Epic 10-Day Road Trip in Iceland With Your Campervan
Ready to hit the road in Iceland with your campervan?
Planning your road trip in Iceland but not sure where to start? Relax, we’ve got you covered.
This article takes you through an epic 10-day campervan adventure along Iceland’s Ring Road and the Westfjords, packed with breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, and all the tips you need for the ultimate experience on the road.
Here's the Map For Your 10 Days on the Road 🗺️
First Step – Renting Your Campervan
Exploring Iceland on a budget? A campervan is hands down the best way to travel freely and take in the wild landscapes without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Book your ride now with the quirkiest and most legendary rental company in the country!
Day 1 – Heading South
Time to kick off this road trip in Iceland! After picking up our Kuku campervan in Keflavík, we made a quick stop at a grocery store to stock up on road trip snacks (because priorities), then hit the road. Instead of following the classic Golden Circle route, we went straight southwest – because why not take the road less traveled?
Swim at Hrunalaug Hot Spring
First stop, doing what Icelanders do best: Soaking in steamy, mineral-rich hot springs that make you forget all your life decisions up to this point. Hrunalaug was an easy choice: It has three different pools, so you can find your perfect spot. The parking lot is super close, just a five-minute walk, making it ideal for a late-evening dip.
Stay at Árhús Campsite
This campsite has everything you need: WC, showers, a dining hall open 24/7, free WiFi, barbecues, waste disposal, and even a playground if you’re road-tripping with kids. Open from May to September, it’s a solid overnight stop on your journey.
Fun Fact: Icelandic Hospitality, Unfiltered
How did we get to pick up our campervan? By hitchhiking, of course. The first car stopped immediately – success! Inside was a distinguished elderly Icelandic man who, without hesitation, greeted us with:
"Girls, you are idiots."
Apparently, we had chosen the worst possible hitchhiking spot. Did he still pick us up? Absolutely. Mission accomplished.
Turns out, he was a history professor with a treasure trove of stories about elves, trolls, and Icelandic folklore. So, what’s better: Kuku’s free shuttle or a ride with a brutally honest local? Tough call.
All pictures are from Nikol_Outdoors
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Day 2 – Waterfall Overload
Seljalandsfoss – The One You Can Walk Behind
We woke up before sunrise because nothing says dedication like dodging tourists for the perfect waterfall shot. Luckily, our campsite was less than 30 minutes away, so we had a solid head start.
Seljalandsfoss comes straight from Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that threw a tantrum in 2010 and messed up air traffic across Europe. You can actually walk behind this beast, which means you’re guaranteed two things: an epic photo and a solid chance of getting drenched.
Gljúfrabúi – The One Hiding Like a Ninja
Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, this 40-meter beauty is tucked away behind a cliff, which means most tourists completely miss it. Their loss, your gain. Getting up close involves walking through a narrow canyon and probably getting soaked, so unless you enjoy wearing wet jeans all day, bring waterproof gear. The mossy walls, silver mist, and black lava create a surreal scene – definitely worth the splash.
Skógafoss – The One With a Hidden Treasure
Flat terrain? Easy walk to the base? Sounds too good to be true. Well, except for the part where Skógafoss turns you into a human sponge the second you get too close. Legend has it that a settler named Þrasi hid a chest of gold behind the falls. So if you feel like funding your entire road trip in Iceland, go ahead and try your luck.
The parking lot is huge, so finding a spot for your campervan is easy. Just be prepared for crowds – Skógafoss is a celebrity in the Icelandic waterfall world. You can also climb the steep staircase to an observation platform, where you’ll get a killer view and access to a hiking trail.
Kvernufoss – The One You’ll Have All to Yourself
A true hidden gem that somehow manages to stay off tourists’ radars. It’s just a short 20-minute walk from Skógar Museum, where you’ll need to hop over a fence (legally, don’t worry). The waterfall is partially tucked away by moss-covered lava cliffs, making it look like something straight out of a fantasy movie. You can even walk behind it, making this stop a top-tier choice for soaking up Iceland’s wild beauty – literally.
Quad Biking With Arcanum – Because Why Not?
After all the waterfall chasing, we decided it was time for some real action. Enter: an ATV tour across South Iceland. And wow, did we make the right call.
Driving through icy rivers? Check. Racing across black sand beaches with the wind in our hair? Check. Feeling like we’d somehow landed on another planet? Double check. The tour even included a stop at the famous Sólheimasandur plane wreck, making it officially the coolest way to explore Iceland without accidentally driving your campervan into a river.
Fun fact – no need to waste money on a trip to Mars when you can get the same out-of-this-world experience right here.
Stay at Skaftafell Camping – Where We Slept Like Rocks
After a jam-packed day of adventure, we rolled into Skaftafell Camping super late. The place has everything you need: clean showers, washing machines, restrooms, and sinks for washing dishes (because even road trip warriors need clean plates).
The campground is huge, making it the perfect spot to swap travel stories with fellow campers. That night, it rained so hard that we abandoned our outdoor cooking dreams and made dinner inside the KuKu campervan instead – cozy, dry, and a solid reminder of why campervans are the way to go. Skaftafell Camping is open all year, which makes it a lifesaver for winter travelers who don’t want to wake up frozen solid.
Day 3 – Icebergs, Wind, and Questionable Life Choices
Jökulsárlón Lagoon – Nature Showing Off
We woke up early, ready to hit the road in our trusty KuKu campervan. The weather? A delightful mix of mist and snow – basically Iceland’s way of setting the perfect mystical adventure mood.
Jökulsárlón is the kind of place that makes you question whether you’ve accidentally stepped into a National Geographic documentary.
Gigantic blue icebergs casually drift towards the sea, shifting and spinning like they own the place. Seals? Everywhere. Boat tours? An option, if you feel like getting even closer to the floating ice giants. Either way, this place is so surreal it makes every other glacier lagoon look like a melted ice cube.
Diamond Beach – Where Icebergs Get Fancy
Just next door, Diamond Beach offers one of nature’s most dramatic contrasts – bright white icebergs scattered on jet-black volcanic sand. It’s basically Iceland showing off again.
Fun fact: The ice chunks look like diamonds, which is why this beach isn’t just called “Random Ice on Sand.” Grab your camera, soak in the views, and try not to wonder how many tourists have licked an iceberg just to see if it’s real.
Vestrahorn & Stokksnes – The Day the Wind Won
Before heading out, we got a little love note from the KuKu Campers team warning us about strong winds in the South. So, being the masterminds we are, we thought we could outsmart the weather. Plot twist – you can’t.
We made a pit stop at Viking Café for a much-needed coffee. The owner, who also runs the property, charges 800 ISK for access to his land, which includes a Viking film set and miles of black-sand beaches where seals like to chill.
Sounds amazing, right? Well, we saw none of it – unless you count the version we imagined while sipping coffee, as the wind made sure we experienced a very exclusive viewing of absolutely nothing. Moral of the story? Icelandic weather will always win, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.
Pro tip: If you’re road-tripping in Iceland, waterproof gear is not optional. Consider it your second skin.
Djúpavogskörin Hot Spring – Because We Deserved It
After a full day of battling the elements, we found the cure for our weather-related trauma – sinking into Djúpavogskörin thermal bath. Nothing fixes bad weather and crushed sightseeing dreams like hot water and zero wind.
Framtid Campsite – A Safe Haven From the Wind Gods
We rolled into Framtid campsite for the night, conveniently close to Djúpavogskörin. This place has WC, showers, fresh water, hiking trails, a playground, and even a store – because sometimes you just need snacks after being emotionally defeated by the Icelandic climate.
Day 4 – Eastfjords, Artsy Towns, and a Canyon Fail
Seyðisfjörður – The Town That Looks Like a Postcard
If you visit only one town in the Eastfjords, make it Seyðisfjörður. This place is obscenely picturesque – think multicolored wooden houses, snow-capped mountains, and waterfalls casually decorating the landscape like it’s no big deal. It’s also one of the most historically and architecturally interesting towns in East Iceland, so it’s got the looks and the brains.
We made a stop at Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, the go-to spot for artists and locals. This place hosts exhibitions, events, and an international artist residency program, so if you’re into art (or just want to look like you are), this is the place to be.
Gufufoss – Skógafoss’ Peaceful Little Brother
Just outside Seyðisfjörður, we found Gufufoss, which looks suspiciously like Skógafoss, except way smaller and without the busloads of tourists. The best part? There’s a parking lot right next to it, so no need for a long hike – just step out of your campervan and soak in the views.
Stuðlagil Canyon – Read This Before You Screw Up
So here’s the deal. There are two ways to visit Stuðlagil Canyon:
- The West Side – A short walk leads to an elevated viewpoint where you can look at the canyon but can’t actually go down into it.
- The East Side – A 5 km hike that lets you walk inside the canyon and get the views you actually want.
Guess which one we took first? Yep, the west side. Don’t make our mistake – unless you enjoy adding unnecessary detours to your road trip in Iceland. If you want the real experience, set your GPS to 65.1889934, -15.2510006 and head straight for the east side. You’ll thank us later.
Camp Egilsstaðir – Functional, Not Fabulous
After a long day, we pulled into Camp Egilsstaðir, a centrally located campsite with hot showers, laundry facilities, and both indoor and outdoor kitchens – all for 1,500 ISK per person per night. Is it the most scenic campsite in Iceland? Nope. But it’s a great spot to restock on food, do some laundry, and enjoy a much-needed shower.
Pro tip: Iceland has some of the best drinking water in the world, so refill your bottles at every campsite. No need to waste money on bottled water when you’ve got glacier-fresh goodness straight from the tap.
Day 5 – Weather, Closed Roads, and a Whole Lot of Sulfur
Stuðlagil Canyon From the East Side
Determined not to mess up twice, we woke up early, set the correct GPS, and made our way to Stuðlagil Canyon.
We parked our KuKu campervan before the bridge, mostly because the next parking lot looked like a scene from an off-roading survival show – unstable terrain, potholes the size of bathtubs, and a general sense of “maybe not today.”
Hiking it was! Another weather alert rolled in, so, following classic Icelandic wisdom, we put some stones in our pockets to avoid being blown away. No joke, this is actual advice people give.
Despite the wind, the canyon was stunning. The river changes color with the seasons – deep blue-green in summer, but a less glamorous brown-grey after the snowmelt. Mother Nature, always keeping us on our toes.
Víti
We had planned to visit Dettifoss, but, surprise – road closed. So we rerouted straight to Víti, a crater so inspiring that one of Iceland’s most beloved poets, Jónas Hallgrímsson, even wrote a poem about it. Naturally, we were excited to see what all the fuss was about.
Reality check: the moment we arrived, a snowstorm hit. The crater? Completely invisible. The only thing we saw was an endless wall of white. After five solid minutes of staring into the abyss, we took the hint and drove off, never knowing what Víti actually looks like.
Hverir Geothermal Spot
Finally, a win. The otherworldly landscape of Hverir felt like stepping onto Mars – except with more steam and a lot more sulfur. Bubbling mud pools, belching vents, and minerals staining the ground in shades of orange and red. It’s hypnotic, alien, and, yes, it stinks. Rotten eggs would be jealous.
Mývatn Nature Baths
After a day of wind, snow, and questionable air quality, there was only one logical move – sinking into the geothermal bliss of Mývatn Nature Baths, also known as the Disneyland of northern Icelandic swimming pools.
Hot water, stunning views, and the chance to eavesdrop on travelers from around the world? Absolute perfection.
Mývatn/Hlíð Campsite
Mývatn’s campsite was a welcome sight – restrooms, showers, and a kitchen area, all open year-round. After surviving the elements all day, just having a working sink felt like a luxury.
Day 6 – Waterfalls, Tiny Cities, and a Troll That Didn’t Make It
Goðafoss – Where the Gods Took a Swim
Goðafoss isn’t just another Icelandic waterfall – it’s a piece of history. According to legend, when Iceland officially became Christian, all the old Norse god statues were tossed into this very waterfall, earning it the name Waterfall of the Gods. Loki, Thor, Odin – straight into the abyss. Brutal.
Akureyri – The Second City That Feels Like a Village
Iceland’s second city might sound grand, but with just 18,000 residents, Akureyri is basically a well-populated neighborhood. That said, it’s a very scenic and laid-back spot, making it a perfect stop to stretch your legs, grab lunch, and stock up on supplies for the next leg of your road trip in Iceland.
Pro tip: There’s free parking in the city center, just ask at the gas station. Also, small but important detail: the red traffic lights here are actually red hearts instead of circles. Icelandic charm at its finest.
Hvítserkur – The Troll Who Messed Up
After a long and scenic drive (with mandatory photo ops featuring Icelandic horses), we arrived at Hvítserkur, a massive basalt rock formation standing alone in the sea. Some say it looks like an elephant, others see a rhino. But according to legend, it’s actually a petrified troll.
The story goes that this unlucky troll from Strandir wanted to destroy the bells of Þingeyrakirkja church because they annoyed him. Unfortunately, he took too long, got caught in daylight, and – poof – solid rock. Rookie mistake.
The parking lot here is well-maintained, making it easy to pull over and take in the views without worrying about where to park your campervan.
Illugastaðir Camping – Where the Wind Wins
A small, quiet campsite set on a sheep farm. The owner comes around with a card reader for payment, which adds a nice personal touch. No showers, just a single toilet and some sinks, but the remote setting and seal-watching opportunities make up for it.
One word of caution – this place can get insanely windy. If you’re not careful, your campervan doors might decide to fly off and start a new life without you. So hold on tight.
Day 7 – Seals, Secret Hot Springs, and a Northern Lights Show
Seal Watching in Illugastaðir
Morning mission – find some seals. We took a 20-minute walk to a well-known seal sunbathing spot, and guess what? They were actually there, just chilling on the rocks like they owned the place. The best part? Almost no tourists. Just us, the seals, and plenty of space for our KuKu campervan.
Hörgshlíðarlaug Hot Spring – A Hidden Gem Worth the Search
Of all the hot springs we tried, this one takes the prize. Nestled along the rugged coastline, it offers the perfect mix of relaxation and jaw-dropping views. There’s no official parking lot, but if you’re okay with a bit of creative parking, two campervans can fit just fine on the roadside.
This place is off the radar, which means no crowds, no overpriced entrance fees, and no “influencers” posing dramatically in the steam. Just pure, unspoiled Iceland.
Suðavík Camping – The Night of the Northern Lights
Finding open campsites in North Iceland during autumn? Slightly tricky. Most shut down around October 15th, but in summer, you won’t have any issues. We called ahead, and they told us we were welcome to stay – though their facilities were closed.
Not a problem. We had enough bottled water to cook a gourmet campervan dinner (meaning pasta with whatever was left in our food stash). Just as we were settling in, our aurora app sent us an alert – the northern lights might make an appearance.
We stepped outside, and the sky was clearer than Icelandic water. Then, just like that, the Northern Lights exploded above us, dancing in waves of green and purple. No filter needed – it was pure magic.
Day 8 – Coffee, Trolls, and a Giant Waterfall
Ísafjörður – The Coffee Capital of the Westfjords
If you’ve been craving a real coffee after too many gas station brews, Ísafjörður is your salvation. This little town knows how to serve up a good cup of caffeine, and after days of road-tripping, that’s exactly what we needed. Bonus points for the charming fjord views while sipping on a life-restoring cappuccino.
Hiking to the Troll’s Seat – Because Why Not?
The hike starts right from the campervan parking lot on the east side of the fjord, which sounds super convenient until you realize it’s short but brutally steep. In just 30 minutes, you climb up to 225 meters above the fjord. The view? Totally worth it. The seat? No actual troll included (sadly).
Dynjandi – The Westfjords’ Showstopper
They don’t call Dynjandi the Jewel of the Westfjords for nothing. This beast of a waterfall is massive, powerful, and ridiculously photogenic. It cascades down like a multi-tiered wedding cake, except way cooler (and far less edible).
The real surprise? We actually saw an Arctic fox wandering nearby. Seeing one of these fluffy legends in the wild was the highlight of the day. Nature, you’ve done it again.
Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Spring – Pick Your Temperature
Why settle for just one pool when you can have options? At Reykjafjarðarlaug, you get:
- A hot swimming pool
- A cold pool closer to the shore
- A natural hot pot with a gravel bottom just a short walk away
And the best part? It’s technically free, but there’s a donation box, so bring some cash if you want to help keep this little slice of heaven in top shape.
Day 9 – Hot Springs, Famous Mountains, and a Solid Campsite
Hellulaug Hot Spring – Oceanside Geothermal Bliss
There’s nothing quite like soaking in a geothermal pool right by the ocean. We parked our KuKu campervan and made our way down to Hellulaug, a hidden gem nestled on the beach with stunning views over Vatnsfjörður fjord.
This place isn’t visible from the road, which means no random crowds ruining the vibe. There’s a parking lot above the pool, with a short path leading down to the water. At 60 cm deep and 38°C, it’s basically the perfect natural bathtub. Zero entrance fees, zero nonsense – just pure relaxation with an oceanfront view.
Kirkjufell – The Most Photographed Mountain in Iceland
You’ve seen it on postcards, Instagram, and, of course, Game of Thrones, where it starred as “Arrowhead Mountain.” But here’s the thing – Kirkjufell was famous way before HBO turned it into a pop culture icon.
This uniquely shaped mountain was sculpted by glaciers and formed by layers of volcanic eruptions, which basically means Mother Nature went all-in on its design. When we arrived, the place was swarming with tourists, which wasn’t shocking. Luckily, we still managed to find a spot for our campervan and enjoy the view between waves of selfie-taking visitors.
Hellissandur Camping – Winter Camping Done Right
After struggling to find campsites open during winter, Hellissandur Camping saved the day. This place had clean bathrooms, hot showers, and – most importantly – an indoor cooking facility. After days of braving the wind while making dinner, having a proper indoor space to cook was a game changer.
Nothing like a warm meal, a wind-free evening, and a solid night’s sleep before the final leg of our road trip in Iceland.
Day 10 – Murals, Trolls, and the Best Camping Spot Ever
Hellissandur – The Icelandic Capital of Street Art
Taking a walk around Hellissandur feels like stepping into an open-air gallery. Back in 2018, a group of artists decided the town needed a glow-up, and now it’s covered in over 30 massive murals. Not exactly what you’d expect from a tiny Icelandic village, but hey – we’re here for it.
Svörtuloft Lighthouse – A Bright Yellow Surprise
After a bumpy ride that made us question our campervan’s suspension, we arrived at Svörtuloft Lighthouse – a bold, bright yellow tower perched on the dramatic cliffs. The rock formations here are stunning, the air is next-level fresh, and if you’re into birdwatching, this is prime real estate for spotting some feathery locals.
Arnarstapi – A Tiny Village With Big Energy
Despite being small, Arnarstapi is busy. Tourists flock here for two things – fresh fish and unreal photo ops. We checked out the massive Bárður statue, a tribute to the legendary half-man, half-troll who (apparently) still roams the area. The whole scene is so Icelandic it hurts.
From there, we took a quick walk down to Gatklettur Stone Arch, because let’s be real – if there’s a chance to take an epic nature pic, we’re taking it.
Ytri Tunga – Seal Watching Done Right
Want to see seals up close? Take a short walk to the right of the main viewing area, and you’ll have front-row seats. Just remember – you’re the visitor here, not them, so respect their space and enjoy the moment without getting too close.
Ölkelduvatn Mineral Spring – A Strange but Interesting Stop
If you’re already passing by, Ölkelduvatn is worth a quick stop. If not… you’re not missing much.
This natural sparkling water comes straight from the ground, but the taste? Very metallic, very iron-heavy, very… interesting. It’s definitely cool to see, though, and there’s a board explaining all the minerals in the water. There’s also an honesty box for donations if you feel like supporting the site.
Grábrók Crater – A Quick and Easy Hike
This 15–20 minute stair hike leads you straight to the top of the crater, where you get an awesome 360° view of the surrounding volcanic landscape. You can walk around the entire rim, check out the second and third craters, and still be back at your campervan within an hour. Quick, easy, and totally worth it.
Mosskogar Camping – The Best Campsite of the Trip
We saved the best for last. Mosskogar Camping had everything – super clean facilities, an indoor kitchen, and the nicest owner ever. He was welcoming, helpful, and just the kind of person you want to meet after a long day on the road.
It’s no surprise that KuKu Campers ranks this place among the best campsites in Iceland. Honestly? We’d 100% come back.
Day 11 – Wrapping Up the Ultimate Icelandic Adventure
And just like that, our road trip in Iceland has come to an end. But don’t worry – the adventure isn’t over just yet.
Since Mosskógar campsite is just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, this last day is perfect for exploring the city.
If you’re wondering what to do, KuKu Campers has a solid guide to Iceland’s quirky little capital. From colorful streets to legendary hot dogs, Reykjavík has plenty to offer before you say goodbye to your campervan life.
What We Learned on This Trip
- Flexibility is key.
- The weather is always in charge.
- Have a must-see list, but let the road (and your KuKu campervan) lead the way.
Huge thanks to KuKu Campers for this insane adventure – and for all the hilarious messages along the way. Iceland, you’ve been unreal. We’ll be back for round two.
Nikol and Katy
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