Planning the Ultimate Campervan Trip Around Iceland’s Ring Road
When we first took a trip around Scotland’s NC400 route in a Volkswagen Transporter campervan, we were smitten with the whole thing and resolved to try it out again along other campervan-friendly routes. So last September when we spotted cheap flights to Iceland from Vancouver, we jumped on the opportunity to plan another road-trip around Iceland’s Ring Road. What better way to experience the vast and natural beauty of Iceland than to roam around in van that would double as our home for 12 days.
Why Campervan Around Iceland?
Renting a campervan in a place like Iceland is a fantastic way to explore the country. For one, it is relatively easy to book a campervan and the roads are fairly simple to navigate. Additionally, we think its the best way to really get out there and see as much as possible within a span of a week or two. Here are a few more reasons to consider a campervan when touring Iceland:
Flexibility and freedom: With a campervan, you have the freedom to go where you want, when you want, without being tied to public transportation schedules, hotel check-in times, or tour schedules. You can also change your itinerary on the fly and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Cost-effective: Accommodations and meals in Iceland can be pretty expensive, especially during peak season. Renting a campervan can save you money on accommodation costs as you can sleep in the van and prepare your own food instead of eating out. We did a quick comparison and accommodation turned out to be quite a bit less expensive than staying and eating at mid-range hotels.
Scenic drives and stunning landscapes: Iceland is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenic drives, and a campervan allows you to take it all in at your own pace. You can stop wherever you want to take photos, go for a hike, or just soak in the scenery - all without feeling rushed.
Experience the outdoors: Iceland is a nature lover's paradise, and a campervan allows you to experience the great outdoors up close and personal. You can camp in national parks, by waterfalls, or even on secluded beaches. One of the biggest wins with our campervan trip was getting up in the middle of the night (usually to use the bathroom) and getting the chance to see the spectacular northern lights! If we hadn’t been in a campervan, we would not have been able to so easily spot amazing auroras on at least three occasions.
Unique experience: Renting a campervan in Iceland is a unique experience that you won't find in many other destinations. Like the NC400 route in Scotland, Iceland’s Ring Road is well set up for campervan trips and we saw a ton of other campervans on the road and at campsites. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Icelandic culture and lifestyle and really get an in-depth experience of the rugged landscape across the whole country.
What Campervan Should I Look For?
When looking for a campervan for a trip around Iceland's Ring Road, there are a few key things to consider:
Size: Make sure the campervan you choose is suitable for the number of people in your party and has enough space for your luggage and equipment. Also, consider the roads you will be driving on, as some parts of the Ring Road can be narrow and winding.
Comfort & Sleeping: Look for a campervan that is comfortable and has amenities like a kitchenette, a heater, and a comfortable sleeping area. Some vans are essentially minivans with seats removed and beds put up in place. Others are pop-top vans where you can raise the roof and sleep on a bunk up top (this is what we went with). Others are full-size Sprinter vans that allow you to walk around and some may have toilets built-in.
Off-road capabilities: If you plan on doing some off-road driving, make sure the campervan you choose is suitable for the terrain and has four-wheel drive. For example if you want to explore the highlands using the F-road routes, you must have a 4x4 capable vehicle.
Age and condition: Check the age and condition of the campervan you are renting. Older campervans may be cheaper, but they may also have more mechanical issues and be less comfortable.
Rental company: Choose a reputable rental company that provides good customer service, offers roadside assistance, and has a clear rental agreement, price, and insurance coverage.
Some popular campervan models for Iceland trips include the Volkswagen California, the Mercedes Sprinter, and the Ford Transit. We ended up renting a Mercedes Marco Polo through Campervan Reykjavik (Europcar) where we were picked up from Reykjavík International Airport and taken a short 5 minute drive away to pickup the van. It was the perfect size van for us with a pop-top roof that allowed us to sleep ‘upstairs’. It came with a very warm and functional heater, built-in fridge and stove, and outdoor chairs and a table. It was a breeze to drive and wasn’t so large that we worried about going down narrow roads.
Here are some other popular campervan rental companies:
Happy Campers: Happy Campers is a popular rental company that offers a range of campervans, from basic two-person vans to larger models that can accommodate up to five people. They also provide free airport pick-up and drop-off and include a basic insurance package with their rentals.
Campervan Iceland: Campervan Iceland offers a variety of campervans, including smaller vans for solo travelers and larger models for families or groups. They also provide a range of camping gear and extras, such as GPS and Wi-Fi.
Go Campers: Go Campers offers affordable campervan rentals, including budget-friendly models that are great for backpackers or budget-conscious travelers. They also offer 24/7 roadside assistance and free airport shuttle service.
Kuku Campers: Kuku Campers offers a wide range of campervans, including basic models with just a sleeping area and more luxurious models with a full kitchen and bathroom. They also offer extras like GPS and Wi-Fi and have several pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Iceland.
CampEasy: CampEasy offers a variety of campervans, from small vans to larger motorhomes. They also provide a range of extras, such as sleeping bags, pillows, and cooking equipment. They offer free airport shuttle service and a 24-hour customer service line.
Things You Should Know Before You Go
Before you plan your trip, here are some important things to know before you go:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Iceland is from June to August when the days are long, and the weather is relatively mild. However, this is also peak tourist season, and prices may be higher. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May, September, or October). We went during early to mid September and it was absolutely perfect. The weather was still great, there were less tourists and most campgrounds and destinations were still open.
Long days and nights: During the summer months, Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of daylight, while in winter, there are very few hours of daylight. Make sure to plan your driving schedule accordingly and bring eye masks to help you sleep during the long days. On our two-week trip, when we started out at the beginning of September, the sun set at around 8:30 pm and two weeks later, it set at 7:00 pm!
F-roads: If you plan on driving on Iceland's F-roads (unpaved roads), make sure to rent a 4x4 campervan that can handle rough terrain. Also, check road conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on your journey as some routes may be closed due to bad weather.
Campground open dates: Many campgrounds in Iceland are only open during the summer months. Make sure to check the open dates and plan your itinerary accordingly. We found that most major campgrounds would be open until September 30 but we did encounter one or two that were already closed for the season.
Driving tips: In Iceland, people drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally low, and you should pay close attention to road signs, especially in rural areas. Also note that there are a few speed cameras around the country, notably around Reykjavik. Be mindful of sheep (they are everywhere!) and other wildlife that may be crossing the road.
One-lane bridges: Iceland has many one-lane bridges, and the rule is that the car closest to the bridge has the right of way. If you see a car approaching the bridge from the other direction, stop and wait for them to cross before proceeding.
Toll tunnels: Iceland has several toll tunnels, including the Hvalfjörður Tunnel and the Vaðlaheiði Tunnel. Make sure to have cash or a credit card with you to pay the toll (or pay in advance online). We actually noted that a toll tunnel was coming up on part of our route and took a detour to avoid it completely.
Weather: Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly. Check weather forecasts before you set out on your journey and be prepared for rain, wind, and snow. We frequently checked this website for up-to-date weather forecasts: Icelandic Met Office.
Gas stations: Gas stations in Iceland can be few and far between, especially in rural areas. Make sure to fill up your tank when you have the opportunity and keep an eye on your fuel gauge. Also note that some rural gas stations are unmanned and will only take debit or credit cards (with PIN) in order for you to fill up.
AdBlue: This may not apply to everyone but we had a moment of panic when our campervan’s AdBlue light came on. AdBlue is an additive used in modern diesel engines to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. If you are renting a newer diesel campervan in Iceland, it is likely that it will require AdBlue and you will need to refill the tank at some point during your trip. AdBlue is available at most larger gas stations throughout Iceland, including N1 and Olís. We were lucky and just happened to pass by a Europcar rental location and got them to fill up our tank.
Snacks: Lastly, stock up on snacks to enjoy on your road trip. Check out our post on the best snacks in Iceland. The supermarket Bónus is a fantastic and affordable place to grab groceries and snacks - we stopped at a Bónus three times along our camper van trip and it supplied us for all we needed for food and drinks.
How to Plan a Route and Where to Stay
We had twelve full days on the Ring Road and that included a few days around the Golden Circle that includes three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Most people generally go counter-clockwise around the Ring Road, starting in Reykjavik and going south along the circle. We went in the opposite direction; here was our itinerary:
Day 1: Reykjavik Pickup the campervan at Reykjavik Airport. Drive to Sky Lagoon to decompress and recover from jet-lag. Begin the first leg of the Golden Circle by exploring Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River.
Day 2: Golden Circle Drive the Golden Circle route and visit Gulfoss and Geysir in Thingvellir National Park. Camp at Þingvellir National Park or nearby. We stayed at Faxi tjaldsvæði after attempting a previous campground that turned out to be closed.
Day 3: Golden Circle Continued Go snorkeling at Silfra and explore Thingvellir National Park.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and explore the volcanic landscapes, coastal towns, and glacier-capped peaks in the area. Check out the lifting stones at Dritvík - the Black Lava Pearl Beach. Camp at one of the campsites in the area, such as Hellissandur Camping.
Day 4: Westfjords Drive through the Westfjords and explore the remote and rugged landscapes of this region. Camp at one of the campsites in the area, such as Ísafjörður Camping. Check out the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft.
Day 5: Northwest Iceland Drive to Northwest Iceland and explore the charming fishing village of Siglufjörður. If you have time, check out the outstanding Herring Era Museum. Camp at one of the campsites in the area, such as Hauganes Camping Area (hot pots/hot tubs nearby!).
Day 6: Akureyri Drive to the town of Akureyri and explore the botanical garden, shops, and restaurants in the area. Stock up on groceries and supplies at a Bónus. Camp at one of the campsites in the area, such as Hamrar Camping.
Day 7: Lake Mývatn Drive to Lake Mývatn and explore the volcanic craters, geothermal areas, and waterfalls in the area. Camp at one of the campsites in the area, such as Hlíð ferðaþjónusta.
Day 8: East Fjords Drive along the East Fjords and explore the scenic coastal towns and fishing villages along the way. Check out Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Camp at one of the campsites in the area, such as Campground Fjalladyrd/Mödrudalur.
Day 9: East Coast Explore Stuðlagil Canyon’s surreal basalt rock columns and pass through the town of Egilsstaðir. For lunch, stop by Klausturkaffi, for their delightful and affordable all-you-can-eat buffet lunch featuring traditional Icelandic foods such as lamb, reindeer meat, pies, and soups. They also have a cake/dessert buffet later in the afternoon. Stay at Vestrahorn Camping.
Day 10: Vatnajökull National Park Drive to Vatnajökull National Park and explore the grand glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Camp at Skaftafell campsite.
Day 11: South Coast Drive to the South Coast and visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the town of Vik. We stayed at a free campsite called Strandakirkja Camping.
Day 12: Reykjavik Drive back to Reykjavik and on the way back, stop at the Blue Lagoon.
Route Map
If you’d like to go further in-depth with route planning, feel free to check out the custom road-trip map we’ve made for Iceland:
