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Road trips & itineraries · 11 days

11-Day Iceland Campervan Road Trip

This 11-day, 10-night campervan circuit takes you anticlockwise around Iceland's coast. You'll explore the country at your own pace and discover Iceland's natural treasures.

Published on · 8 min read
Campervan parked overlooking Icelandic mountains and waterfalls, wild landscape in natural light.

Spectacular volcanoes, steaming geothermal zones with geysers, impressive glaciers, waterfalls and charming fishing villages—nothing is missing from an Iceland road trip (except the remote Northwest Fjords, which would add 2–3 days, and the central highlands, accessible only by 4×4).

Expect roughly 2,200 km, with about 95% on paved roads—and it's worth every kilometre because you'll see nearly all of Iceland's major landscapes. At the end of your loop, why not unwind in the famous Blue Lagoon before catching your flight home?

The daily stages are balanced to fit the highlights, but you can see everything and shave 2 days off the itinerary if time is tight—reducing it to 8 or 9 nights.

Build in one or two rest days, though. Poor weather or strong winds can bring travel to a standstill, and a sudden burst of love for a spot or a hiking trail (or just fatigue) might tempt you off schedule.

The Northwest Fjords aren't included here—add 2–3 days if you want them, along with slower, rougher roads. You can drive the circuit in reverse, but with so much to see in the central and southern regions, we'd recommend saving the major sights for the start.

See the full route in detail on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ALn3xfTkbA22

Day 1: Keflavik – Þingvellir – Gullfoss – Flúðir (~190 km / 2h 40m)

UNESCO World Heritage National Park with geological marvels and historic significance • Geyser • Gullfoss waterfall • Flúðir/Selfoss

Head to Þingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland's ancient parliament. The park sits on the edge of Iceland's largest lake and showcases dramatic volcanic landscapes with mountains and lava flows. Next, visit Strokkur Geyser and the Gullfoss waterfall, then soak in the geothermal springs at Geysir. Wild camping or Flúðir Campground. Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/U26EnU5SMU82

Map of Iceland showing a loop route marking the main stops of a campervan circuit.Map of Iceland showing a motorhome circuit route around the island with major stops and tourist attractions marked.Map of Iceland showing a campervan circuit route following the coastal roads around the island.

Day 2: Flúðir – Selfoss – Hella – Vík – Kirkjubæjarklaustur (~245 km / 3h 20m)

Waterfalls • Hekla volcano • Puffin colonies • Black sand beaches • Lava fields

Stop at the waterfalls near Selfoss, then drive along Iceland's spectacular south coast. Seljalandsfoss is the only waterfall you can walk behind. Pass beneath the Eyjafjallajökull volcano (famous for disrupting European air traffic in 2010) and visit the Skógafoss waterfall, the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the Dyrhólaey lighthouse and sea arch, and the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach near Vík. Cross the Eldhraun lava field to reach Kirkjubæjarklaustur village.

If you fancy a 2-hour detour, you can hike to the wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that crashed on Sólheimasandur Beach in 1973 (63.4591494, –19.3652497). Wild camping or Kirkjubæjarklaustur Campground.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/CpKSA344j5z

Campervan parked overlooking an Icelandic waterfall, with basalt cliffs and moss-covered terrain.Map of Iceland with the campervan route outlined around the island, showing the main stops along the circuit.Map of Iceland showing a campervan route along the coastal ring road with main stops marked.

Day 3: Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn (~210 km / 2h 40m)

Europe's largest national park • Glacial lagoon with icebergs • Europe's largest glacier

Explore the remarkable Skaftafell National Park, nestled at the foot of Vatnajökull glacier—perfect for short hikes. Drive to the stunning Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where icebergs calve from Vatnajökull and drift in the water. Continue to the fishing village of Höfn in the Hornafjörður region. Kaffihornið is an excellent restaurant serving langoustines and local specialties in a cosy wooden lodge. Höfn Campground is centrally located.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/qo6oD1vqiy92

Planning a campervan road trip isn't always straightforward, no matter where you're headed. Finding the best spots, the ones to skip, the hidden gems, the local tips—it all takes time. And once you're on the road (or back home), you often think, "If only I'd known, I'd have done it differently."

Day 4: Höfn – Djúpivogur – Reyðarfjörður – Egilsstaðir (~265 km / 3h 40m)

Deep fjords • Steep mountains • Picturesque coastline • Mineral collection

Drive through Iceland's beautiful East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages to reach the fertile Egilsstaðir region. Visit the Petra mineral collection near Stöðvarfjörður. Take a boat trip to Papey Island to spot puffins. Wild camping or Egilsstaðir Campground.

Heads up: If you take the gravel route via Road 1 or the 939 to rejoin it, you'll encounter gravel roads and a mountain pass—stunning scenery, but you'll need extra time and your van will need a wash at the next N1 petrol station.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/LJbDuKtgNrw

Map of Iceland showing a campervan route circling the island with main stops and distances marked.Map of Iceland showing a campervan route looping around the island with key stops and landmarks indicated.Map of Iceland showing the main touring route around the island with key attractions and road network.

Day 5: Egilsstaðir – Dettifoss – Ásbyrgi – Húsavík (~252 km / 3h 30m)

Europe's most powerful waterfall • Glacial canyon

Cross the otherworldly Mödrudalsöraefi plateau towards Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Explore the wonders of Jokulsárgljúfur National Park, including the strange rock formations of Hljóðaklettar and the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon. Head to the Tjörnes peninsula and the fishing village of Húsavík. Húsavík Campground sits in the town centre.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/GcUvwBiurbm

Map of Iceland showing a campervan route with main stops and attractions around the island.Map of Iceland displaying a campervan circuit route around the island with stops and major attractions.Map of Iceland displaying a campervan route around the island, highlighting main roads and key attractions.

Day 6: Húsavík – Mývatn (~67 km / 1h)

Whale watching • Mývatn Lake stop

If visiting in season, book a whale-watching tour—fast rigid inflatables get you closest to the whales. Then head to Lake Mývatn. To reach the lake, prefer the paved Road 845 over the gravel Road 87. You can also skip Húsavík entirely and head straight to Mývatn to skip the whale-watching tour if time is short. Mývatn has two campsites; the one near the airfield is quieter than the one at the village entrance, which sits right on the road.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/srBgv6kBT8Q2

Map of Iceland showing a numbered campervan route circuit around the island with main roads highlighted.Map of Iceland showing a campervan circuit route around the island, with main roads and key stops marked.Map of Iceland showing a loop route around the island with numbered stops and major tourist attractions marked.

Day 7: Mývatn – Akureyri (~100 km / 1h 15m)

Strange volcanic formations • Geothermal phenomena • Birdlife • Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city • Botanic gardens • Museums • Arctic Circle

Discover the natural wonders around Lake Mývatn: Dimmuborgir's dark lava formations, the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, the sulfur-scorched Námaskard geothermal area, and the volcanic region around Krafla with its turquoise crater. Visit Godafoss waterfall. Consider a bike ride or horse trek around the lake, or relax in Mývatn's geothermal springs—far cheaper than the Blue Lagoon. Continue north to Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland. The town-centre campground (Vid Dorunnarstraeti) sits just above the pedestrian shopping street, a short walk from the public swimming pool.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/8NoxVroSemP2

Map of Iceland showing a campervan route circling the island, marking key stops and natural attractions.Map of Iceland showing a circular road route with marked stops for a camping-car tour around the island.Map of Iceland showing the circular route with key stops for a campervan circuit tour.

Day 8: Akureyri – Laugarbakki – Stykkisholmur (~355 km / 4h 30m)

Fertile farming regions • Folk museum • Icelandic horses • Birthplace of Leif Erikson

Cross the fertile Skagafjörður valley, famous for horse breeding, then head into the Hrútafjörður region. Visit the Dalir district, home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his most famous son, Leif Erikson. Continue to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This is the longest driving day. Climb the lighthouse at the end of the day for a stunning sunset view. Stykkisholmur Golf Club Campground is in the town centre—note that this town offers free high-speed wifi.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/Ho5Vs36BMAH2

Map of Iceland showing a campervan circuit route along the south and east coasts, with main stops and distances marked.Map of Iceland showing a circular campervan route along Ring Road 1, marking main stops and attractions.Map of Iceland showing a campervan circuit following the main coastal route around the island.

Day 9: Stykkishólmur – Arnarstapi – Borgarfjörður – Borgarnes (~225 km / 3h)

Fishing villages • Volcanic craters • Wind-swept capes • Lava fields

Explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula, stopping in small fishing villages. Visit the Jules Verne volcano, the beautiful Djúpalónssandur beach and the strange sea rocks of Arnarstapi. Continue to Borgarfjörður. Borgarnes Campground sits at the edge of town on the waterfront.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/FMD3QGtLVfo

Map of Iceland showing a campervan route with main roads and landmarks highlighted.Map of Iceland showing a campervan route circling the island counterclockwise.Map of Iceland showing a circular route around the island with main stops and distances marked in kilometres.

Day 10: Borgarnes – Reykholt – Hvalfjörður – Reykjavik (~155 km / 2h 30m)

Scenic waterfalls • Europe's most powerful geothermal spring • Fjord

Explore Borgarfjörður and visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the historic site of Reykholt, and the Deildartunguhver geothermal springs—Europe's most powerful. Follow the fjord to Glymur, Iceland's tallest waterfall, hidden deep inside. A 2-hour return hike is needed to reach it, but it's worth the walk. Return to Reykjavik; traffic builds as you approach the city. The town-centre campground sits next to the public swimming pool, about 2 km on foot from the main shopping street.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/x9mWuLL83eQ2

Map of Iceland displaying a campervan circuit route with major stops and tourist attractions around the island.Map of Iceland showing a circular driving route through major tourist attractions and landmarks featured in the campervan circuit.

Day 11: Reykjavik – Blue Lagoon – Keflavik (60 km / 1h) – And Home

Walk through Reykjavik's Design Street (Laugarvegur) for shopping. Climb Hallgrímskirkja cathedral's 75-metre tower for stunning city views. See the Sólfar (Sun Voyager) sculpture on the waterfront. Don't miss Árbær open-air farm museum—fascinating exhibits and great photo opportunities (and you can pet the sheep). Return the van and spend your final afternoon at the Blue Lagoon before your flight, completely relaxed and amazed by Iceland's wonders.

Route details: https://goo.gl/maps/rr9XABRJn3r

Map of Iceland showing a circular motorhome route with marked stops and major natural landmarks around the island.Map of Iceland displaying a looping campervan route around the island with coastal main road and landmark locations.Map of Iceland showing a campervan route around the island, marking key stages and major tourist attractions.

Tips & Tricks for Hiring a Campervan in Iceland

Things to Do

  • Check for the Northern Lights on vedur.is
  • Shop at Bonus (the supermarket with a pink pig logo on a yellow background)—it's the most affordable option and widely available
  • Local specialties to try: Skyr (Icelandic yoghurt), wild salmon, giant langoustines, smoked lamb and lamb soup

Restaurants in Reykjavik

  • Hamborgarafabrikkan (The Hamburger Factory) serves excellent burgers
  • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has the best hot dog in town (even Bill Clinton stopped by)
  • Sea Baron, near the harbour, has outstanding lobster soup

Campgrounds

Wild camping is possible with common sense—avoid areas with "no camping" signs and farmland. Campsites are well-signposted and easy to find. Budget around 4,000 ISK (roughly €32) per night for a pitch with electricity. Many sites have unstaffed arrivals: pitch up when you arrive and pay later, either to a staff member who collects fees or via an envelope at the gate.

Checklist Before You Leave

  • USB charger and 12V car charger
  • 4G SIM card and mobile router
  • Music and podcasts
  • Camera
  • 12V transformer
  • Iceland's emergency app: 112 Iceland

Videos to Watch

Iceland videos:

Driving in Iceland:

Useful Links for Final Preparations

(updated on )

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