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Hafnarfjörður, a charming Icelandic town nestled between mountains and ocean, is an ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the island. Renting a camper van in Hafnarfjörður gives you the freedom to discover breathtaking landscapes, from impressive geysers to majestic glaciers. Don't miss visiting the picturesque harbor and the famous surrounding lava fields, which add a unique touch to your adventure. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or a photography lover, Hafnarfjörður will captivate you with its wild beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
Road trips to explore Iceland from Hafnarfjörður
Set off to discover Iceland in a camper van from Hafnarfjörður, an ideal base thanks to its family campsite in the heart of a green park, close to services and 15 minutes from Reykjavik. These three iconic itineraries, suitable for vans, explore the must-sees of the Golden Circle and the south coast, justified by their proximity and accessibility from Hafnarfjörður, for smooth road trips in 7-10, 14, or 21 days.
7-10 days: Golden Circle and South Coast
From the Hafnarfjörður campsite, drive to Thingvellir to observe the tectonic rift between continental plates, then Geysir with its geothermal eruptions and Gullfoss, a must-see powerful waterfall two hours away. In a camper van, easily park at dedicated areas. Day 3, head to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss for impressive waterfalls, then Reynisfjara and its black sand beach near Vik. Return via Skaftafell for Svartifoss and Jökulsárlón, an essential glacial lagoon despite the 5-hour round trip, offering a taste of glaciers. Alternate camping at sites like Ulfljotsvatn and short hikes suitable for vans. Hafnarfjörður serves as a daily return point or break, with its Wi-Fi facilities, showers, and outdoor barbecues to recharge after these loops of 200-400 km. This 7-10 day route captures the volcanic and aquatic essence of Iceland without excessive distance.
14 days: South and East Loop
First settle at the quiet Hafnarfjörður campsite, then embark on Route 1 towards the Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss in one accessible day. Extend towards the south coast with Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara beach, and Vik, where van camps easily welcome you. Continue to Skaftafell for glacier hikes and Jökulsárlón, then to the East fjords with Djupivogur and Seydisfjördur, Hengifoss as a bonus. These eastern detours are essential for their varied landscapes, 6-7 hours from Hafnarfjörður. Return via Egilsstadir, sleeping in areas like Seydisfjördur. In a camper van, enjoy hot springs like Hveragerdi on the return loop. Hafnarfjörður offers a central mooring with electricity in zone B, ideal for van maintenance and local visits like the Víðistaðatún park. This 14-day itinerary totals 1000 km, mixing waterfalls, basalt beaches, and calm fjords.
21 days: Complete Icelandic Tour
Start from Hafnarfjörður and its convenient campsite near the city center, to radiate towards the Golden Circle, then the south coast up to Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell. Continue the ring road towards the East fjords (Seydisfjördur, Hengifoss), Lake Myvatn with steaming Hverir, powerful Krafla, and Dettifoss. Head north to Akureyri, explore optional Westfjords like Dynjandi if 4x4, or Grabrok and Deildartunguhver otherwise. Close with Snæfellsnes before returning. These northern and western extensions are vital for a complete Iceland experience, despite 1200 km, accessible in a robust van. Campsites like Hamrar or Seydisfjördur facilitate overnight stays. Hafnarfjörður remains the base for breaks, with areas for camper vans without electricity in C for short stops, and proximity to the airport. In 21 days, this immersive route alternates geothermal activity, cliffs, and glaciers, with flexibility for Icelandic weather.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in Iceland
Discover on this map all the cities in Iceland where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in Iceland or elsewhere.
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Rent a camper van in Hafnarfjörður: when to explore Iceland
When to depart from Hafnarfjörður
The ideal time for a camper van or van trip starting from Hafnarfjörður is summer, from June to August, when temperatures in Hafnarfjörður reach mild highs around 10-13°C, favoring passable roads to the historic harbor and surrounding fjords.
Avoid winter from November to March, marked by long, very cold, and snowy winters in Hafnarfjörður, with lows below -5°C and strong winds making van travel risky around the municipality.
Weather and pricing seasonality
In Hafnarfjörður, the climate is windy and cloudy year-round, but the short, cool summers offer more clarity for exploring the surroundings like the Úlfarsárdalur area, while camper van rental rates drop in the shoulder season of April-May and September-October.
In high summer season, van prices rise in Hafnarfjörður due to demand for late northern lights or coastal hikes, contrasting with more affordable winter offers despite the risks of snow and heavy rain.
Types of vehicles to rent in Iceland
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in Iceland. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Practical guide for road trips in Iceland from Hafnarfjörður
Driving and regulations from Hafnarfjörður
In Iceland, from Hafnarfjörður, adhere to a speed limit of 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on gravel roads, with dipped headlights mandatory at all times, even during the day. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited around Hafnarfjörður, where roads like Route 41 to Reykjavik require winter tires from November to April to avoid fines.
In Hafnarfjörður, avoid parking near discontinuous yellow lines or bus stops, and equip children under 1.35 m with an appropriate seat for safe driving to nearby areas like the local harbor.
Sleeping and connecting in Hafnarfjörður
Wild camping has been prohibited since 2015 in Iceland; in Hafnarfjörður, park only at the official Sundhamarinn campsite, which offers electrical hookups and sanitary facilities in season. Obtain written permission from the owner for any private land near Hafnarfjörður, under penalty of heavy fines.
Around Hafnarfjörður, campsites like the downtown one often close off-season but provide facilities for vans, thus favoring a legal and comfortable stay near the fjord.
Local tips and safety in Hafnarfjörður
In Hafnarfjörður, as elsewhere in Iceland, always ask for the agreement of local farm owners before camping, and avoid open fires near areas like Strandgata to preserve the environment. Use apps to locate official areas around Hafnarfjörður and respect the signs "Bifreidastaedi bönnud" indicating parking prohibition.
In winter, check the local weather in Hafnarfjörður to anticipate strong winds and slippery roads, and prefer campsites equipped for optimal safety during your departures to the Golden Circle.
