Driving Iceland’s Ring Road in a campervan is one of the most flexible and scenic ways to explore the country. In just seven days, you can experience some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes — from waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches and geothermal areas — all at your own pace.
This guide outlines a practical 7-day itinerary designed for campervan travelers, including daily highlights, approximate driving times, and essential travel tips. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, this route offers a balance of Iceland’s top sights and quiet corners.
Day 1: Arrival, Reykjavík & Getting Started
After arriving at Keflavík International Airport, most travelers begin by picking up their campervan rental directly at or near the airport. The drive to Reykjavík takes around 45 minutes. It’s recommended to stock up on groceries before leaving the city — larger supermarkets like Bonus or Krónan offer better selection and prices than what you’ll find further along the route.
Spend the rest of the day in Reykjavík preparing for the week ahead. If time allows, explore a few highlights like Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, or the waterfront near Sun Voyager.
Stay overnight at Reykjavík Campsite, which is open year-round and offers reliable facilities for campervans. Taking this day to settle in, organize supplies, and rest after the flight helps ensure a smoother start to the road trip the following morning.
Day 2: Golden Circle – Þingvellir, Geysir & Gullfoss
The Golden Circle is a popular day trip from Reykjavík and a great introduction to Iceland’s geology and natural landmarks. Driving this loop is straightforward and offers several must-see stops along the way. Plan for around 230–250 km of driving today.
- Þingvellir National Park: About 45 minutes from Reykjavík, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You can walk through Almannagjá canyon and view Iceland’s largest natural lake, Þingvallavatn. The area also holds historical significance as the original site of Iceland’s parliament.
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Located in the Haukadalur Valley, this geothermal field features bubbling mud pools and the active geyser Strokkur, which erupts every 5–10 minutes. The original Great Geysir is mostly dormant, but the area still showcases Iceland’s geothermal energy up close.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Just 10 minutes from Geysir, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most powerful and popular waterfalls. The two-tiered drop creates an impressive display, and on sunny days, you might spot rainbows in the mist. Several viewing platforms give different perspectives of the falls.
If time allows, consider a stop at Kerið Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with a striking blue lake. The short walking path around the rim offers scenic views and photo opportunities.
Overnight options include campgrounds near Laugarvatn or Flúðir. The Skjól Campground between Gullfoss and Geysir is a convenient stop for continuing the drive along the South Coast the next day.
Day 3: South Coast – Waterfalls, Cliffs & Black Sand Beaches
Day 3 follows Iceland’s scenic South Coast, home to some of the country’s most iconic waterfalls and dramatic shorelines. From the Golden Circle, rejoin Route 1 and continue southeast. Total driving distance today is around 200–230 km, depending on stops.
- Seljalandsfoss: One of the few waterfalls you can walk behind, Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters from a former sea cliff. A short walking path circles the falls — bring a waterproof jacket as the spray is unavoidable.
- Skógafoss: Just 30 minutes down the road, this massive curtain of water is equally impressive. A staircase next to the falls leads to a panoramic viewpoint, and the base is a great spot for photos (often with rainbows in sunny weather).
- Dyrhólaey: This rocky promontory offers stunning views over the coastline and is a great place to spot puffins from May to August. Note that the road is steep and may be closed in bad weather or during nesting season.
- Reynisfjara Beach: Just before Vík, this black sand beach is famous for its basalt column cliffs and sea stacks. Be cautious — the waves here are powerful and unpredictable.
Spend the night at the campground in Vík or nearby. The town has basic services, a gas station, and restaurants if you want a break from cooking.
Day 4: Skaftafell & Glacier Lagoons
Today’s stretch takes you through southeastern Iceland, where lava fields give way to glaciers and iceberg-filled lagoons. Total distance: around 270 km.
- Eldhraun Lava Field: You’ll drive through this vast moss-covered lava field, created by one of the largest eruptions in recorded history. It stretches for kilometers and creates a surreal landscape.
- Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park): A popular hiking area with glacier views and well-maintained trails. One of the best short hikes leads to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by basalt columns. The round trip takes 1.5–2 hours.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: This glacial lake is filled with icebergs drifting out to sea. You can walk along the shore or take an optional boat tour among the ice. Nearby Diamond Beach is where smaller ice chunks wash ashore, creating brilliant contrasts on the black sand.
End the day in Höfn, a harbor town known for its seafood. The local campground is open year-round and well-suited for campervans.
Day 5: The East Fjords – Remote Roads & Quiet Villages
Leaving Höfn, the Ring Road begins to wind through the less-traveled East Fjords — a region known for its coastal views, fishing villages, and quiet roads. Plan for a slower-paced drive today, with around 250 km of distance depending on your route.
- Djúpivogur: A charming harbor town with a laid-back feel. Don’t miss the seaside sculpture installation “Eggin í Gleðivík,” representing the region’s bird species.
- Coastal Route 1: The road hugs the fjords with frequent curves and scenic pullouts. Keep an eye out for reindeer (especially in winter) and stop when possible to enjoy the view.
- Seyðisfjörður (optional detour): If weather and time allow, consider the 27 km detour to this colorful fjord town known for its rainbow-painted street and artistic vibe. The drive over the mountain pass can be steep and foggy but offers dramatic scenery.
End your day in or near Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. You’ll find a few campsites in the area, or consider camping by Lake Lagarfljót, said to be home to a legendary lake monster.
Day 6: North Iceland – Waterfalls, Lava & Geothermal Baths
From Egilsstaðir, the Ring Road heads inland before dropping back toward the north coast. Today includes some of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls and fascinating volcanic features. Plan for 300–350 km of driving with several stops.
- Dettifoss: Accessible via a gravel road, this is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The east side is usually easier to reach in summer. Combine it with a short hike to nearby Selfoss.
- Lake Mývatn Region: This geothermal area is packed with interesting sights:
- Námaskarð (Hverir): Bubbling mud pools and steaming vents
- Dimmuborgir: Lava formations and short walking trails
- Grjótagjá Cave: A small lava cave with a thermal spring inside (not for bathing)
- Mývatn Nature Baths: A quieter, less touristy alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Relax in milky-blue waters with a view of the surrounding lava fields.
- Goðafoss: As you continue west, stop at this picturesque waterfall, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.”
Camp overnight in or near Akureyri, the largest town in the north. It has a wide range of services, restaurants, and a good city campground.
Day 7: West Iceland & Return to Reykjavík
On your final day, make your way back to Reykjavík via the scenic Borgarfjörður region, with a few last stops along the way. Plan for around 400 km of driving, depending on your route and whether you include the Blue Lagoon before returning your campervan.
- Skagafjörður: Known for Icelandic horses and green valleys, this area offers open views and small farm towns. Ideal for photo breaks or a brief walk.
- Borgarfjörður Waterfalls:
- Hraunfossar: A series of clear streams flowing out of a lava field into the Hvítá river
- Barnafoss: Just upstream, with turbulent rapids and folklore to match
- Optional: Blue Lagoon: If your flight is later or you’re spending another night near Keflavík, consider ending the trip with a soak in the iconic geothermal spa. It’s near the airport and a relaxing final stop after a week of driving.
Return your campervan in Reykjavík or Keflavík, depending on your rental location. Be sure to factor in time for cleaning the vehicle, refueling, and a final gear check before departure.
Travel Tips for Campervan Trips in Iceland
Groceries & Fuel: Stock up in larger towns like Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir. Prices are higher in remote areas, and not all villages have full-service stations.
Camping: Use the Parka app or tjalda.is to locate legal campgrounds. Wild camping is restricted — only camp in designated areas unless you have explicit landowner permission.
Driving: Roads in Iceland can be narrow, unpaved, or weather-affected. Drive cautiously, especially in highland areas or during shoulder seasons. Always check road.is and safetravel.is before setting out.
Weather: Conditions can change quickly. Bring layers, waterproof clothing, and warm sleep gear — even in summer.
Connectivity: Cellular coverage is good along Route 1, but some regions have weak or no signal. Download offline maps and campground details in advance.
Facilities: Many campgrounds include kitchens, showers, and electricity, but not all. Bring your own cooking gear and check what’s available in advance.
Safety: Don’t walk too close to cliff edges or wave-prone beaches. Follow signage and respect restricted access zones. Iceland’s nature is beautiful but unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
A 7-day campervan trip around Iceland is fast-paced, but manageable with early starts and smart planning. Traveling by camper offers flexibility and access to scenic campsites across the country, making it easier to connect with Iceland’s natural beauty.
This itinerary covers many of Iceland’s most famous sights, with a few lesser-known spots along the way. Depending on weather and personal pace, some days may feel long — but with a well-stocked campervan and a bit of flexibility, the journey is just as rewarding as the destinations.
Whether you’re drawn to waterfalls, volcanoes, or quiet roads by the sea, a week on the Ring Road leaves a lasting impression.
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