9 Days Road Trip in Iceland Through Hidden Gems and Epic Landscapes
Ready to hit the road in Iceland with your campervan?
Planning a road trip in Iceland but don’t know where to start? Relax, we’ve got you.
This 9-day itinerary through the lesser-known gems of Southwest Iceland is perfect if you’re not a fan of tourist hotspots.
Think stunning landscapes, hidden spots, and zero crowds. Let’s dive in!
Map For Your 9-Day Roadtrip in Iceland 🗺️
Important note: This itinerary includes F-roads, accessible only with a 4x4 campervan during the summer months (from June).
The good news? KuKu Campers offers a wide range of 4x4 campervans for every budget and need! 🚐
Step 1 – Rent your campervan
Exploring Iceland on a budget? A campervan is the ultimate way to travel freely without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for?
Rent your campervan now from Iceland’s quirkiest and most affordable rental company!
All credits and rights for the following pictures belong to Pierre Lonchampt. A special thanks to him for capturing Iceland’s most amazing and kept secret places.
Day 1 – The Golden Circle like you’ve never seen it
After picking up your KuKu campervan in Keflavík and stocking up on snacks from budget-friendly supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan, it’s time to hit the road and head north to the iconic Golden Circle.
Sure, the Golden Circle is usually packed with tourists, but we’ve got you covered with some hidden gems to kick off your road trip in Iceland in peace.
Start with the serene Þingvallavatn Lake (nope, that’s not a “p,” it’s pronounced like “th” – you’re welcome). Skip the busy Road 36 and take the quieter Road 435 to the southern tip of the lake for the perfect lunch spot with a view.
Next up, burn off that lunch with a short hike to Bruárfoss waterfall. You’ve got two options: a longer, easy 45-minute trail from the official parking on road 37, or a quicker route from the nearby village (check your map for points 3 and 4). Either way, this baby-blue waterfall is worth the walk.
To wrap up your first day without overdoing it (we know, pacing yourself is key), park your campervan at Árnes campground. For about 1,500 ISK per adult (kids under 11 stay free – lucky them!), you’ll get a hot shower, WC, running water, and even access to a swimming pool.
Not in the mood to cook? There’s a shop and restaurant nearby, because even adventurers need a break from instant noodles!
Day 2 – The Legendary Landmannalaugar
Day two takes you straight into the Icelandic Highlands. Yes, we’re starting with one of the most famous spots – subtlety isn’t really our thing – but trust us: It’s jaw-dropping for a reason.
From Árnes, follow Road 32 north until it magically turns into Road F26. After crossing a bridge and passing some random buildings (wave if you want), take the turn onto F208. Your first stop? Hnausapollur viewpoint, where you’ll catch insane views of Bláhylur, a crater lake so blue it’ll make your Instagram followers weep.
Pro tip: Before tackling F-roads, check road.is – your new best friend for road conditions. Icelandic weather changes faster than your road trip playlist, even in summer. Don’t skip this step unless you fancy getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Next, head to the Landmannalaugar campsite, where you'll park your campervan for the night (around 2,000 ISK per person – worth every króna). From here, hiking trails lead to the dazzling Brennisteinsalda mountain. The round trip hike takes about 3 hours... but let’s be real, your camera roll will force you to add at least another hour of photo stops.
After a day of hiking and surviving F-roads, you’ll probably be dreaming of one thing: relaxation.
And what better way to unwind than soaking in an Icelandic hot spring? Lucky for you, Landmannalaugar’s campsite has a free hot spring right next door.
Trust us, nothing beats dozing off in your campervan after a steamy soak. Bliss level: unlocked.
Day 3 – Exploring the Mysterious Lakagígar
Lakagígar, named after its highest crater, Laki, is home to around 115 craters. Yes, you read that right. It’s like the moon, but better (and with fewer tourists). This remote region is eerily quiet, almost too peaceful – but hey, that’s part of the charm.
Pro tip: Fill up your campervan’s gas tank before heading out. This area is so isolated that even Google Maps might feel lonely – no shops, no towns, no “oops, I forgot snacks” stops.
Your route? Take the rugged F235 Road. It might not look long on the map, but trust us, the bumpy ride to Langisjór lake will take about 1.5 hours. Totally worth it, though – this remote lake feels like nature’s secret hideout. Park at the small campsite by the lake and soak in the surreal beauty.
Feeling less adventurous? Skip the lake and stay on F208. Hike to Ófærufoss waterfall instead and spend the night at Hólaskjól Highland Center – still epic, but with fewer “are we lost?” moments.
Read our other articles
Day 4 – Back to Civilization (Sort of)
After two days in the middle of nowhere (aka the Icelandic Highlands), it’s time to rejoin the human race – but not before ticking off a Game of Thrones filming location from your bucket list.
Enter: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, a jaw-dropping spot that even dragons would approve of. Easily accessible from the famous Ring Road (Route 1), this canyon offers a short, easy walk to a viewpoint that’ll make you question every other “scenic” view you’ve ever seen.
On your way back, just after the parking lot, you’ll spot the turn for F206, which slices through the southern edge of the Lakagígar region (yes, we’re still crater-obsessed).
Don’t miss the quick detour to Fagrifoss waterfall – just a few minutes from the parking area, and yes, it’s as pretty as its name suggests (“Fagri” means “beautiful” in Icelandic, so no false advertising here!).
Still not cratered out? Keep following F206 to meet the big boss itself: Laki volcano. Because nothing says “memorable road trip in Iceland” like standing next to a massive volcanic crater.
Day 5 – The Unmissable Icelandic Black Beaches
Brace yourself – today might feel like the most crowded day of your road trip in Iceland. Why? Because we’re heading to one of Iceland’s most tourist-packed hotspots: Reynisfjara beach. But hey, there’s a reason everyone flocks here.
Famous for its mind-blowing basalt columns, Reynisfjara looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie (and no, it’s not CGI – it’s just Iceland being extra).
Close by is the town of Vík, home to another black sand beach. It’s quieter than Reynisfjara, though you’ll have to skip the basalt columns. Want an even better view? Head east to Dyrhólaey. This elevated spot offers breathtaking views of the black beaches below, plus a chance to spot some puffins – because nothing says “Iceland” like awkwardly adorable birds.
If you didn’t spend hours perfecting your black beach selfies like most tourists, you’ll have time to swing by Sólheimajökull – a glacier so stunning it might make you forget your fingers are freezing. Whether you join a tour or just admire it from the parking lot, it’s worth the stop (plus, no hiking boots required).
Wrap up your day by driving to Selfoss campsite – one of our all-time favorites. Hot showers, a cozy hot tub, and all the amenities you need after a day of exploring.
Selfoss is also one of the bigger towns along your road trip in Iceland, meaning actual restaurants (yes, plural!). Don’t leave without trying an Icelandic hot dog from Pylsuvagninn. Trust us, it’s not “just a hot dog” – it’s an experience.
Days 6 and 7 – The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Kick off day 6 by heading to the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. First stop: Ytri-Tunga beach, famous for its year-round seal squad. Yes, actual seals – not just tourists wrapped in puffer jackets.
Next, cruise along Road 54 until you pass Bjarnarfoss waterfall. Take a left right after, and you’ll find Buðakirkja, the iconic black church literally standing in the middle of nowhere. Moody, mysterious, and oh-so Icelandic.
End your first day on the peninsula by tackling Road F570 to reach Sönghellir, aka the Song Cave. It’s known for its epic echo – perfect for belting out your best Beyoncé impression (we won’t judge!). Plus, the views over the Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano? Unreal.
After a day packed with nature and questionable singing, park your campervan at Arnarstapi campsite. It’s close to the cave and offers a great base to wander around the town’s cliffs and charming coastline.
Day 7 starts with a scenic drive along Útnesvegur road (yes, Icelandic road names are basically tongue twisters). Head to Djúpalónssandur, a stunning rocky beach that’s still a well-kept secret from most tourists. Enjoy the peace and soak in those rugged coastal views – it doesn’t get more road trip Iceland than this.
If you’re as obsessed with marine life as we are, make a pit stop in Ólafsvík for a whale watching tour. Snæfellsnes Peninsula is prime orca territory, especially in early summer (June is peak orca season – nature’s calendar doesn’t lie). It’s an unforgettable experience and, bonus, tours here are way less crowded than the ones in Reykjavík. Fewer selfie sticks, more actual whales – a solid win!
On your way back, if you can handle a bit of tourist traffic, don’t miss Kirkjufell mountain. Yes, it’s the most famous spot in Snæfellsnes, and yes, it’s all over Instagram – but trust us, that view is worth every tourist dodge.
To get a head start for your final road trip stretch, drive north to Laugar campsite. For around 2,500 ISK a night, you’ll get all the essentials – plus access to a natural hot spring. Because let’s face it: Soaking in a hot spring after a day on the road is practically an Icelandic law.
Days 8 and 9 – The Westfjords
Welcome to the Westfjords, Iceland’s best-kept secret. Few tourists make it this far, which means more untouched landscapes and fewer awkward photo bombers.
If you’ve got a thing for abandoned places (urban explorers, we see you), don’t miss Garðar BA 64. This old Norwegian whaling ship has been left to rust in peace, making it the perfect eerie-but-cool photo op.
A few meters down the road (yes, actual meters – not an “Icelandic hike” away), Road 614 takes you to Rauðisandur, one of the most beautiful beaches in Iceland. Think endless red-gold sand and zero crowds. Pure magic.
Wrap up your night in Flókalundur at a campsite with stunning fjord views – because waking up to that scenery? Chef’s kiss.
For the final day of your road trip in Iceland, we’ve saved a true showstopper: Dynjandi, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords. Imagine a massive, cascading curtain of water that makes you feel tiny and insignificant – in the best way possible.
Once you’ve soaked in the views (and probably a bit of mist), head back to Reykjavík for your last night. Park your campervan at one of the city’s campsites and make the most of your final hours – whether that’s exploring the capital, grabbing dinner at a nice restaurant, or just soaking in the fact that you survived all those F-roads.
Staying in Reykjavík also means you’re just a 40-minute drive from Keflavík, so you can actually catch some sleep before returning your beloved campervan to the KuKu office.
You’ll leave with epic memories, killer photos, and probably a newfound respect for Icelandic road signs.
It's your turn to hit the road with KuKu!
