8 Tage

Ring road by campervan

What you'll do

This is a great tour around Iceland and will show you an amazing variety of landscapes. You will drive past the majestic waterfalls of the south coast, the vast glaciers of Vatnajökull, the fjords in the East and the desert landscape in the North.

Tours

There's 3 tours included in this itinerary, Katla Ice Cave, Kayaking with Icebergs and Whale Watching. You can choose the ones you like or simply do all of them, they are all amazing tours.

More time?

If you have more time than a week it's a great idea to add on Westfjords or Snaefellsnes to your trip. For Westfjords expect an additional 3 days and Snaefellsnes can be done in 1-2 days.

Local Pools
When driving a campervan around Iceland a great trick is to use the local pools. Almost every little town has one and they are like a mini spa. Always with hot tubs and always outside. Entry is $5-10 so it's very affordable to hop in for a quick dip in the jacuzzi. I use them all the time when travelling by camper van.

Campsites

There's plenty of campsites to choose from in Iceland. Here I have recommended my favourite ones. You don't need to reserve in advance and can just show up. I would also recommend to not buy the camping card as most of the campsites I recommend here are not included.
Supermarkets

You will pass a supermarket almost every day along the circle. The only section with less services is between Vik and Höfn. If you stock up for 2 days at the time you will be all fine on food.

Good luck and enjoy your trip in Iceland!

Day 1

1

car_rental

CampEasy Iceland

The best campervans of Iceland

Camp Easy has the best vans of Iceland, no doubt about it. I specially recommend the 4x4 vans so that you can go into the highlands. This gives you access to so much extra spots to explore.

Note that the CampEasy pick-up and drop-off office is 5.5 km from the airport. They offer free shuttle service to/from the airport and nearby hotels only during their office hours (8 am - 4 pm). If you are picking up or dropping off outside of the office hours, you will need to arrange alternative transportation to/from the airport.

2

Wanderung

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

A river hot spring

Reykjadalur is a hot river about 1h outside of Reykjavik. It's perfect for a hike and a swim. The hike takes about 1h one way and goes up a scenic valley. When you get to the swim spot, feel the water before you get in as it's warmer the higher you go. Find your ideal temperature and enjoy! There's a cafe at the start of the trial if you are hungry or need a bathroom. After the hike, check out Ingolfskali Viking restaurant, it's close by and have really nice Viking food!

The hike to the spring is mostly uphill along a gravel path but in the winter, the path is covered in snow and can be difficult to follow.

Once at the spring, there are no private changing facilities. Instead there are dividing walls that provide some privacy from those hiking and soaking. Be prepared to get naked with the wind blowing at your back!

Pay for parking at the cafe via EasyPark app or at the kiosk next to the cafe doors. NOTE: when using the kiosk, pay for parking just before you leave.

For those physically unable to do the hike, the cafe is a great, cozy hangout with coffee, snacks, and a fireplace.

3

Wasserfall

Seljalandsfoss

Walk behind this towering waterfall

Together with Skogafoss perhaps the most famous waterfall of Iceland. This is a beast with lots of water and a path that goes all around the back of it. Bring a waterproof jacket, you will get wet.

In the winter the path will become very icy and possibly inaccessible. Be sure to wear crampons so the you can walk around the area.

Seljalandsfoss is a must-see destination for tour groups so expect crowds.

There are two parking lots - paid parking

Toilets and a small cafe/gift shop on site.

After visiting Seljalandsfoss, don't forget to walk up to Gljufrabui.

4

Wasserfall

Gljufrabui

A waterfall cave

When you're at Seljalandsfoss, don't miss out on this waterfall. It's a short walk away and super cool. Inside of a cave, the water falls from above. Bring a waterproof jacket, you will get wet in here.

5

Wasserfall

Skógafoss

One of Iceland's biggest waterfalls

Skogafoss is probably the most impressive waterfall of Iceland. It's 60m high and 20m wide with lots of water. It's a very easy accessible waterfall with parking lot just 200m away.

This is a very popular stop so expect crowds.

If you can make it, head up the endless stairway, all the way to the top. This is the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls trail - a 22 km trail that takes you between glaciers and into Þórsmörk. You don't need to do the entire trail though. If your itinerary allows, spend some time walking along "waterfall way" before turning back around.

6

Campingplatz

Skogafoss Campsite

Skogafoss Campsite - open year round

Campsite perfectly located in front of one of Iceland's most majestic and famous waterfalls. You won't find a better view to wake up to!