Iceland equals journey. Volcanic, rugged, ethereal and enchantingly stunning, there may be just about a swoon-worthy view at each flip, making Iceland not solely one of many world’s most striking islands but in addition probably the greatest locations to discover on a highway journey.
Even if you happen to solely have 5 days in Iceland, driving provides you with the liberty to maximise each minute – particularly within the lengthy, almost infinite summer season days – and if you happen to go for a campervan, you’ll have much more management with the added bonus of saving cash on lodging and eating alongside the best way.
Practicalities For Exploring Iceland by Campervan
This five-day Iceland itinerary is designed with campervans in thoughts, together with instructed campsites for in a single day stays (wild and off-road tenting are prohibited in Iceland) close to the principle sights and key stops – although you’ll definitely cross different villages, viewpoints and detours alongside the best way. Remember the fact that when planning your journey, July and August can see costs skyrocket for leases, whereas in winter, some campsites shut down. Nonetheless, this itinerary works even in winter because it avoids any of the F-roads (mountain roads that shut in winter); you’ll simply have to analysis year-round campsites.
The best time to visit Iceland for fairer costs, dependable highway situations and nonetheless respectable climate is normally round Could and September. One of many key elements to contemplate when planning your journey is what kind of campervan rental in Iceland is finest for you, and likewise finest for the season. Should you plan on happening the F-roads in summer season, you’ll have to take a 4×4 automobile. In winter, you’ll need to guarantee there’s a correct heating system.
Corporations like Campervan Reykjavik (which is predicated at Keflavik – the airport’s location – regardless of its identify) have a variety of various choices, starting from rooftop tents to campervans and fully-contained motorhomes. The latter are normally way more pricey and never fully vital, as most campsites have showers, kitchens, bathrooms (fewer choices in winter), which are sometimes included within the campsite charges, although at some areas it’s an additional cost, which might then be offset by going self-contained. No matter the kind of automobile, it’s important to keep in a campground or, with prior permission, on personal land. Primarily, do your analysis, decide when and the place you need to go, after which choose probably the most appropriate automobile.
5 Days Iceland Itinerary
To take advantage of your 5 days in Iceland, purpose to reach early on day one and depart within the night of day 5. If flights don’t enable this, and also you’re arriving afterward day one or leaving earlier on day 5, take into account swapping day 4 or 5 (nearer to the airport) with day one, after which making day one (The Golden Triangle) day two of your Iceland itinerary.
Day 1: The Golden Circle
After an early arrival and accumulating your camper, start your five-day Iceland itinerary following “The Golden Circle” – although you’ll finish round Selfoss, able to proceed east tomorrow, slightly than doing the total loop. This well-trod route threads collectively most of the highlights close to Reykjavik and is a phenomenal introduction to Iceland.
Route: Keflavik Airport – Silfra – Thingvellir Nationwide Park – Haukadalur – Gullfoss – Selfoss
Driving distance: 230km (142 miles); approx 3:30 hours
Keep at: Round Selfoss makes probably the most sense, journey-wise. Nonetheless, take into account Úlfljótsvatn, a spacious lakeside camp with good amenities about 20 minutes from Selfoss. Full opening is from June till late September; restricted winter opening till November.
Silfra and Thingvellir Nationwide Park
Begin your 5 days in Iceland with some of the distinctive experiences within the nation: snorkelling or scuba diving within the frigid waters of Silfra, a rift the place the continents’ tectonic plates meet. You’ll have to pre-book the expertise and permit round two hours. Proper close by is the customer centre for the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park – a spectacular and historic location on account of being the positioning of Iceland’s historic parliament – the place you’ll be able to gather data and maps for a hike within the park.
Haukadalur, Strokkur and Gulfoss Waterfall
The geothermal valley of Haukadalur is fascinating, so plan to spend round an hour right here appreciating the geothermal swimming pools, fumaroles and watching the mighty Strokkur Geyser erupt excessive into the sky. It’s a brief drive to the spectacular valley-dominating Gulfoss Waterfall.
Day 2: South Coast Falls and Seashores
Spend the second day of this Iceland five-day itinerary hopping between swoon-worthy waterfalls and epic coastal views as you drive east alongside the south coast. Don’t stress about stopping at every waterfall or village alongside the best way right now; you would possibly need to save one for leg-stretching on the best way again on day 4.
Route: Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Vik and Reynisfjara Seaside
Driving distance: 205km (127 miles); approx 3 hours
Keep at: Vik Camping is situated simply exterior the village centre and operates from Could till November.
Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, and Skógafoss Waterfalls
This trio of spectacular waterfalls is simply round half-hour aside. The primary you’ll attain is Seljalandsfoss, my favorite, as you’ll be able to really stroll behind the cascade, which is simply unbelievable. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall can be very close by. Then, proceed alongside the highway till elegant and sheet-like Skógafoss, maintaining an eye fixed out for Icelandic horses en route.
Reynisfjara Seaside, Dyrhólaey and Vik
Earlier than reaching Vik, a beautiful village with an iconic church, flip off on the hanging Reynisfjara Seaside. This ink-black seaside is spectacular. On the far finish, you’ll discover the famed lava-formed rock tower formations. At close by Dyrhólaey, take within the epic coastal views of the rock arch bridge and, between April and September, spot puffins.
Day 3: Glaciers, Lagoons and Diamond Sands
The third day will take you as far east as you’ll journey on this Iceland five-day itinerary and consists of two of Iceland’s top things to do: the glittering diamond seaside and the nation’s most well-known glacier lagoon. Contemplate if you wish to spend the night time staying close to right here, or want to loop partly again to Vik to scale back tomorrow’s drive occasions.
Route: Vik – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon– Vatnajökull Glacier and Jokulsarlon Lagoon – Black Diamond Seaside
Driving distance: 200km (125 miles); approx 2:30 hours
Keep at: Both return to someplace in Vik or en route to scale back driving time, or close to the glacier at Skaftafell Campground, which is open year-round.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Made well-known by a Justin Bieber music video, after which closed for some time to preserve, the dramatic, verdant Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a perfect first cease of the day. Arrive early to attempt to keep away from crowds and plan to spend round an hour strolling the path.
Vatnajokull Glacier and Jökulsárlón Lagoon
Europe’s largest glacier is phenomenal and has no scarcity of epic experiences. Two of my favorite recollections of Iceland occurred right here. The primary was trekking atop the glacier itself, peeking into glistening caves and simply typically being in awe. The second was marvelling on the Jökulsárlón Lagoon – plan to kayak on it if it’s not winter and frozen, which is fed by the glacier and dotted with small icebergs. Ensure you e book actions upfront with licensed guides
Black Diamond Seaside
On the ocean aspect of the lagoon, Breiðamerkursandur – higher often known as the Black Diamond Seaside – is the right finish to the day. Giant ice nuggets dot the seaside, making a hanging distinction with the jet-black sands. It’s particularly magical when the decrease solar hits the sunshine.
Day 4: Lava Tunnels and Metropolis Life
Should you stayed round Jökulsárlón, right now would be the longest driving part in your Iceland road trip. Should you’ve already backtracked to Vik, then it is going to be shorter and also you would possibly need to add a part of day 5 into the combo, relying on tomorrow’s flight time.
Route: Jökulsárlón (or Vik) – Reykjadalur Valley — Reykjavík
Driving distance: 340km (210 miles); approx 4:30 hours (much less if you happen to’ve looped again in direction of Vik yesterday)
Stay at: Reykjavík Campsite, situated proper subsequent to the Laugardalslaug swimming swimming pools, which is pretty central. It’s solely a 40-minute stroll or a 20-minute bus journey to the principle downtown areas, permitting you to park and luxuriate in an evening out within the metropolis.
Reykjadalur Valley
Earlier than returning to extra city life, spend just a few hours absorbing the magic that’s Reykjadalur. This geothermal valley has soothing sizzling springs and heated river-hugging trails.
Reykjavík
Spend the final day of this five-day Iceland itinerary within the nation’s cool and laid-back capital, Reykjavík. This provides you with the prospect to park the camper and go to some sights in afternoon – such because the Hallgrímskirkja Church, Nationwide Museum and the Solar Voyager sculpture – get pleasure from a dinner, some dwell music and craft beers with out worrying about driving, and be nicely positioned for an early begin tomorrow to take advantage of the day earlier than your flight. Should you’ve time, I’d advocate visiting the Árbær Open Air Museum earlier than parking up for the day in Reykjavík
Day 5: Raufarhólshellir, The Reykjanes Peninsula, and The Blue Lagoon
This Iceland itinerary in 5 days wraps up across the Reykjanes Peninsula, so that you’re by no means going to be too removed from the airport. Should you’ve bought an excellent late flight, you would possibly need to take into account the Snaefellsnes Peninsula as a substitute.
Route: Reykjavík – Raufarhólshellir — The Blue Lagoon – Keflavik Airport
Driving distance: 145km (90 miles); approx 2 hours (perhaps extra, relying on any peninsula day excursions)
Raufarhólshellir and the Reykjanes Peninsula
Begin the day with a pre-booked go to to Raufarhólshellir. This mind-blowing lava tunnel offers entry to an underground world fashioned by an eruption that occurred some 5,000 years in the past. Afterwards, proceed driving alongside the Reykjanes Peninsula to Grindavik to absorb the views. Should you’ve time, you’ll be able to head all the best way to the top of the peninsula to see the Reykjanes Lighthouse, adjoining sizzling springs and close by rock swimming pools.
The Blue Lagoon
Finish your five-day go to to Iceland with a bit of R&R at one of many nation’s most well-known vacationer sights, the Blue Lagoon. Remember to e book your timeslot tickets nicely upfront so that you don’t miss the prospect to wash within the geothermal waters. After you’re refreshed, it’s solely a 25-minute drive again to the airport, and also you’ll admire having the ability to have a bathe and chill out earlier than flying residence.
How a lot ought to I finances for five days in Iceland?
Relying on which season you go to (excessive summer season vs shoulder vs winter), you’ll be an Iceland budget of a minimum of 224,000 ISK (approx £1360/€1570 Euro/$1840 as of July 2025) for 2 folks. This may cowl a full five-day Iceland itinerary if reserving an entry-level camper, consuming one meal out day by day and getting ready your personal meals the remainder of the time, and visiting just a few sights such because the Blue Lagoon, a glacier trek, and the Lava Tunnel.
Nonetheless, it’s honest to say Iceland is just not low cost, and that’s on the extra conservative finish of the size, and in July or August, particularly, it is going to value a good chunk extra. Anticipate the determine to double if you happen to go for a higher-end, fully-contained mannequin. Nonetheless, remember the fact that choosing a campervan will save on lodging prices and certainly meals prices if you’re getting ready your personal meals.
Listed here are some approximate day by day value ranges:
- 5-day entry-level campervan rent 40,000 – 72,000 ISK
- 5-day high-end campervan rent 180,000- 300,000 ISK
- In a single day camp charge, together with electrical energy and facility charge 5,000 – 7,000 ISK
- Gas prices round 320 ISK a litre, so primarily based on the above itinerary and relying on mannequin, you’ll possible be a minimal of 28,000 ISK
- Meal for 2 7,000+ ISK
- Lava Tunnel entry 8,400 ISK
- Glacier Trek 13,900 ISK
- Blue Lagoon entry 9,900 ISK
- Test for newer and diversified common prices here.
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