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The Golden Circle is one of the most well-known tourist routes in Iceland, taking visitors to some of the most recognizable sights. If you’re renting a campervan, you will need to know more about camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland. This guide will help you choose your route and where to stay to give you the best experience possible.
Why Explore the Golden Circle with a Camper Rental?
Although many visitors book a tour to see the Golden Circle, renting a campervan to make your way to the various sights is an excellent alternative. Exploring the Golden Circle as a self-driving itinerary puts you in control of your journey so you can enjoy the sights at your own pace and stop where you choose, when you want. Here’s why you should explore on your own.
Freedom & Flexibility on the Road
Perhaps the most attractive reason for choosing to self-drive the Golden Circle is the freedom and flexibility you gain. You don’t have to follow a specified route or restrict how much time you spend at a given location. You can pick and choose where you stop and when, and have complete control over how long you take in the sights at each stop.
Save on Accommodation and Food Costs
While you can self-drive the Golden Circle with any rental vehicle, booking a campervan can give you even more advantages. You will roll the price of your vehicle and accommodations into one. You will also gain the ability to prepare food for yourself rather than dine out for every meal, which saves money in the long run. Campgrounds are affordable as well.
Enjoy Off-Peak Visits to Popular Sights
Finally, camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland gives you access to the various sights in and around the area at off-peak times. Most tour groups will visit the main Golden Circle sights around the same time, leaving them feeling crowded. Tourists staying further away are also more likely to visit during daytime hours. However, if you’re camping in the area, you can visit sights later in the evening or earlier in the morning.
Top Attractions in the Golden Circle (With Local Tips & Hidden Gems)
Now that you’re aware of the advantages of camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland, rather than taking tours or staying in other areas, it’s time to explore exactly what is within the Golden Circle. As one of the most popular tourist routes in the country, there are some familiar spots, as well as some hidden gems that are less visited.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is one of the three main sights that comprise the Golden Circle. This area is filled with natural gems, from the Almannagjá Gorge, where the old Icelandic parliament met, to Lake Þingvallavatn. Many people park at the visitor’s center to get an overview of the entire area from the cliff above. From there, you can hike to various other areas or drive to the other parking lots.
As you tour the national park, you will find the beautiful Öxarárfoss flowing into the gorge. The Lögberg Rock is the actual location of the original Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament. Other notable sights within Þingvellir National Park are the Þingvellir church and the Silfra Fissure, where you can snorkel or dive between the tectonic plates in crystal clear water.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The next stop, as you make your way around the Golden Circle, is the Geysir geothermal area. This geothermal area is home to the geyser that gave its name to all other geysers worldwide. However, Geysir no longer erupts regularly. Instead, it’s younger sibling, Strokkur, is the main attraction, erupting about every 10 minutes.
In addition to Strokkur, you can hike around the area, viewing various geothermal wonders of Haukadalur Valley, including mud pots, hot springs, and more. While it’s always important to stay on the trails in Iceland, it is especially critical in this area to avoid severe burns and damage to the landscape.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The third main sight on the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss waterfall. This magnificent waterfall is a two-tiered wonder that falls 33.5 meters (110 feet) into an impressive canyon. Several viewpoints are available from the parking lot, allowing you to see the falls from numerous angles.
In addition to the waterfall, there is a visitor’s center with a restaurant and gift shop. You can enjoy a meal and buy some souvenirs before continuing on your journey.
Hidden Gems Worth the Detour
Although many visitors focus on the three main sights along the Golden Circle, there are numerous hidden gems to add to your self-drive itinerary. When camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland, you can more easily access these locations without worrying about how much time you have left in the day.
Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater, a volcanic crater lake, is a common addition to the Golden Circle itinerary. Visitors to this site can walk around the rim of the crater or descend the stairs to the lake at the bottom. The contrast between the volcanic stone and blue water is striking and makes it a popular stop year-round.
Secret Lagoon & Other Unique Stops
Secret Lagoon is another stop visitors can add to their Golden Circle itinerary. As one of the oldest pools in Iceland, this lagoon offers a relaxing stop at the end of your day to soak away any discomfort from a long day in the car or hiking. This lagoon is less popular than the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and others, but it can offer a unique experience.
Another hidden gem along the Golden Circle is Brúarfoss, a brilliant blue waterfall unlike any other in Iceland. In recent years, this site has become more accessible with a parking lot close to the waterfall. There is a charge for parking, but you can still use the old parking lot closer to the main road and hike to the waterfall. This path gives access to several other waterfalls.
As you make your way through the Golden Circle, you will find many other places to stop. If you’re looking for unique places to enjoy a bite, the Efsti-Dalur II Farm or Friðheimar tomato farm are excellent choices. Faxi waterfall and Skálholt are also good stops to add if time allows.
Planning Your Golden Circle Camper Trip
Some visitors prefer to go with the flow on their trip with a loose itinerary, but it’s beneficial to have an idea of what you want to see while visiting the Golden Circle with your campervan. Here are tips to help you plan your itinerary to ensure you get to see everything you want and more.
How Many Days Do You Need?
The first question you need to answer is how many days you will need to see the Golden Circle. The answer depends on your expectations. The Golden Circle can be done in as little as a day, but if you really want to explore, spend more time, and see more sights, you could easily spend two to three days in the area.
Best Time of Year to Visit by Campervan
Next, you need to decide when you will visit Iceland. If you’re planning to tour the country in a campervan, summer is your best choice. You will have better weather, more daylight, and more campgrounds will be open. However, with careful planning, you can use a campervan throughout the year.
What Type of Camper Should You Rent?
The type of camper you should rent will vary depending on your needs and preferences. Campervans come in various sizes to accommodate your party, giving you plenty of space for everyone. In addition to the size, check the available amenities to give you the most comfortable experience.
If you’re planning to visit the highlands as part of your itinerary, renting a 4x4 campervan is possible. These campervans give you the ability to travel to more places within the country. It can also be useful to have a 4x4 if you’re traveling during the winter months to help navigate poor road conditions.
Best Campsites Along the Golden Circle for Campervans
In Iceland, it’s required to stay in a designated campground. Therefore, you’ll need to know which campsites are the best in and near the Golden Circle route. The following are some of the top campgrounds to consider for your stay.
Top 5 Scenic Campsites
Skjól Camping
Skjól Camping is one of the most ideally located campgrounds within the Golden Circle, between Gullfoss and Geysir. The spacious campground provides a kitchen area for cooking, Wi-Fi, and other excellent facilities for a comfortable stay. Horse riding is available from the campground. With its central location, this campsite can get crowded in summer.
Þingvellir National Park features its own campgrounds, equipped with basic facilities, including toilets and running water. This campground is only open from early June to late September. Visitors staying at this campground can easily access the hiking paths through the national park. The other main Golden Circle attractions are just a short drive away.
Geysir Campsite
If you prefer to stay close to Geysir for early morning or late night viewing, the Geysir campground is a great choice. The beautiful landscape is one of the top reasons this campground makes the list. However, this campsite is relatively small, and the area can get busy during the day with all the visitors to the geysers across the road.
Laugarvatn & Úthlíð Options
Those who prefer to stay a little further out of the way, the Úthlíð campground offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains with plenty of family-friendly activities, including horse riding, swimming, hiking, golfing, and more. The campground is along the main route and offers easy access to the Golden Circle attractions.
The Laugarvatn campground along the lake offers beautiful scenery, including the lake, mountains, and woodlands, and a geothermal bath that makes it the perfect stop after a long day of hiking and sightseeing. It’s a great place for birdwatchers and those interested in fishing.
Scenic and Family-Friendly Alternatives
Not all campgrounds are created equal. When camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland, you will need to determine which amenities you will need to give you the most comfortable stay. Toilet and shower facilities are often the most important. If you want to prepare meals beyond the capabilities of your campervan, you should also look for campgrounds with kitchen facilities.
While these basic amenities are important, many visitors want something a little more. Some campgrounds offer electrical hookups and laundry facilities, which can be useful during your trip. They may also offer Wi-Fi access to keep you connected. All campgrounds will likely have access to drinking water to top off your water bottles.
Budgeting for Overnight Camping
Many visitors choose camping as a way to save money on their Iceland trip. While you may spend a bit more than a typical car on the campervan, you will find that staying in campsites in Iceland is relatively cheap.
The cost of campgrounds in Iceland is generally a per-person fee, rather than a per-site fee. This cost can range between 1500 and 3000 ISK per person, depending on the campground. Children are often free. Showers may have a fee of 300-500 ISK, and laundry may cost 500-1,000 ISK. If you choose a site with electricity, this also comes at a cost of around 900-1,500 ISK.
Essential Campervan Travel Tips for Iceland
As you plan camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland, you will need to consider some general tips for camping. These essential travel tips will give you the best experience and help you maintain your comfort during your journey.
Driving Rules and Road Safety
The driving rules in Iceland are relatively straightforward. Roads are well-marked and easy to follow. Speed limits are generally predictable, but be sure you maintain the proper speed because the country is strict about speeding, and fines are quite high. Roundabouts can also be challenging since the inner lane gets priority, which is different than most places.
In addition to maintaining the proper speed, it’s critical to know that you should never pull off to the side of the road. Wait for a designated pull-out or parking area. The roads are narrow with no shoulder. Also, be aware of one-lane bridges. The first to arrive gets priority, but watch for others who may have followed the car ahead of them.
Finally, be aware of the weather and road conditions before you head out for the day. The Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Icelandic Road Administration are the best sources for this information. You can also find safety alerts on SafeTravel.is.
Camping Regulations & Legal Must-Knows
First and foremost, there is no camping outside designated campgrounds when traveling in a campervan without explicit permission from the landowner. You will need to find and stay in official campgrounds throughout the Golden Circle and around the country. Fires are generally not allowed in Iceland.
Eco-Friendly and Respectful Camping
The guiding principle behind camping in Iceland is to leave no trace, including when using campgrounds. Above all, respect nature. Stay off the moss and stick to marked trails to protect the delicate landscape for those who will visit after you. You should also respect quiet hours in the campgrounds between 11 pm and 7 am and be mindful of those around you.
Suggested 2-3 Day Itinerary for a Golden Circle Camper Trip
The beauty of camping in the Golden Circle in Iceland is that you are in full control of your itinerary. However, it can quickly become overwhelming when you see the number of campground options and the sights available along the route. The following is a great starting point for your planning.
Day-by-Day Stops
The Golden Circle is often one of the first areas to explore after leaving Reykjavík. With this starting point, you are most likely to encounter Þingvellir National Park first. Here, you can choose to browse the visitor’s center, hike down to Öxarárfoss, or snorkel in Silfra. Some people can easily spend nearly a full day at this stop alone.
Other common stops for the first day include hiking through the Geysir geothermal area to see the geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. After a visit to Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall is just a short drive down the road before stopping for the night to recharge for the second day.
On the morning of the second day, visits to Geysir and Gullfoss may be at the top of your list if you spend your first day in Þingvellir National Park. Because these two stops are shorter, it’s easy to add Kerið Crater and the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir to your itinerary before exploring other areas of the country.
If you would like to spend a third day in the Golden Circle before moving on, you can craft an itinerary that best fits your needs with the optional stops below.
Where to Camp Each Night
There are a number of campgrounds conveniently located in and around the Golden Circle in Iceland. If you are interested in staying close to the main stops in the Golden Circle, some of the top options for your first night include the Þingvellir National Park campground, Skjól Camping, or Geysir Campground. All three feature convenient locations to the top spots.
For your second night, consider campgrounds further along the route to position you well for your continued adventures. Some of the top options for the second night include the Flúðir campground, Úthlíð campground, Faxi campground, or Laugarvatn campground. Selfoss also has a campground if you wish to go further toward the South Coast.
Bonus Detours
The Golden Circle offers plenty of detours along the main route to fill out a two or three-day itinerary with beautiful stops. Are you looking for a place to soak for the evening or to split up the day? Laugarvatn Fontana and Secret Lagoon are located within the Golden Circle area and make excellent stops.
If you’re someone who can’t get enough waterfalls, you’ll find several options either en route to the Golden Circle or during your visit. Helgufoss is one waterfall located between Reykjavík and Þingvellir. Faxi waterfall and Brúarfoss can be seen between other stops, further breaking up your day or filling out your itinerary.
Finally, if you want some unique places to eat in the area, the Golden Circle has several. The Efsti-Dalur II Farm offers farm-fresh ice cream and other food prepared with fresh Icelandic ingredients. Friðheimar is a restaurant located in a tomato greenhouse, offering tomato-themed dishes for enjoyment. If you prefer mushrooms, try the unique dishes at the Flúðasveppir mushroom farm.
What to Pack for a Campervan Trip in Iceland
Now that you have your campervan rented, the campgrounds plotted, and your itinerary set, you can start figuring out what to pack. The clothing you pack will greatly depend on the time of year you visit, but the following will help you get started.
Weather-Proof Clothing
No matter the time of year, dressing in layers is crucial to staying comfortable in the ever-changing Icelandic weather conditions. When choosing what to pack, you need to choose weatherproof clothing, at least for the outer layers. Having warm thermal under layers is also beneficial to ensure you stay warm, especially in the winter months.
For your outer layers, a big, bulky coat isn’t always necessary for Iceland. No matter what time of year you visit, packing a waterproof and windproof outer layer is key. Be sure you have waterproof items because water-resistant doesn’t do the job. Be sure to choose waterproof hiking boots as well to keep your feet warm and dry.
Cooking & Sleeping Essentials
Your campervan will serve as your transportation, your kitchen, and your bedroom throughout your stay. Therefore, you must pack cooking and sleeping essentials. Most campervans are equipped with various cooking implements. Be sure to ask your rental company what is included so you can determine what you may need to bring or buy to cook your meals.
Campervans also typically come with pillows and blankets, but not everyone finds them sufficient. You may wish to stop at a local store to purchase a pillow that is comfortable for you and extra blankets to stay warm. A mattress topper can also make things more comfortable. If you don’t want to buy them, consider bringing them from home.
Must-Have Tech & Tools
Technology can be a useful tool to help make your trip more enjoyable and safer. Your smartphone will be one of your best resources. Download apps for Icelandic weather, road conditions, safety, and parking to make your trip easier. It can also be helpful to download your itinerary map in case you need to use it without an Internet connection. A GPS and Wi-Fi unit can also be beneficial.
Bring along a battery bank to charge your electronics on the go. An LED headlamp may not be as useful in the summer, but if you travel during the winter, it becomes necessary. Finally, be sure to bring a reusable water bottle from home. The tap water in Iceland is clean and refreshing.
Making the Most of Your Golden Circle Camper Adventure
Are you ready to go camping in the Golden Circle? If you’re interested in renting a campervan in Iceland to take in the sights at your own pace, this guide will help you choose the best places to camp and determine what you should include in your itinerary to get the most out of one of Iceland’s most popular tourist routes.
