The Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Ring Road Campervan Itinerary
Planning an Iceland Ring Road campervan trip is one of the most exciting ways to explore the country. The freedom to wake up to a new view every morning, cook your own meals and follow the weather instead of fixed hotel bookings is unmatched.
Based on a real life adventure, this 8 day Ring Road campervan itinerary takes you from Keflavík Airport around Iceland and back. From Blue Lagoon to glaciers, from black sand beaches to North Iceland hot springs, you will see the best of the island at your own pace.
Day 1: Arrival, Campervan Pickup and the Blue Lagoon
- Route: Keflavík Airport → Blue Lagoon → Grindavík
- Highlights: Picking up your home on wheels, soaking in geothermal waters.
Touch down at Keflavík International Airport. Our representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and drive you five minutes to our depot. After a short orientation on your campervan features, like the essential Webasto heater and kitchen setup, you will be ready to start your Iceland Ring Road campervan journey.
Your first stop is the world famous Blue Lagoon near Grindavík. It is a perfect place to recover from the flight in warm, mineral rich waters. You can pre book on the official site at bluelagoon.com.
After your soak, head to the nearby Grindavík campsite. Stop for groceries on the way and enjoy your first homemade meal in the van. With built in heating and power outlets you will sleep comfortably and wake up ready for the road ahead.
Day 2: Golden Circle and Volcanic History
- Route: Grindavík → Golden Circle → Hvolsvöllur
- Highlights: Tectonic plates, erupting geysers, massive waterfalls and volcanic exhibits.
Wake up early and tackle Iceland’s most famous route, the Golden Circle.
- Þingvellir National Park: Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Learn more on the official site at thingvellir.is.
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Watch the Strokkur geyser blast boiling water high into the air every few minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: See this huge two tier waterfall plunge into a rugged canyon.
For lunch, stop at Friðheimar for tomato soup and fresh bread inside a working greenhouse. Continue south to visit the red crater of Kerið, the interactive Skyrland museum in Selfoss and the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur to learn about Icelandic volcanoes.
Stay overnight at the Hvolsvöllur campsite and enjoy a quiet evening of van life on your Iceland Ring Road campervan route.
Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches
- Route: Hvolsvöllur → Vík → Skaftafell
- Highlights: Walking behind a waterfall, hidden canyons and famous black sand beaches.
Start early at Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind. Do not miss nearby Gljúfrabúi, a “hidden” waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon.
Continue to Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Climb the staircase for a view from the top, then follow the path upstream for more cascades.
Next, visit Reynisfjara black sand beach with its basalt columns and strong Atlantic waves. After lunch in the village of Vík, drive through wide lava fields and coastal plains until you reach Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park.
Hike to Svartifoss, a beautiful waterfall framed by dark basalt columns, then camp at the Skaftafell campsite surrounded by glaciers.
Day 4: Glaciers, Icebergs and the Eastfjords
- Route: Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Egilsstaðir
- Highlights: Glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach and winding Eastfjords coastline.
Begin your day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift slowly toward the ocean. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice blocks rest on the black sand like crystals.
Drive east to the town of Höfn, famous for views of the Vatnajökull ice cap. Refuel and stock up on snacks before continuing along the Eastfjords. This drive features steep mountains, narrow roads and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Iceland.
Finish the day in Egilsstaðir, the main service town in East Iceland, and overnight at the local campsite. This town is also a great starting point for the routes in our East Iceland campervan itinerary.
Day 5: Canyons, Dettifoss and Mývatn Baths
- Route: Egilsstaðir → Stuðlagil → Dettifoss → Lake Mývatn → Húsavík
- Highlights: Basalt column canyons, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and geothermal baths.
Head to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s most striking basalt formations. The turquoise river and vertical rock columns create a very photogenic stop on your Ring Road campervan itinerary.
Continue north toward Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Always check conditions and access on SafeTravel Iceland and road.is before driving into this area.
Later in the day, soak in the warm blue water of the Mývatn Nature Baths. With fewer people and wide views of volcanic craters, this is a relaxing alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Drive on to the fishing town of Húsavík and stay at the campsite above the harbor.
Day 6: North Iceland and Scenic Coastlines
- Route: Húsavík → Goðafoss → Akureyri → Fosslaug → Grundarfjörður
- Highlights: Waterfall of the Gods, capital of the North and a riverside hot pool.
Drive from Húsavík to Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods”, and walk along both sides of the falls. Then continue to Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland, for a coffee break and short city walk.
Follow the coast of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, passing through small fishing towns like Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður. Near Varmahlíð, stop at Fosslaug, a small natural hot pool next to a river, perfect for a short soak.
Later, cross to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and camp in Grundarfjörður, close to the famous mountain Kirkjufell. This is one of the most memorable overnight spots on any Iceland Ring Road campervan trip.
Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavík
- Route: Grundarfjörður → Snæfellsnes sights → Reykjavík
- Highlights: Kirkjufell, lava fields, sea cliffs and the capital city.
Start the morning with photos of Kirkjufell and nearby Kirkjufellsfoss. Then drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has glaciers, beaches, cliffs and lava fields in a small area.
Walk the coastal path at Arnarstapi, explore the black stones of Djúpalónssandur and enjoy the views of Snæfellsjökull glacier on clear days.
Later in the day, drive back to Reykjavík. Park your campervan and explore the city on foot. Visit Hallgrímskirkja church, stroll Laugavegur shopping street and enjoy one last dinner in town.
Day 8: Departure from Keflavík
Enjoy a slow breakfast at the Reykjavík campsite or a local bakery, then drive your campervan back to our depot near Keflavík. After a short vehicle check, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Why Choose a Campervan for the Iceland Ring Road?
- Ultimate freedom: You are not tied to hotel check in times and fixed locations.
- Comfort on wheels: Modern heaters and good insulation keep you warm at night.
- Cost effective: Combine transport and accommodation and cook your own meals.
- Closer to nature: Sleep near waterfalls, beaches and fjords instead of in a city hotel.
For more planning ideas, you can combine this route with our Ring Road travel guide and check which vehicle suits you best in our campervan fleet.
FAQ: Iceland Ring Road Campervan Itinerary
How many days do you need for an Iceland Ring Road campervan trip?
We recommend at least 8 days for an Iceland Ring Road campervan itinerary. You can complete the loop faster, but 8 days gives you time for short hikes, hot springs and relaxed evenings without rushing every stop.
Do you need a 4x4 campervan for the Ring Road?
No. For most travelers a 2WD campervan is enough for the Ring Road and the main sights. A 4x4 is only needed if you plan to drive F roads into the Highlands. See our guide on 2WD vs 4x4 campervans in Iceland for details.
Is it safe to drive a campervan on the Ring Road in winter?
It can be safe if you drive carefully and stay flexible. Always check road.is and SafeTravel for storm warnings and road closures, and choose a rental with proper winter tires and heating.
Where can you camp along the Iceland Ring Road?
There are official campsites near most towns and major attractions. Wild camping is not allowed in a campervan. Our article on campervan camping rules in Iceland explains where you can legally stay overnight.
How much does an 8 day Iceland Ring Road campervan trip cost?
Costs depend on season and camper size, but your budget will usually include the van rental, fuel, campsites, groceries and a few paid activities. Cooking from groceries and using fuel discount cards can reduce the total cost.
Ready to start your Iceland Ring Road campervan adventure?
Browse our fleet of campervans and book your dates to lock in this 8 day itinerary around Iceland.