10-Day Iceland Campervan Itinerary (Ring Road + Detours)

Planning a campervan trip around Iceland's Ring Road? You're about to experience one of the world's most incredible road trips. This 10-day itinerary covers the famous Route 1 highway plus amazing detours that most tourists miss.

Iceland's Ring Road stretches 1,332 kilometers (828 miles) around the entire island. While you could technically drive it in 17 hours non-stop, the real magic happens when you slow down and explore. Ten days gives you enough time to see the main highlights without rushing, plus venture off the beaten path.

Day 1: Arrival + Reykjanes Peninsula

• Distance: 100-150 km
• Highlights: Blue Lagoon, Seltún Geothermal Area, Gunnuhver Hot Springs, Reykjanesviti Lighthouse

Land at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your campervan, and start your adventure. Most rental companies are located near the airport for easy pickup.

Head to the Reykjanes Peninsula, a volcanic wonderland that most tourists skip. Visit the bubbling mud pools at Seltún, check out the dramatic cliffs at Reykjanesviti, and walk across the bridge between continents at Sandvík.

If you want to splurge, the Blue Lagoon is here. Book tickets in advance (starting around $105). It's touristy but genuinely relaxing after a long flight. If you prefer to skip the crowds and costs, save your hot spring visits for natural pools later in your trip.

Where to Camp: Grindavik Campsite or Sandgerði Campsite

Tour: Many travelers combine their Ring Road trip with a relaxing Blue Lagoon experience. If you're interested in geothermal spa tours or guided Reykjanes Peninsula tours, these can be great add-ons to your self-drive adventure.

Day 2: Golden Circle

• Distance: 200-250 km (full loop from Reykjavik)
• Highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, Kerið Crater

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous tourist route, and for good reason. Start at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The rift valley is stunning.

Next, head to Geysir Geothermal Area where Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water 20-30 meters into the air. It's free to watch and never gets old.

Drive to Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall," a massive two-tiered cascade that thunders into a canyon. Walk the paths to get different viewpoints. On your way back, stop at Kerið Crater, a volcanic crater lake with bright blue-green water surrounded by red volcanic rock ($4 entrance fee).

Where to Camp: Laugarvatn Campsite or Flúðir Campsite (Flúðir has a nearby public pool with natural hot springs)

Tour: While you're doing this self-drive, the Golden Circle is also popular for snowmobile tours in winter and into-the-glacier tours. If you want to add adventure activities like ice cave exploration or snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier, these guided tours operate from this area.

Day 3: South Coast - Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches

• Distance: 180 km
• Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Today is waterfall heaven. Start with Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of water (bring waterproof gear - you will get wet). Right nearby is Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked in a canyon. Most people miss it.

Drive east to Skógafoss, one of Iceland's biggest and most photogenic waterfalls. Climb the stairs to the top for incredible views, then visit Kvernufoss nearby, another hidden gem with fewer crowds.

Continue to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, a crashed DC-3 plane on a black sand beach. It's a 4km walk (round trip) from the parking lot, but worth it for the eerie, post-apocalyptic photos.

End your day at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vík. The basalt columns, powerful waves, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks are otherworldly. Be careful - these waves are deadly. Never turn your back on the ocean.

Where to Camp: Vík Campsite (has a heated pool, kitchen facilities, and is close to town)

Tour: The South Coast is prime territory for glacier hiking and ice cave tours. If you want to walk on Sólheimajökull glacier or explore a blue ice cave (winter only), you'll find tour operators based in this region.

Day 4: Vík to Skaftafell - Canyons & Glaciers

• Distance: 200 km
• Highlights: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Svartifoss, Vatnajökull Glacier

Start with Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a gorgeous 100-meter-deep canyon with a winding river. The walking path along the rim offers stunning views. (It was famously featured in Justin Bieber's "I'll Show You" video.)

Drive to Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajökull National Park. This is Iceland's largest glacier region. Hike to Svartifoss, the "Black Waterfall," surrounded by dark basalt columns that look like organ pipes. The hike takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip.

If you're feeling adventurous, book a guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull - walking on ice with crampons is unforgettable.

Where to Camp: Skaftafell Campsite (right in the national park, excellent facilities)

Tour: Skaftafell is the hub for glacier hiking tours and ice climbing experiences. These adventures require certified guides for safety, so this is where booking a glacier tour makes perfect sense alongside your self-drive itinerary.

Day 5: Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach

• Distance: 100 km
• Highlights: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Fjallsárlón, Vestrahorn Mountain (optional detour)

This might be your favorite day. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a stunning blue lagoon filled with massive icebergs that have broken off from the glacier. Seals often swim between the ice chunks. You can walk along the shore for free or take a boat tour among the icebergs.

Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on the black sand and sparkle like diamonds. The contrast is incredible - expect to spend hours taking photos.

Visit nearby Fjallsárlón, a smaller, less crowded glacier lagoon that's equally beautiful.

Optional Detour: If weather permits, take a 1-hour detour to Vestrahorn Mountain (also called "Batman Mountain"). There's a small entrance fee to the private land, but the dramatic black sand beach with the jagged mountain reflection is worth it.

Where to Camp: Höfn Campsite (about 80km east of Jökulsárlón, good facilities and close to town for supplies)

Day 6: East Fjords - Remote Beauty

• Distance: 250 km
• Highlights: Scenic coastal drives, fishing villages, Petra's Stone Collection, Stöðvarfjörður

The East Fjords are often overlooked but incredibly beautiful. This section involves winding mountain roads and tiny fishing villages. Drive slowly and enjoy the remote scenery. Stop at Djúpivogur, a quiet village with colorful houses and wild reindeer in the area (if you're lucky).

Visit Petra's Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður - one woman's lifetime collection of Icelandic rocks and minerals. It's quirky and surprisingly fascinating.

End in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the region, where you can stock up on supplies.

Optional Side Trip: If you have extra time, visit Seyðisfjörður, a rainbow-painted town with an Instagram-famous blue church and colorful street art. It's 27km off Route 1 but worth the detour.

Where to Camp: Egilsstaðir Campsite (large campsite with all facilities) or Atlavik Campsite (smaller, more scenic)

Tour: The East Fjords are known for puffin watching tours in summer (May-August) and fishing tours. These remote experiences can be booked locally.

Day 7: Lake Mývatn & Northern Attractions

• Distance: 250 km
• Highlights: Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Hverir Geothermal Area, Grjótagjá Cave, Mývatn Nature Baths

Start early for Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. The thundering water and raw power are incredible. You can access it from both sides (Road 862 or 864). The eastern route is rougher but shorter.

Head to the Lake Mývatn area, a geothermal wonderland. Visit:

• Hverir (Námafjall): Bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles that smell like sulfur
• Grjótagjá Cave: A small lava cave with a hot spring inside (you can't swim here, but it's cool to see)
• Dimmuborgir: "Dark Castles," bizarre lava formations that look like a fantasy movie set
• Mývatn Nature Baths: A less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon with the same blue milky water (around $50 entry)

Where to Camp: Bjarg Campsite (near Lake Mývatn, has hot tubs!) or Vogar Campsite

Tour: Lake Mývatn is a fantastic spot for Northern Lights tours in winter and whale watching tours from nearby Húsavík. If you're visiting in summer, Húsavík whale watching tours are some of the best in Europe.

Day 8: Akureyri & North Coast

• Distance: 150 km
• Highlights: Goðafoss, Akureyri, optional whale watching from Húsavík

Stop at Goðafoss ("Waterfall of the Gods"), a beautiful horseshoe-shaped waterfall with easy access from the road.

Continue to Akureyri, Iceland's "Capital of the North." This charming town has great restaurants, shops, and a stunning church. Stock up on supplies here.

Optional Detour: Húsavík is 90km north of Akureyri and is Iceland's whale watching capital. Summer tours (May-September) have a 95%+ success rate for spotting humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. If you have time, it's worth the detour.

Where to Camp: Akureyri Campsite (excellent facilities in town) or Hamrar Campsite (just outside town, quieter)

Tour: Húsavík whale watching tours are world-renowned. This is one of the best places globally to see whales in their natural habitat, making it a perfect add-on to your road trip.

Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula - "Iceland in Miniature"

• Distance: 350 km (long driving day)
• Highlights: Kirkjufell Mountain, Djúpalónssandur Beach, Arnarstapi, Saxhóll Crater, Búðir Black Church

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs incredible diversity into a small area - glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and fishing villages. Many call it "Iceland in Miniature."

Must-see stops:

• Kirkjufell: Iceland's most photographed mountain (Game of Thrones fans will recognize it)
• Kirkjufellsfoss: Waterfall with Kirkjufell in the background - classic Iceland photo
• Djúpalónssandur Beach: Black pebble beach with shipwreck remains
• Arnarstapi and Hellnar: Coastal villages with dramatic cliff formations and sea arches
• Saxhóll Crater: Easy 5-minute climb with panoramic views
• Búðir Black Church: A tiny black wooden church standing alone against the landscape

The peninsula has its own glacier (Snæfellsjökull) capping a volcano. Drive around the entire peninsula if time allows.

Where to Camp: Grundarfjörður Campsite (near Kirkjufell) or Hellissandur Campsite

Day 10: Return to Reykjavik & Departure

• Distance: 180 km
• Highlights: Glymur Waterfall (optional hike), Reykjavik sightseeing, last-minute shopping

On your final day, you could take it easy and drive straight to Reykjavik for some city exploration before your flight.

Optional Morning Activity: Hike to Glymur, Iceland's second-tallest waterfall (198 meters). The 7km round-trip hike takes about 3-4 hours and includes a log river crossing. Only do this if your flight is late in the day.

In Reykjavik, explore Laugavegur Street for shopping (Icelandic wool sweaters, handmade crafts), visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, or grab food at the Kolaportið Flea Market.

Drop off your campervan (most companies are near the airport with free shuttle service) and catch your flight home with incredible memories.

Ready to Start Your Iceland Adventure?

Don't let planning overwhelm you. The hardest part is booking your flight and campervan - after that, Iceland's magic takes over. The Ring Road guides you, campsites welcome you every evening, and every turn reveals something incredible.

Book your complete campervan package with us today and let us handle the details. We'll provide you with a fully equipped campervan, unlimited mileage, 24/7 support, and flexible cancellation policy. 

Our local team knows Iceland inside and out and can help customize your itinerary based on your interests, whether that's chasing waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, or finding the best spots for Northern Lights photography.

Contact us now to book your complete campervan package and receive our exclusive Ring Road planning guide!