Ultimate 7-Day Iceland Campervan Itinerary

Planning a week-long campervan trip around Iceland? You're about to experience one of the world's most breathtaking road trips. This guide will help you explore Iceland's most stunning attractions without the stress of expensive hotels or rigid tour schedules.

Why Choose a Campervan for Your Iceland Adventure?

Traveling in Iceland by campervan gives you the freedom that hotels simply can't match. You wake up to views of glaciers, park next to waterfalls, and chase the Northern Lights without worrying about check-out times. Plus, you'll save money on accommodation while having everything you need right in your vehicle.

With a campervan, you control your schedule completely. Want to watch the sunrise at a black sand beach? Go ahead. Found a hidden hot spring? Stay as long as you like. The open road and Iceland's dramatic landscapes are yours to explore at your own pace.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Iceland's main road, Route 1 (the Ring Road), circles the entire island for about 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). It's mostly paved and well-maintained year-round, making it perfect for campervans.

Important rules: You cannot camp anywhere you want in Iceland. Wild camping is illegal except in remote highlands with landowner permission. Always stay at designated campsites to avoid heavy fines and protect Iceland's fragile environment.

Driving tips: Keep your headlights on at all times (it's the law). Watch for sheep on roads. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on paved roads, and 80 km/h on gravel. Weather can change in minutes, so check conditions daily on road.is.

Campsite costs: Expect to pay 1,500-2,500 ISK (about $11-18 USD) per person per night. Most have showers, toilets, kitchen facilities, and electricity hookups. During summer, you don't need to book ahead except in very popular areas.

Your 7-Day Iceland Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik to Golden Circle (130 km, 2-3 hours driving)

Pick up your campervan in Reykjavik and head straight to Iceland's most famous route. The Golden Circle packs three incredible attractions into one easy loop.

Thingvellir National Park is your first stop. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Iceland's parliament was founded in 930 AD. More impressive is the geology here. You can walk between two tectonic plates - North American and Eurasian - literally standing on the crack where continents are drifting apart. The landscape features dramatic rifts and crystal-clear waters.

Next is Geysir Geothermal Area, home to bubbling hot springs and active geysers. While the original Geysir rarely erupts now, Strokkur shoots boiling water 20-30 meters into the air every 5-10 minutes. The anticipation as you watch the water bubble before it explodes upward never gets old.

Gullfoss Waterfall completes your Golden Circle tour. This "Golden Falls" thunders over two drops, creating a stunning 32-meter cascade. In summer, you can get close enough to feel the spray on your face. The sheer power of the water is incredible to witness.

Optional additions: Stop at Kerid Crater, a 6,500-year-old volcanic crater filled with vibrant blue-green water. Or visit the Secret Lagoon in Fludir for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs.

Stay at a campsite near Selfoss or continue to the south coast. This positions you perfectly for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls to Vik (190 km, 2.5-3 hours driving)

Today brings some of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls and dramatic coastal scenery.

Seljalandsfoss is unique because you can walk behind the waterfall. The 60-meter cascade creates a magical curtain of water. Bring a waterproof jacket because you will get wet, but the experience is worth it. The mist creates rainbows on sunny days, making for stunning photos.

Continue to Skogafoss, a massive 25-meter-wide waterfall that drops 60 meters. You can get right up close to feel its power, or climb the 500 steps alongside it for incredible views from the top. The surrounding area is perfect for a short hike if you have time.

Drive along the coast and you'll pass Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano that erupted in 2010 and stopped air travel across Europe. The glacier-capped volcano creates a stunning backdrop for the coastal scenery.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vik is otherworldly. Powerful Atlantic waves crash against jet-black volcanic sand. Towering basalt columns line the cliff face, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the water like frozen trolls. Be careful here - sneaker waves can be dangerous, so never turn your back on the ocean.

The village of Vik is Iceland's southernmost town, with just 300 residents. The iconic white church with red roof sits on a hilltop overlooking the ocean and makes for a perfect photo. Vik has good restaurants and shops for restocking supplies.

Tonight's campsite: Vik Campsite is popular and well-located. Book ahead in summer or arrive early.

Day 3: Vik to Skaftafell (200 km, 3-4 hours driving)

Today you'll travel through some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes, with glaciers, lava fields, and coastal views.

The drive itself is spectacular. You'll pass multiple glacier tongues extending from Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. The landscape feels almost alien - vast black lava fields contrast with bright green moss and white ice.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve (now part of Vatnajokull National Park) is a paradise for hikers. The most popular trail leads to Svartifoss (Black Falls), where the waterfall drops over stunning black basalt columns. The hike takes about 90 minutes round-trip and is absolutely worth it.

If you're feeling more adventurous, the trail to the edge of the glacier is easy and rewarding. You can get surprisingly close to the ice, though be careful of streams and deep pools. Some travelers even see Arctic foxes in this area if they're lucky.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon is a slight detour, but magnificent if you have time. This 100-meter-deep canyon stretches for 2 kilometers and looks like something from a fantasy movie.

Tonight's campsite: Skaftafell Campsite is beautiful and peaceful, with mountain views. It's also perfectly positioned for tomorrow's highlight.

Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (130 km, 2 hours driving)

This is often the highlight of any Iceland trip. Take your time today - these attractions deserve it.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is absolutely magical. Giant icebergs, some as large as houses, float serenely in the deep blue lagoon after breaking off from Vatnajokull glacier. The ice ranges from bright white to electric blue, with some showing black streaks from ancient volcanic ash. Seals often swim between the icebergs.

You can book a boat tour (highly recommended) to get close to the icebergs. The boats depart regularly in summer. Being among these ancient ice formations is an unforgettable experience.

Diamond Beach sits just across the road. Here, chunks of ice from the lagoon wash up on black volcanic sand, creating the appearance of giant diamonds scattered on the beach. The contrast between clear ice and black sand is stunning. Every visit is different because the ice formations change constantly with tides and weather.

Spend several hours here. The light changes throughout the day, and each moment offers new photography opportunities. Many travelers say they could have stayed all day.

Tonight's campsite: Return to Skaftafell or camp near Jokulsarlon if you want to catch sunset or sunrise at the lagoon.

Day 5: East Fjords to Egilsstadir (280 km, 4-5 hours driving)

Today's drive takes you through Iceland's quieter east coast, where dramatic fjords meet fishing villages.

The East Fjords are less touristed than other parts of Iceland, which makes them special. The road winds along the coast, offering spectacular views around every corner. Small fishing villages like Hofn, Djupivogur, and Breiddalsvik dot the coastline.

The drive itself is the main attraction. Mountains plunge directly into the sea, and the coastal road hugs the cliffs. Wildlife is abundant here - keep an eye out for reindeer (the only place in Iceland they live), seabirds, and occasionally whales offshore.

Stop at Hofn for lunch and try the local langoustine (similar to lobster). This fishing town is famous for it. The surrounding landscape offers great photo opportunities with Vatnajokull glacier visible in the distance.

Egilsstadir is the largest town in the east, where you can restock supplies and enjoy some civilization. The nearby lake, Lagarfljot, supposedly has its own monster according to local legends.

Tonight's campsite: Camp in or near Egilsstadir. The town has good facilities and restaurants.

Day 6: Northern Iceland - Dettifoss and Lake Myvatn (290 km, 4-5 hours driving)

Today brings you to Iceland's dramatic north, with Europe's most powerful waterfall and strange volcanic landscapes.

Dettifoss is incredibly powerful. Around 200 cubic meters of water per second crashes over the 45-meter drop, creating mist you can see from kilometers away. The approach road is rough gravel, so drive carefully. The main viewpoint is about 2/3 up the trail - you don't need to go all the way to the top. The raw power of nature here is overwhelming.

Lake Myvatn area feels like another planet. This region is packed with geothermal wonders and volcanic features.

Hverir/Namaskard is a geothermal field with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and yellow sulfur deposits. It smells like rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide), but the landscape is fascinating. Walk carefully on marked paths only.

The pseudo-craters at Skutustadir formed when lava flowed over wet ground, creating steam explosions. They're unusual geological formations you won't see in many places.

Viti Crater in the Krafla area is a beautiful blue crater lake formed by a massive volcanic eruption. The name means "hell" in Icelandic because the eruption lasted 5 years and was visible across Iceland.

Consider soaking in the Myvatn Nature Baths to relax after a long day. It's less crowded than the Blue Lagoon and equally relaxing.

Tonight's campsite: Camp near Myvatn or continue to Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital.

Day 7: Return to Reykjavik (390 km, 5-6 hours driving)

Your final day is a long drive, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. You'll travel back across Iceland's interior highlands (if roads are open) or take the coastal route.

If taking Route 1 (the safer option): Drive west along the north coast, then south through Iceland's west. You'll pass through varied landscapes, including farmland, lava fields, and coastal areas. Stop in Borgarnes for lunch - the town has several good restaurants.

Consider a detour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula if you have time. This area is called "Iceland in Miniature" because it has nearly every type of landscape Iceland offers - glaciers, volcanic craters, lava fields, black sand beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The drive around the peninsula adds about 3 hours but is beautiful.

Key stops on Snaefellsnes: Kirkjufell mountain (Iceland's most photographed mountain), Djupalonssandur black beach, and the picturesque fishing villages.

Arrive back in Reykjavik by evening. If your flight is the next morning, camp near the airport or in Reykjavik for your final night.

Packing Essentials for Your Campervan Trip

• Clothing: Iceland's weather changes fast. Pack layers you can add or remove. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, warm fleece or down jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and warm hat and gloves even in summer. Thermal underwear is smart for cooler days.
• For the campervan: Most rentals include bedding, but confirm this. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, reusable water bottles (Iceland's tap water is perfect), and basic cooking supplies if you plan to cook. A portable phone charger helps when you're away from the van.
• Miscellaneous: Download offline maps before you go. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun is strong near glaciers). If visiting in winter, bring ice cleats for walking safely on ice.

Food and Budget Tips

Eating out in Iceland is expensive - expect $25-40 USD per meal at restaurants. Save money by cooking in your campervan. Shop at Bonus or Kronan supermarkets for affordable groceries.

Budget breakdown for 7 days per person:

• Campervan rental: $800-1,200 (split between passengers)
• Campsites: $77-126 total ($11-18 per night)
• Groceries: $150-200 if cooking most meals
• Gas: $150-200
• Activities (optional tours, hot springs): $100-300
• Total: Approximately $1,300-2,000 per person

You can reduce costs significantly by cooking your own meals, choosing cheaper campsites, and limiting paid activities.

Ready to Book Your Iceland Adventure?

Now that you have your complete 7-day itinerary, it's time to make it happen. The sooner you book your campervan, the better selection and prices you'll get, especially for summer travel.

Book Your Campervan at fartravel.is →

We offer a range of campervans perfect for Iceland's roads and weather. From budget-friendly options to fully-equipped 4x4 vehicles for highland adventures, we have something for every traveler. All our campervans come with:

• Comprehensive insurance options
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Camping equipment included
• Unlimited mileage
• Expert advice on routes and campsites

Don't wait - Iceland's midnight sun and Northern Lights are calling. Start planning your adventure today!