5 Best Iceland Campervan Routes for an Epic Road Trip

Iceland is a land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes and waterfalls cascade into black sand beaches. The best way to explore this magical country? A campervan road trip that lets you wake up to stunning views every morning and travel at your own pace.

Whether you're planning your first Iceland adventure or returning for more, these five campervan routes will show you the very best this incredible island has to offer. 

Why Choose a Campervan for Your Iceland Road Trip

Traveling in Iceland by campervan gives you the freedom that hotels simply can't match. You can stop whenever you see something beautiful, change your plans on a whim, and sleep under the Northern Lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer. Plus, with a campervan from a reliable provider, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips.

Ready to start planning? Let's explore the best routes that will make your Iceland campervan adventure truly unforgettable.

Route 1: The Complete Ring Road Circuit

• Distance: 1,332 kilometers (828 miles)
• Recommended Time: 10-14 days
• Best Season: June to September

The Ring Road is Iceland's most famous route, and for good reason. This circular highway takes you around the entire island, covering about 1,332 kilometers (828 miles) of incredible landscapes.

What You'll See:

The Ring Road takes you through every type of Icelandic scenery imaginable. You'll visit the powerful Dettifoss waterfall in the north, walk on black sand beaches at Vik in the south, explore the massive Vatnajökull glacier, and relax in natural hot springs. The route also includes charming fishing villages, endless lava fields, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Best Time to Go:

Summer (June to August) is perfect for 24-hour daylight and open roads. Winter offers Northern Lights views, but some roads can be challenging.

Why Choose This Route:

The Ring Road gives you the complete Iceland experience in one trip. It's well-maintained, easy to navigate, and has plenty of campgrounds and services along the way. You won't miss any of Iceland's highlights.

Route 2: The Golden Circle

• Distance: 300 kilometers (186 miles)
• Recommended Time: 2-3 days
• Best Season: Year-round

If you're short on time, the Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular day trip route. This 300-kilometer (186-mile) loop from Reykjavik packs three of Iceland's most famous attractions into one easy drive.

What You'll See:

Start at Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two continental plates. Next, watch the Geysir hot spring shoot boiling water 30 meters into the air. Finish at Gullfoss, a massive two-tier waterfall that will take your breath away. Many travelers add stops at the Secret Lagoon hot spring or Kerið volcanic crater.

Best Time to Go:

The Golden Circle is accessible year-round. Summer offers long days and green landscapes, while winter brings snow-covered scenery and fewer crowds.

Why Choose This Route:

Perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The roads are excellent, distances are short, and you can easily complete it in one or two days. It's also a great way to test out campervan life before committing to a longer trip.

Route 3: The Westfjords Wilderness Route

• Distance: 950 kilometers (590 miles)
• Recommended Time: 7-10 days
• Best Season: June to August

For travelers who want to escape the crowds, the Westfjords offer raw, untouched beauty. This remote peninsula in northwest Iceland covers about 950 kilometers (590 miles) of winding coastal roads.

What You'll See:

The Westfjords feel like Iceland's best-kept secret. Visit Dynjandi, a stunning waterfall that cascades down in multiple tiers. Explore Hornstrandir Nature Reserve for incredible hiking and wildlife. Soak in natural hot springs along empty beaches. Watch millions of puffins at Látrabjarg cliffs. The scenery here is wild, empty, and absolutely spectacular.

Best Time to Go:

Only visit during the summer (June to August). Many roads are closed in winter, and services are very limited outside peak season.

Why Choose This Route:

If you want adventure and solitude, this is your route. The Westfjords see fewer tourists than any other region. Roads can be challenging with gravel surfaces and steep grades, so this suits more experienced campervan travelers. But the reward is experiencing Iceland the way it used to be.

Route 4: The North Iceland Campervan Loop

• Distance: 680 kilometers (422 miles)
• Recommended Time: 5-7 days
• Best Season: May to September

North Iceland offers a perfect mix of natural wonders and Icelandic culture. This roughly 600-kilometer (373-mile) route explores the region around Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital.

What You'll See:

Start in Akureyri, a charming town with great restaurants and shops. Visit Lake Mývatn, a volcanic wonderland with bubbling mud pots, strange lava formations, and the relaxing Mývatn Nature Baths. See the powerful Goðafoss waterfall. Explore Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon filled with trees. Watch whales in Húsavík, Iceland's whale watching capital.

Best Time to Go:

Summer offers the warmest weather and best wildlife viewing. Winter can be good for Northern Lights but requires careful driving.

Why Choose This Route:

The north combines unique geological features with authentic Icelandic towns. It's less crowded than the south but still has excellent infrastructure. The landscape is different from southern Iceland, with more green valleys and fewer glaciers.

Route 5: The South Coast Adventure

• Distance: 450 kilometers (280 miles)
• Recommended Time: 3-5 days
• Best Season: August-September

The South Coast is where Iceland shows off its most dramatic scenery. This route covers about 450 kilometers (280 miles) along Route 1 from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

What You'll See:

Drive past the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the falling water. Visit Skógafoss, one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls. Explore the black sand beach at Reynisfjara with its unique rock formations. The highlight is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive ice chunks float in blue water and sometimes wash up on the nearby Diamond Beach.

Best Time to Go:

Summer provides the best weather and road conditions. Early summer (May-June) and late summer (August-September) have fewer tourists but still good weather.

Why Choose This Route:

The South Coast gives you maximum scenery in minimum time. Every stop feels like a postcard. The route is straightforward, campgrounds are plentiful, and you're never too far from services if you need them.

Start Planning Your Iceland Campervan Adventure Today

Iceland's diverse landscapes and excellent road network make it perfect for campervan exploration. Whether you choose the complete Ring Road experience, the quick Golden Circle tour, the dramatic South Coast, the remote Westfjords, or the volcanic north, you're guaranteed an unforgettable adventure.

The key to a great Iceland road trip is having the right campervan and good planning. That's where we come in.

At fartravel.is, we specialize in Iceland campervan adventures. We offer well-maintained campervans for every budget, expert route planning advice, and insider tips that only locals know. Let us help you create the Iceland road trip of your dreams.