8-Day Iceland Ring Road Campervan Itinerary (Complete Route Guide)

Planning a road trip around Iceland? You're in for an amazing adventure! The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire country and takes you past volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and more natural wonders than you can imagine.

This 8-day campervan itinerary covers everything you need to know for the perfect Iceland road trip. We'll show you where to stop, what to see, and where to camp each night.

Why Choose a Campervan for the Ring Road?

Traveling Iceland in a campervan gives you incredible freedom. You can stop whenever you want, sleep surrounded by nature, and save money on accommodation. Plus, you'll have your kitchen with you, so you can cook meals and pack snacks for the road.

At fartravel.is, we provide comfortable campervans that are perfect for Iceland's roads and weather. Whether you're traveling as a couple or with family, we'll help you find the right vehicle for your adventure.

Day 1: Reykjavik to Vik (190 km / 118 miles)

Driving Time: About 2.5 hours (without stops)

Your Iceland adventure starts in Reykjavik! Pick up your campervan and head east along the South Coast. This is one of the most scenic stretches in Iceland.

Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall first. This famous waterfall is special because you can walk behind it! Bring a waterproof jacket because you'll get wet. The path behind the falls is closed in winter, but the view from the front is still beautiful.

Just 30 minutes down the road, you'll reach Skogafoss, a powerful 60-meter waterfall. Climb the stairs to the top for an amazing view. On sunny days, you'll often see rainbows in the mist.

Before reaching Vik, stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach. You'll see the famous Reynisdrangar rock formations rising from the ocean. Be careful here – the waves can be dangerous, so never turn your back on the sea.

Camp for the night in or near Vik. The town has all the services you need, including a grocery store for supplies. If you want to explore the South Coast with a local guide first, check out the South Coast tours available on our website. It's a great way to get oriented before your self-drive adventure.

Day 2: Vik to Hofn (270 km / 168 miles)

Driving Time: About 3.5 hours (without stops)

Today you'll drive through some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes, including glaciers and ice lagoons.

Take a small detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. It's about 2 km long and 100 meters deep, with walking paths along the rim. The views are spectacular!

Continue to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park. Take a short hike to Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns. If you have time, the longer hike to Kristínartindar offers amazing glacier views.

The highlight of the day is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Watch massive icebergs floating in the lagoon, broken off from the nearby glacier. You might see seals swimming between the ice. Many visitors say this is their favorite place in Iceland. Right across the road is Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on the black sand and sparkle like diamonds. It's incredibly photogenic!

Drive to Hofn for the night, a small fishing town. Camp here and grab some fresh lobster at a local restaurant – Hofn is famous for it! Glacier lagoon tours and ice cave experiences are popular here during winter months. We can help you arrange these activities when you plan your trip with fartravel.is.

Day 3: Hofn to Egilsstadir (265 km / 165 miles)

Driving Time: About 3.5 hours (without stops)

You're now heading into the Eastern Fjords, a quieter and less touristy part of Iceland.

Stop at Vestrahorn Mountain if you want. This dramatic mountain is privately owned, so there's a small entrance fee. The black sand dunes in the foreground make for incredible photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.

The drive through the Eastern Fjords is absolutely beautiful. Small fishing villages dot the coastline, and the mountain scenery is stunning. Take your time here – the winding roads are part of the experience.

If you like minerals and geology, stop at Petra's Stone Collection in Stödvarfjördur. A local woman spent her lifetime collecting stones and minerals from the area.

Egilsstadir is the largest town in East Iceland and a good place to restock supplies and spend the night. The East Fjords are perfect for spotting wildlife. Keep your eyes open for reindeer – they're only found in this part of Iceland!

Day 4: Egilsstadir to Myvatn (170 km / 106 miles)

Driving Time: About 2.5 hours (without stops)

Today you'll reach North Iceland and the incredible Myvatn region, known for its volcanic landscapes and hot springs. Make a detour to visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. You can access it from the east side (rough gravel road) or west side (paved road). The east side gets you closer, but check road conditions first.

After a long day of driving, relax at the Myvatn Nature Baths. They're less crowded than the Blue Lagoon and surrounded by stunning lava fields. Camp near Lake Myvatn for the night. There are several campsites in the area with good facilities.

The Myvatn area deserves a full day, so consider spending two nights here so you can explore without rushing. Many visitors book a North Iceland tour to discover hidden gems with a local guide.

Day 5: Myvatn Area (Full Day Exploration)

No driving today! Spend the whole day exploring the Myvatn area. There's so much to see, and everything is close together.

Start at Hverir geothermal area and walk through this otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. It smells like sulfur, but the colorful ground and steam make it worth it. Visit Grjótagjá Cave, a small lava cave with a hot spring inside. You can't swim here anymore (it's too hot), but it's still interesting to see. Game of Thrones fans might recognize it!

Walk through the Dimmuborgir lava formations – unusual lava pillars and caves. According to Icelandic folklore, this is where trolls live. The walking paths are well-marked and easy.

Drive up to the Krafla volcano area to see the Viti Crater with its blue-green water. You can also see the Leirhnjúkur lava fields, where the ground is still warm from volcanic activity.

On your way back, stop at Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." It's wide and beautiful, and there's a nice viewing platform on both sides. Start early to avoid crowds, especially at the Myvatn Nature Baths. The area is magical at sunset!

Day 6: Myvatn to Akureyri to Blonduos (240 km / 149 miles)

Driving Time: About 3 hours (without stops)

Today you'll visit Iceland's northern capital before heading west.

Spend a few hours in Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city (though still small!). Walk around the charming town center, visit the botanical gardens, or grab coffee at a local café. The church on the hill offers great views.

If you have extra time, take the scenic route through the Troll Peninsula (Trollaskagi). The mountain scenery is incredible, and you'll pass through tiny fishing villages.

Continue to Blonduos, a small town on the northwest coast. It's not touristy, but it's a convenient stopping point. The town has a unique textile museum if you're interested. Some travelers prefer to spend an extra night in Akureyri to explore the town and nearby attractions. Whale watching tours from Akureyri are very popular if you want to add this experience to your trip.

Day 7: Blonduos to Snaefellsnes Peninsula (190 km / 118 miles)

Driving Time: About 2.5 hours (without stops)

You're heading to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature" because it has a bit of everything.

Stop at Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland's most photographed mountain. You've probably seen it on Instagram! The nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground makes the perfect photo. It's especially beautiful at sunset. Visit Arnarstapi and Hellnar, two coastal villages connected by a beautiful walking path along the cliffs. Look for the stone arch and the bird cliffs. Puffins nest here in summer!

At Djúpalónssandur Beach, this black pebble beach has interesting rock formations and old ship ruins. There are also four lifting stones that fishermen used to test their strength.

Stop at Búðir Black Church, a tiny black church that stands alone against a lava field backdrop. It's simple but incredibly photogenic.

From May to September, visit Ytri Tunga Beach, one of the best places in Iceland to see seals lounging on the rocks.

Stay at one of the campsites on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Grundarfjörður (near Kirkjufell) is a popular choice. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour is one of our most requested day trips. The peninsula can get windy, so pack warm layers even in summer!

Day 8: Snaefellsnes to Reykjavik (190 km / 118 miles)

Driving Time: About 2.5 hours (without stops)

Your final day! You'll drive back to Reykjavik, with time for last-minute stops.

Check out the Gerðuberg basalt columns if you want – they're right by the road, free to see, and only take a few minutes. Hraunfossar waterfalls are unique because they flow out from under a lava field. The blue water against the black lava is beautiful. Nearby Barnafoss waterfall is also worth a quick look.

You can also stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, Europe's most powerful hot spring that shoots boiling water out of the ground. You can't bathe here, but it's impressive to see.

Return your campervan in Reykjavik and spend your last evening in the capital. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church, walk around the harbor, or relax at the Sky Lagoon for a final soak. If you have a late flight, consider booking a Golden Circle tour before you leave. It's an easy way to see Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall without rushing in your campervan.

Ready to Start Your Iceland Adventure?

Driving the Ring Road in a campervan is an unforgettable experience. You'll see some of the most beautiful places on Earth, from glaciers to geothermal areas to stunning coastlines.

At fartravel.is, we make planning your Iceland road trip easy. We provide:

✅ Well-maintained campervans for all group sizes
✅ Complete trip planning assistance
✅ Camping equipment and extras
✅ 24/7 roadside support
✅ Flexible pickup and drop-off

Book Your Iceland Campervan Today →

Whether you want to follow this exact itinerary or customize your own route, we're here to help. Contact us to start planning your dream Iceland adventure!

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