoy it warm with butter under the stars.
10. Snæfellsnes Finale (Final Day, Distance: ~150 km)
Drive back to Reykjavík along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. First, visit Snæfellsjökull National Park to see the glacier topped volcano that inspired Jules Verne. Then stop at Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, try lifting the old fishing stones if you dare!
Next, take photos of Kirkjufell mountain from the nearby waterfall viewpoint. Head into Vatnshellir lava cave for a short, guided walk through underground tunnels formed by ancient eruptions. Finally, return your campervan in Reykjavík, full of memories from this final leg of your trip.
Best Time to Travel
For a warm, sun filled road trip and long daylight hours, go from June to August. Daytime highs hover around 10 to 15 °C, nearly 24 hours of daylight, ideal for long Iceland road trips.
If you want a chance to spot the aurora borealis, plan your trip from September to April. Autumn months bring colorful foliage, milder weather, and early night skies. From November to February, winter brings cold weather, short days, and temperatures near freezing, but offers the best chance to see the aurora borealis dancing above your campervan.
No matter which months you choose, pack warm layers and be ready for sudden weather changes on every road in Iceland.
Start your Adventure
All in all, campervanning around Iceland is a bucket list worthy adventure. From the moment you turn the key in Reykjavík to your final wave goodbye in Snæfellsnes, every turn sparks epic thrills and unforgettable wonder. So why wait? Fill up your RV or campervan, plan your route, and let Iceland’s wild beauty tell your next memorable story.
Happy travels, and may your road trip be as epic as the land you explore! Start planning today with Indie Campers.
