5 Day Iceland Campervan Itinerary

Iceland is a dream destination for campervan travelers. With stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal hot springs, and massive glaciers all within driving distance, a campervan trip gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. 

This 5-day itinerary takes you through Iceland's most iconic South Coast attractions while giving you plenty of time to soak in the incredible landscapes.

Day 1: Reykjavik and Golden Circle

• Distance: About 230 km (140 miles)
• Driving time: 3-4 hours
• Highlights: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss

Pick up your campervan in Reykjavik (many companies are near the airport). If you arrive early, spend a few hours exploring Iceland's capital. Check out Hallgrimskirkja Church, the colorful houses downtown, or the Sun Voyager sculpture by the water.

Then hit the road for the famous Golden Circle route. This 230 km loop includes three of Iceland's most incredible natural attractions.

Thingvellir National Park: This is where Iceland's parliament was founded over 1,000 years ago. More impressively, you can see where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. Walk through the rift valley and feel like you're standing between two continents. The park also has beautiful waterfalls like Öxarárfoss. Entry to the park is free, but parking costs a small fee.

Geysir Geothermal Area: Located in the Haukadalur Valley, this is where you'll see geysers shooting boiling water into the air. The Great Geysir (which gave all geysers their name) is mostly inactive now, but Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, sending water 15-40 meters high. It's incredible to watch. You'll also see bubbling mud pots and steaming hot springs. Keep your camera ready because Strokkur doesn't give any warning before it erupts.

Gullfoss Waterfall: Called the "Golden Falls," Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls. It drops 32 meters in two stages into a deep canyon, creating massive spray and often rainbows. There are viewing platforms where you can get close enough to feel the mist. This waterfall is absolutely stunning and is one of the highlights of any Iceland trip.

If you want to add more to your day, consider a detour to Bruarfoss, Iceland's bluest waterfall, or visit the Secret Lagoon hot spring for a relaxing soak.

Where to camp: Skjól Campground (near Geysir) or Hella Campground

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls

• Distance: About 150 km (93 miles)
• Driving time: 2-3 hours (plus lots of stops)
• Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss, black sand beaches

Today is all about waterfalls and the dramatic South Coast.

Seljalandsfoss: This 60-meter waterfall is famous because you can walk behind it. There's a path that goes around the back of the falls, giving you an incredible view through the curtain of water. Bring waterproof gear because you will get wet from the spray. 

Gljúfrabúi (Hidden Waterfall): Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, this waterfall is tucked inside a narrow canyon. You have to walk through a small stream and enter a crack in the cliff to see it. Inside, you'll find a beautiful waterfall surrounded by mossy rocks. It feels like discovering a secret.

Skógafoss: One of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls, Skógafoss is 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide. You can get right up close to it, or climb the stairs beside it (about 500 steps) to see it from above. On sunny days, the mist creates beautiful rainbows. This waterfall is so powerful and majestic that it's hard to tear yourself away.

After Skógafoss, if you're feeling adventurous, you can hike part of the Fimmvörðuháls trail that goes between two glaciers and passes over 20 waterfalls.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Drive to this famous black sand beach with its dramatic basalt columns and powerful waves. The rock formations jutting out of the ocean are called Reynisdrangar, and legend says they're trolls who got caught by the sunrise and turned to stone. 

Be very careful here because the waves are dangerous and have pulled people into the ocean. Never turn your back on the waves and stay well back from the water.

Where to camp: Vík í Mýrdal Campground or Skógar Campground (right next to Skógafoss)

Day 3: Glacier Lagoons and Diamond Beach

• Distance: About 200 km (124 miles)
• Driving time: 2.5-3 hours
• Highlights: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Svartifoss

Today you'll head further east along the South Coast to see some of Iceland's most magical scenery.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: This is one of Iceland's most famous attractions and for good reason. Massive icebergs break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float in a beautiful lagoon before drifting out to sea.

If you want a closer experience, book a boat tour that takes you among the icebergs. You might even see seals swimming in the lagoon. Both zodiac boat tours and amphibious boat tours are available and give you a completely different perspective of the lagoon.

Diamond Beach: Just across the road from the glacier lagoon, you'll find Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice wash up on the black sand. The contrast between the clear ice and the black sand is stunning, and the ice pieces sparkle like diamonds (hence the name). This is one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland.

Svartifoss (Black Falls): If you have time and energy, hike to Svartifoss in Skaftafell (part of Vatnajökull National Park). This waterfall is surrounded by black hexagonal basalt columns that look like they were carved by hand. The hike is about 3.5 km round trip and takes 1-2 hours. The unique rock formations make this waterfall unlike any other in Iceland.

You could also consider a glacier hike on Vatnajökull (Europe's largest glacier) or an ice cave tour if you're visiting in winter months.

Where to camp: Höfn Campground or Skaftafell Campground (if you want to be near the national park)

Day 4: Return Along the South Coast

• Distance: About 250 km (155 miles)
• Driving time: 3-4 hours
• Highlights: Seljavallalaug hot spring, Sólheimajökull glacier, south coast villages

Today you'll head back west, but there's still plenty to see along the way.

Seljavallalaug: Take a detour to this hidden outdoor pool nestled in a valley. Built in 1923, it's one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools and is filled with naturally warm water. The hike to reach it is easy (about 15-20 minutes from the parking area), and the pool itself is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It's a peaceful spot that feels off the beaten path.

Sólheimajökull Glacier: Stop at this glacier tongue that extends from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. You can walk up to the glacier's edge and see the ice up close. If you're interested in glacier hiking, several companies offer tours here.

South Coast Villages: Take time to explore small villages like Vík or Hella. These give you a taste of rural Icelandic life. You might also want to stop at Kerið Crater, a volcanic crater lake with vivid red rocks and turquoise water.

If you're interested in history and geology, you could visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, an interactive museum about Iceland's volcanic activity.

Where to camp: Back towards the Reykjavik area - try Selfoss Campground or Hveragerði Campground

Also check, Glacier Hike Experience on Sólheimajökull Glacier

Day 5: Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Blue Lagoon

• Distance: Varies (150-200 km depending on choice)
• Driving time: 2-4 hours
• Highlights: Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Blue Lagoon

For your final day, you have two great options depending on your interests and flight time.

Option 1: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

If your flight is later in the day, head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature" because it has a bit of everything - glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, beaches, and mountains.

• Kirkjufell Mountain: This is one of Iceland's most photographed mountains, with its distinctive cone shape. The nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground makes for perfect photos.
• Arnarstapi and Hellnar: These coastal villages have dramatic cliffs, natural rock arches like Gatklettur, and great coastal hiking. You might spot seals or seabirds here.
• Djúpalónssandur Beach: A black pebble beach with the remains of a shipwreck and interesting rock formations.
• Snæfellsjökull Glacier: The glacier-topped volcano that Jules Verne featured in "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

Option 2: Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik

If you want a more relaxed final day or have an earlier flight, visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Booking in advance is required and can be expensive ($70-200 per person depending on the package), but it's a famous Icelandic experience. Soak in the milky blue water, try a silica mud mask, and relax before your flight.

After the Blue Lagoon, spend a few hours in Reykjavik. Visit the Perlan Museum (great views and exhibits about Iceland's nature), shop for souvenirs, or try traditional Icelandic food.

Drop off your campervan at the rental company and head to the airport.

Ready to Book Your Iceland Campervan Adventure?

A 5-day campervan trip through Iceland gives you the perfect taste of this incredible country. You'll see powerful waterfalls, massive glaciers, steaming geysers, dramatic coastlines, and unique wildlife. The freedom of campervan travel means you can follow your own schedule and wake up in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Book Your Complete Campervan Package Now and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Our packages include the campervan, unlimited mileage, basic insurance, and camping gear. Plus, we'll give you detailed maps, campsite recommendations, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Start planning your Iceland campervan journey today!