Iceland is a unique country, unlike any other you’ve ever visited; it’s incomparable. Its wild and abundant nature seems otherworldly and will make you feel insignificant in the face of its immensity. But while there are many ways to experience this trip, without a doubt, exploring Iceland by campervan is the best way to experience its surroundings in total freedom. And if you love adventure, you shouldn’t consider any other way to discover this country.
In this article, we delve into everything someone needs to know to take a campervan trip through Iceland. Our goal is to help you plan everything as best as possible so you can fully enjoy this unique and unforgettable journey. Ready? We won’t leave anything out!
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Why travelling to Iceland by campervan is worth it?
Travelling around Iceland in your own campervan has a clear advantage over any of the other way to explore the country (such as by car or organised tours): freedom. You decide where and when to go, and you can stop along the way as often as you like to appreciate the scenery (something you’ll do quite a lot on your trip). You can even change the itinerary and adapt it to your preferences and needs for the day.
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But that’s not all. Travelling around Iceland in a campervan also allows you to visit more remote places that many tours don’t reach. So far, there isn’t much difference compared to a car. However, a campervan gives you even more freedom, as you’re not obligated to plan your route around the accommodation where you’ll sleep each night, which can limit your itinerary and slow down your progress. Your car is your home. Can you imagine waking up to glaciers or greeting the world with a breathtaking waterfall?
Of course, a campervan is also an excellent way to save money during your trip, something that’s especially welcome in a country like Iceland where prices are sky-high. Besides not having to book accommodation, these vehicles have a small kitchen that means you won’t have to resort to expensive Icelandic restaurants. If you’re on a budget, this is a major advantage of a motorhome.
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Best Time to Travel around Iceland by Campervan
There’s no single best time to travel around Iceland in a campervan; it all depends on your preferences and travel goals. Below, we analyse the positive and less appealing aspects of each season:
- Winter (November to March). Although it’s the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland and experience the snow and glaciers in all their splendour, this season has two downsides. First, the roads leading to the northern part of the country may be closed, meaning you can only access the southern half of the island. Second, the vast majority of campsites are closed, something to keep in mind. In Iceland, camping and wild camping are not permitted, and you must sleep in a designated campsite if you are travelling with a campervan.
- Spring (April to May). Campsites reopen to the public in mid-May, giving you many more options for overnight stays. Although the snow and Northern Lights begin to fade, this time of year is ideal for enjoying the country’s wildlife, especially the charismatic puffins.
- Summer (June to August). This is the most popular time for travellers to explore Iceland in a campervan. All campsites are open, as are the roads throughout the country. The island bursts into colour, and you can experience Iceland’s vibrant side. But that’s not all; the temperatures are also more pleasant, and there are many more hours of sunshine (almost 24 hours), allowing you to enjoy your hikes for much longer.
- Autumn (September to October). Although campsites begin to close in mid-September and won’t all reopen until spring, this is a magical time in Iceland. Everything is bathed in reddish and brown hues, creating a unique moment to see the island bathed in very special tones.
Basic Requirements for Travelling through Iceland by Campervan: License, Insurance, and Budget
License
If your country is part of the European Economic Area (as is the case with Spain), your national driving license will be fully valid, provided it is current. Although Iceland is not part of the EU, it is a member of this area, so you do not need to request any documents or carry out any additional procedures.
If your country is not part of either of these two agreements, it is best to consult the consulate. Usually, you will need to present an International Driving Permit along with your valid national driving license. But it’s not always a mandatory requirement.
Insurance
Travel insurance policies usually include (even in their most basic version) liability insurance, as well as coverage for accidents you may have in your rental car during your stay. Therefore, you won’t need to request anything extra. Carefully read the insurer’s terms and conditions and ask customer service if you have any questions. In addition, liability insurance is usually included in the car rental.
Budget
According to the data, renting a campervan in Iceland can range from €80 to €350 per day, depending on the season (high or low) and the vehicle’s features. Sometimes, the price can even be a little higher.
Gasoline is also expensive compared to other European countries, and your budget should also include the cost of campsites (which we’ll discuss later).
How to Rent a Campervan in Iceland
The most important thing for a motorhome trip around Iceland is to book your rental vehicle well in advance (especially if you’re travelling in the summer, peak season); You’ll be able to get better prices and have more options to choose from.
Important extras to consider: mileage, heating…
The vast majority of campervan rental agencies in Iceland usually offer unlimited mileage, which means you can travel as far as you want during your rental period. It’s strange that it isn’t.
On the other hand, even when travelling in summer, it’s important that the motorhome has auxiliary heating, as temperatures can drop at night. This heating system runs on the vehicle’s fuel or an auxiliary battery, so you don’t have to leave the engine running.
Finally, it’s very convenient that the price of the motorhome includes both a bedding kit and a kitchen kit, so you don’t have to buy them yourself or carry them on your flight.
Differences between motorhome, campervan, and car + accommodation
The difference between a motorhome and a car is clear. While one option allows you to sleep and cook inside the vehicle, the other does not. However, you should know that regular motorhomes are not allowed access to F-Roads, the unpaved roads that lead to the highlands and remote areas of the Icelandic interior. You can only drive on them with a 4×4 (or a 4×4 motorhome).
This might not seem very important, but if you’re looking for adventure on your trip to Iceland, it’s worth noting. These are the roads that branch off the tourist Ring Road (which circles the island) and allow you to go further afield and visit remote, less crowded areas. They are more challenging, making them ideal for adventure lovers and experienced drivers.
But when it comes to motorhomes and campervans, travellers often get confused about the differences and don’t know which one to choose.
If this is your situation, we can help:
- Space. The campervan is more compact, and the living area becomes the bedroom. The motorhome is more spacious and has separate areas for sleeping, cooking, and eating.
- Amenities. Campervan amenities are also more basic, with a gas stove and a small kitchen. They also typically don’t include a bathroom and shower. The motorhome does include a full bathroom and larger kitchens.
- Usability. Here, campervans win, as they are much easier to drive and consume less fuel.
Recommended Itineraries for a Trip through Iceland by Campervan
Route through Iceland in 7–8 Days: South of the Island and Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is arguably Iceland’s most famous road trip. Located in the southwest of the island, it’s also the most popular with tourists due to its easy-to-drive roads and its proximity to Reykjavik (the capital), where you can start your journey. Although its most famous spots can be visited in a day, we feel that’s not enough time to truly enjoy it and all it has to offer. Seven or eight days is the perfect amount of time to explore it and also include other spots in the south of the island.
Below, we tell you about the three most important stops that make up the Golden Circle:
- Thingvellir National Park.
- Geysir Geothermal Area.
- Gullfoss Waterfall.
Then, there are also other extra stops you can include on the Golden Circle tour: Kerið Crater, Brúarfoss Waterfall, Laugarvatn Fontana, the Secret Lagoon, and the Hrunalaug hot springs.
Finally, if you’d like to explore other spots off this route located in the south and southwest, we recommend: the Blue Lagoon, the Gunnuhver geothermal area, Krýsuvíkurkirkja church, Krýsuvík, and Skögafoss waterfall.
Route through Iceland in 10 Days: Return to the Ring Road without Rush
The Ring Road is the second most famous and popular route in Iceland after the Golden Circle. It’s also known as Route 1 and is the road that circles the entire island. It’s the best option if you have at least 10 days to travel and want to see the entire island. These are the main points (although don’t forget to include the main Things to see and do on your trip to Reykjavik?, of course):
- Ring Road (with its three main stops).
- Southern waterfalls and black beaches of Vik.
- National Park Skaftafell.
- Vatnajökull Glacier.
- Klibrekkfossar and Zalafoss waterfall.
- Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss waterfalls.
- Hverir.
- Volcano Hverfjall.
- Lake Myvatn.
- Goðafoss waterfall.
- Akureiry.
- Siglufjordur.
- Víðimýri Church.
- Christmas House.
14-Day Iceland Itinerary: Ring Road + Snæfellsnes Peninsula and East Fjords
If you have four more days on your itinerary, in addition to the Ring Road tour of Iceland, you can add the East Fjords region and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, located to the west.
The East Fjords region of Iceland, also known as Asturland, stretches from the town of Berufjordur in the south to the town of Borgarfjordur Eystri in the north. It is one of the least touristy regions of the island, but no less spectacular for it.
The steep cliffs are the protagonists of this area, and we recommend choosing between one of these visits:
- The Vestrahorn Mountains.
- Stokksne beach.
- Hvalnes Lighthouse.
- Skútafoss waterfall.
- Djúpivogur village.
- Egilsstadir (the main town in the region).
- Vök Geothermal Baths.
- Seyðisfjörður village.
- Hengifoss waterfall.
- Cannon Studlagil.
For its part, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is a region in western Iceland known as “Miniature Iceland,” since, it is said, it concentrates all the country’s attractions in a small area. On your 14-day itinerary, we recommend also selecting some sites we suggest below from Passporter, your travel organiser:
- Búðakirkja (the Black Church).
- Geirabakarí Cafe.
- Ytri Tunga Beach.
- Cliffs in Arnarstapi.
- Fjoruhusid Cafe.
- Londrangar Basalt Cliffs.
- Snaefellsjökull National Park.
- Vatnshellir Cave.
- The Saxhóll crater.
- Grundarfoss.
- Kirkjufell.
Iceland by Motorhome with a Touch of Adventure
Taking a road trip through Iceland by campervan is fantastic, but nothing compares to exploring the country firsthand, step by step. In this section, we’ll tell you which hiking trails are worth including in your campervan itinerary, as well as what adventure activities you can add to your trip. It’s not all about the road!
Easy and moderate hiking routes near the Ring Road
- Easy trails in Vatnajökull National Park. You can’t leave Iceland without hiking on the Vatnajökull glacier, one of the island’s star winter tourist activities. We highly encourage you to book this type of activity, as it is essential to do it with a specialised guide. Walking among immense blocks of ice and even venturing into their caverns will be an unforgettable experience.
- Hiking in Snæfellsjökull National Park. Without a doubt, the route we most recommend (because it’s easy and doesn’t take long) is the coastal path that runs between cliffs. You’ll be able to enjoy the Snæfellsjökull glacier and the ocean views along the way. You’ll finish it in about two hours.
- Reykjadalur Trail. Not far from Reykjavík, and in the vicinity of the Smoky Mountains, this easy hike ends at the waters of a river. As the grand finale of your hike, you can take a dip in it, as it’s geothermally heated. A true reward at the end of the trail! This route isn’t far from Reykjavik either (about a 40-minute drive), starting in the town of Hveragerdi. The trail is accessible year-round, and the hike takes about three hours.
- Landmannalaugar Hiking Area. This is one of the most popular hiking areas in Iceland. Located in the country’s highlands, the main attraction is the mountains, which are a riot of different colors (reds, greens, pinks…). The only drawback is that this hiking area is only open in the summer. But if you’re visiting the country during this season and looking for an easy hike, we recommend the two-hour trail that leads to the Laugahraun lava field. And if you want magnificent views, without a doubt, the best option is to hike up to Mount Bláhnjúkur, which takes about two or three hours.
Hikes to viewpoints and small mountains during your trip through Iceland
- Sjonarnípa Viewpoint: This hidden gem is located in Skaftafell National Park and offers spectacular views of the glacier Skaftafellsjökull. It all starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Center, right off the Ring Road. Along the way, you’ll pass several waterfalls until you reach your destination, which offers an unforgettable landscape. Although the last stretch is challenging, you’ll be more than rewarded.
- Views from the cliffs of Dyrhólaey: very close to the village of Vík, in the south of the island, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit this area with its breathtaking views. Its lighthouse, the stone arch over the ocean, and its black sand beach are its greatest treasures. And if you visit during spring or summer, you can also enjoy the wonderful puffins.
Other active plans that aren’t extreme
Besides signing up for a glacier tour in Iceland, other adventure activities you can do in the country include: horseback riding, kayaking among glaciers in summer (the melt season), and snorkelling or diving in the waters of Silfra to see the separation of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Winter Road Trip through Iceland by Campervan: What to Consider
For many travellers, winter is the best time to visit Iceland. Although the Ring Road is likely to be inaccessible due to road closures, winter offers travellers things that no other season can: Northern Lights at their most spectacular, glaciers at their peak, frozen waterfalls, landscapes blanketed in pure white, and fewer tourists.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when driving a campervan. Firstly, it’s very important to maintain a reduced speed to maintain control of the vehicle at all times and have more time to react. We also advise you to maintain a greater following distance from the vehicle in front, as ice significantly increases braking distance.
Remember to avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns, as smoother movements help the car maintain traction. And last but not least, avoid cruise control when the roads are icy, as it can slow your reaction time if the car slips. With all this, you’re more than ready to tackle winter driving in Iceland.
And what about snow chains? Don’t worry about them. In winter, all vehicles in Iceland are required to carry small spikes that increase tire grip. Therefore, all rental companies will provide the vehicle with this equipment.
Where to Sleep in Iceland in a Campervan: campsites and regulations
Camping Rules in Iceland and Why Wild Camping Is Not Allowed
Since 2015, Iceland has prohibited both wild camping (taking things outside the perimeter of your vehicle) and overnight stays. Both are only permitted in designated camping areas or campsites, which have restrooms and cooking facilities. The reason behind these regulations is the protection of the ecosystem from tourism. For example, Icelandic moss is very vulnerable and, if damaged, takes years to recover.
Types of Campsites, Services, and Approximate Prices
When visiting Iceland you’ll see that there are both free and paid campsites, and also campsites that are open all year round or only in summer. On the map below, you can see the location of all the campsites that are open 365 days a year; very useful if you’re visiting during the winter or autumn season.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1ZJ8-PyMWTPgzO2UWWEqpsb7sIGSVSt0K&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]But there are many more! Below, we provide a more complete one.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1gJV0ZEEDYENMWKp4hvMoeEpDQycW9IHd&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Those shown in green are included in the so-called “Camping Card.” This card is a pass that allows you to camp at all of these campsites for a total of 28 nights during the summer season. It costs around €180 and is valid for a family of up to two adults and up to four children under 16. However, some extras are not included (such as showers or electricity), as well as the tourist tax per night.
If you’re interested, you can purchase it on the official website, at campsites, motorhome rental companies, tourist information centres, and Olís gas stations. According to the data, the card is worthwhile if you plan to camp for more than 10 nights. However, remember that with this card you cannot stay more than four nights at the same campsite.
Without this card, you can choose from a wider variety of options, which cost around €12-15 per person per night (not including tax and some extra services like electricity). Most campsites are equipped with hot showers, toilets, sinks, water filling stations, grey and black water disposal, and washing machines and dryers. However, this is not always the case. Research the services before choosing a specific campsite.
Useful Apps for Finding Campsites and Rest Areas on Your Iceland Road Trip
NorCamp is a very comprehensive app where you’ll find the location and information you need about all the campsites in Iceland (although it’s also available for all of Scandinavia and other countries in the region). On the other hand, if you’re going to buy the Camping Card, you can download its own app and thus more easily find all the included campsites. Furthermore, you can also get this card in the app.
Finally, with the Parka app, in addition to being able to pay for parking in the country, you can also pay in advance and book some selected campsites.
- Although roaming is available in Iceland as it is part of the European Economic Area, if you are going to book trips to the country from outside Europe and want to have a good internet connection during your trip and easily, in this article we recommend How to have internet with an eSIM on your trip to Iceland from the moment you land.
Driving through Iceland in a motorhome: roads, weather, and safety
Wind, Snow and Rain: How to Adapt Your Driving
Gas Stations, Refuelling, and Daily Mileage Planning
Everyone who has travelled to Iceland recommends the same thing: don’t wait until your tank is nearly empty to refuel. The distances between gas stations can be quite long in some areas, especially when you travel away from major cities. So, to avoid running out of gas, don’t wait until your tank is below half full. This will ensure you don’t get stranded on the road.
At most gas stations, there is also self-service, so you can pay and fill up your motorhome yourself with your card.
How to Organise Your Daily Life in Iceland in a Motorhome
Supermarkets along the route through Iceland
One advantage of travelling around Iceland in a campervan is that you don’t need to spend money in restaurants; you can cook your own food and save a lot of money. However, it’s a good idea to know which supermarkets are the best in the country, both in terms of price and product variety.
If you’re looking to stick to your budget, Kronan and Bonus are the supermarkets we recommend most, as they offer the most economical prices. Bonus, in particular, is the cheapest of all. However, if you also value finding a wider variety of products at good prices, Kronan is a better option. Although it doesn’t reach the very low prices of Bonus, its quality-price-variety ratio is the best. Kronan is larger and offers many more shopping options, especially when it comes to fresh produce.
What to pack in your motorhome: essential clothing, kitchenware, and equipment
Motorhome rental companies usually include kitchenware and bedding. But make sure this is the case before booking your vehicle to avoid surprises. However, it’s a good idea to bring the following for your road trip: a portable battery, headlamp, chargers, a first-aid kit, and an offline map. On the other hand, it’s a good idea to know the basics for getting around in a motorhome, such as emptying black and grey water tanks, filling water tanks, and using gas.
Respect Icelandic nature
When traveling by Motorhome Taking a road trip through Iceland in a motorhome is the best way to connect with nature. But to preserve the environment, it’s essential that you don’t leave any waste where you stay or park. Always use trash cans, and if the waste disposal areas are full, don’t pour liquids into nature; find another one. Always respect campsite rules and recommendations so you can continue enjoying this adventure in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iceland by Campervan and Route through Iceland
Generally, it’s not necessary. However, it is advisable during peak season (July and August) if you want to camp at popular campsites near tourist attractions or if you need a site with electricity. Otherwise, it’s usually managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Theoretically, the Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland between September and April. However, the months with the highest activity are the winter months (December, January, February, and March). But when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights, it’s not just the month you go that matters; it’s also important that the sky is clear, there’s little light pollution, and solar activity is high.
The weather in Iceland is very variable throughout the year. However, winter is the most challenging due to the extreme cold, storms, and strong winds. Autumn can also be tough due to the large number of rainy days and the wind.
What do travellers think about visiting Iceland by campervan?
In general, travellers believe that touring Iceland by campervan is a much more economical option than driving around the country and staying in hotels or Airbnbs, as well as taking organized tours. Therefore, if you want to visit Iceland but don’t have a large budget, this doesn’t have to be a limitation.
On the other hand, roads aren’t Icelanders’ strong suit. They tend to be quite bumpy, but it’s not something that significantly affects driving.
But, of course, no traveller leaves Iceland after a road trip without thinking it’s one of the most special and amazing trips of their life.
Also, check this destination: Things to see and do on your trip to Norway?
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