Iceland Itinerary 5 Days: A Campervan Road Trip Guide

If you ask us, the only way to really experience the Land of Fire and Ice is via road trip. And the best way to do that is in a campervan. But you’ll need at least 5 days on the island to get to see some of our best spots and experience some of our most-loved adventures. However, planning an Iceland itinerary for 5 days is not always easy for outside visitors.

That’s why we decided to create this guide to walk you through your potential 5 days on the island. We not only provide you with a sample 5-day itinerary, but also give you some valuable insider tips and info. So, if this sounds right up your campervan road trip alley, read on!

Is 5 Days Enough in Iceland with a Campervan?

5 days is the perfect beginner length for any new explorer in Iceland. It will allow you to complete some of our most favorite road trip routes, such as the Golden Circle or South Coast Way, and give you enough time to take part in some of our world-famous activities, such as glacier hiking. If you choose the right time, you might even get treated to one of our natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights!

But what makes exploring the island in 5 days so special when you’re cruising around in a camper is that every second of every day forms part of a unique adventure. Plus, you’ll get a front-row seat to some of the wonders of Iceland that not many mainstream tourists will get to see.

However, if you’d like to extensively explore our more remote regions, such as the Highlands and the Westfjords, which also include some tricky roads to navigate, we wouldn’t recommend hitting those regions with just 5 days at your disposal.

Also, although it’s technically possible, we also wouldn’t recommend taking on the entire Ring Road route. It will turn into a rushed mess, and you’ll have to miss out on a bunch of things on the way, leaving the island with tons of regrets.

Why a Campervan is the Best Way to Travel Iceland in 5 Days

There are many benefits to cruising around in a campervan for those 5 days. They include the following:

• A campervan conveniently (and affordably!) sorts out both your transport as well as your accommodation.
• Since most campers have basic cooking facilities, you’ll be able to make budget meals in the comfort of your “home,” helping your holiday budget extend much further (much further than restaurant visits or takeaways).
• There is no constant packing and unpacking (the curse of any traditional road trip). You’ll conveniently be traveling with all your creature comforts wherever you go, like a snail.
• You can truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking Icelandic landscape and all its natural wonders. In a campervan, you’ll also get the opportunity to camp with some of our most famous sights right outside your window! See Skogar Campsite, boasting the famous Skogafoss Waterfall.
• Speaking of camping, a campervan also extends the camping season. Since a camper is more robust and offers much more shelter than a traditional tent, the creeping cold or the remnants of winter won’t bother a camper too much. Camping in a camper is also much more comfortable than traditional camping, which means even those who usually cringe at the thought can get on board.
• Renting a campervan is the ultimate budget-saving hack. Combine the cost-efficiency of the dual transport and accommodation with affordable campsites, and you’re saving hundreds. If you get your timing right and you add some of our local discount cards, such as the Camping Card and Reykjavik Card, savings can run into the thousands!
• A campervan leaves you in full control of your trip. Unlike a guided tour where you’re bound by someone else’s schedule, you’re captaining the ship of your Iceland adventure.
• A campervan offers you the ultimate freedom. Since you’ll be cruising around with your house on wheels and using camping spots along the way, your itinerary doesn’t have to be so set in stone. You can have those impromptu stops or longer stays, and your entire trip won’t get derailed if there’s ever a little mishap or a sudden road closure.

How to Plan a 5-Day Iceland Itinerary by Campervan

There are a few important basics to consider when it comes to planning a 5-day Iceland campervan trip. These are:

Driving Distances and Daily Time on the Road

These technical specifications are incredibly important. Not just for the obvious reason that there are only 24 hours in a day and it would be impossible to road trip 5000 kilometers in that time, but also because our daylight hours vary greatly between seasons. For example, mid-summer you can enjoy days with 20+ hours of daylight each day (prime opportunity for a jam-packed trip itinerary), but during our winters, daylight hours shrink down to a mere 4 hours a day.

Then you also need to think about the weather and road conditions, which will impact your driving time. For example, gravel roads have a speed limit of 80 kilometers an hour (50 miles an hour), which you cannot exceed. But sometimes the road conditions can be pretty rough-and-tough, inevitably forcing you to slow things down even further.

Add on any possible weather conditions also impacting the road and your driving, and you can soon find yourself in a race against time you never signed up for. This is why it’s always a good idea to check out the Vedur website and the Umferdin website when planning your trip, as well as before you hit the road.

You also need to plan driving distances in accordance with what you want to do and see each day. It’s not going to help much if you’ve carefully planned your days based on driving times, but never even considered how much time you’ll be spending at each stop!

Our own personal recommendation would be to never plan spending more than 5 hours behind the wheel each day and always add on a bit of leeway time for any mishaps or exciting impromptu stops. Then start planning the time spent at attractions and on activities along the way.

Where to Sleep: Campsites vs Overnight Stops

Even though a campervan makes overnight stays much easier, there’s still some planning to do. For example, will there be campsites where you’re going? And, if you’re visiting during our peak season months, will you need to pre-book to ensure your spot?

If there are no campsites near your location, are there any other overnight spots you can consider? And what is your budget? It’s all fine and well if there’s a hotel nearby, but it’s a different ballgame if you’ve budgeted for a $40 campsite and then have to fork out $400. We’d also recommend always having a plan B for each of your overnight stays based on different scenarios. It’s also very important to take note of the following:

Wild camping in campervans has been illegal since 2015. So, no matter how tempting it becomes, please don’t just park wherever you like for the night. The only time it’s permissible is if it's private land, you have the owner’s explicit permission, and you’re not planning on staying for more than 2 nights.

The same goes for overnight parking. It might be tempting to find yourself a parking spot in one of our cities and towns or at our attractions, but this is a big no-no. Firstly, it’s illegal to park anywhere that isn’t a clearly marked and dedicated parking spot. Secondly, it’s illegal to overnight in a parking spot that’s not clearly marked as such.

What Kind of Campervan Do You Need?

Your choice of camper will depend on numerous factors:

Your Itinerary.

If you’re planning on taking some of our “roads less traveled” or taking on our notorious F-roads, or you’re planning on visiting during our colder months, you’ll need a 4x4 camper. If you’re planning on taking some of our narrow roads winding along the fjords, then you might want to rethink any “bigger is better” notions you may have about your rental camper in Iceland.

Your Personal Preference.

It’s your holiday, after all. So, there might be certain dealbreakers for you. For example, you may have a thing against rooftop tents or want more than just outdoor cooking gear when prepping dinner. The campervan world is massive, and we have more than enough options to suit every need and preference.

See all campervans.

See all motorhomes.

Your Budget.

Of course, you may have a personal wishlist from here till kingdom come, but if you don’t have the budget to make it happen, you’ll need to trim your requirements and expectations a bit.

The Size of Your Party.

A 2-man camper might be more economical, but there’s no way you’re squeezing a family of 5 in there. The same goes for a couple looking at renting a campervan for 4. Is it really necessary and worth the extra money? Stick to a camper that suits your party’s size the best.

The Best All-Season Iceland Itinerary for 5 Days (Camper-Friendly)

Below you will find our sample Iceland itinerary for 5 days. You can either use it as is or use it as inspiration to create your own:

Day 1: The Golden Circle

Driving Distance: 230 kilometers (142 miles)

Drive Time: 3.5 hours

Route Summary: Keflavik Airport → Silfra → Thingvellir National Park → Haukadalur → Gullfoss → Selfoss

Today, you will take on our famous road trip route, the Golden Circle. This may be a small loop route (just 300 kilometers/190 miles), but it’s absolutely jam-packed with some of our most famous attractions. So, you’re in for a real treat!

Highlights of the Day:

Snorkel or scuba the Silfra Fissure.

This rift, filled with crystal clear glacier water, marks the divide between two continents (Eurasia and North America). So, at the Silfra Fissure, you can literally lie suspended between two continents.

But please note, snorkeling is available to all, but diving will require a valid diving license and sufficient experience. Dry suits are provided on site. The entire activity will take about 2 hours.

Thingvellir National Park

This beautiful national park is also the site of a historical landmark, the Althing. It is essentially Iceland’s first parliament, established in 930 AD, where chieftains and other local leaders would meet to make important decisions regarding the island. So well worth a stop, although you probably won’t spend more than an hour there.

Geysir Geothermal Area

This otherworldly place, filled with steam vents and boiling mud pits, is also home to geysers (which are really water volcanoes). You’ll actually find the OG of ALL geysers here, Geysir, which is the origin story of the name itself. Today, this old dog is basically completely dormant, but it’s still worth a visit due to its historical relevance.

Still, this doesn’t mean the end of our impressive water displays; the neighboring geyser, Strokkur, still blasts thousands of liters of boiling hot water meters into the sky every 10 minutes or so. We’d allocate between an hour and an hour and a half to explore the area.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss is just a short drive from Geysir. This waterfall is a two-in-one type of deal as it drops in tiers down the Hvita River. One has a drop of 11 meters, and the other 21 meters, and they can be viewed from two different platforms (upper and lower), providing unique viewing angles.

The name Gullfoss translates to “Golden Waterfall,” and refers to the golden-brown tint of the water as the sunlight falls on it. Although beautiful, you won’t spend more than 30 minutes to an hour here.

Overnight at: Ulfjotsvatn (open all year round, but has limited operation during the winter months).

Day 2: The South Coast

Driving Distance: 205 kilometers (127 miles)

Drive Time: 3 hours

Route Summary: Seljalandsfoss → Skogafoss → Vik & Reynisfjara

Today, you’ll begin cruising down the south coast, a route that offers epic views, jaw-dropping falls, and incredible beaches.

Highlights of the Day:

The Trio of Falls: Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, and Skogafoss Waterfall

These falls are all within 30 minutes of one another, so you’ll be hitting these one after the other. We’d recommend you allocate 30 minutes to an hour for each:

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall has a drop of 60 meters and is also known as “the waterfall you can walk behind” due to the walkway that takes you behind its veil of water, offering spectacular views of the Icelandic landscape.

Gljufrabui Waterfall

Gljufrabui is a fairy-tale-like waterfall, hidden inside a narrow gorge that resembles a magical portal in a giant rock face. The waterfall stands 40 meters overhead, but it’s not really its length that makes it so impressive.

To experience this incredible sight, you’ll have to wade through a little stream of water for a couple of minutes, so waterproof boots are a pretty non-negotiable for this outing.

Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss is probably one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. It’s absolutely massive, spanning 25 meters wide and 60 meters tall. And, once again, this waterfall can be viewed from its base as well as from a viewing platform at its top (but fair warning; it’s going to take some stamina climbing all those stairs!)

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is by far our most famous black sand beach. The beach stretches out for about 3 kilometers with dramatic black basalt cliffs lining one side while waves crash in on the other. The latter is another reason why Reynisfjara is so famous: its sneaker waves.

Every once in a while, a sneaker wave would hit, breaking much further and with such force that anyone in its way would immediately be swept off their feet and dragged into the water. So, as a rule of thumb, never turn your back on the ocean here.

This might sound a bit scary, but the beauty of this place is well worth taking the extra precaution. If you’re actually planning on taking a longer stroll and taking some pics, we’d recommend you allocate between 1.5 and 2 hours here.

Dyrholaey

Dyrholaey is an interesting rock formation found not far from Reynisfjara. It resembles some kind of rocky rainbow at first glance. It’s a sliver of land running into the sea with a hole in the middle of it. This arch is a natural occurrence as the rock was eroded steadily over time, and because of the elements such as winds and waves.

Today, it makes for an impressive sight and many a daredevil driving their boats (and even a plane once!) through the arch. You can allocate about 30 minutes for your visit to the Dyrholaey viewpoint.

The Village of Vik

Vik is a picturesque little coastal village, boasting a population of just 900 permanent residents. It’s an absolute must-visit, and don’t forget to check out Vikurkirkja, the white church with its red rooftop. Since you’ll be overnighting nearby, there’s no reason to allocate a specific time to your Vik exploration.

Overnight at: Vik Camping Ground (open between May and November).

Day 3: Eastward Bound

Driving Distance: 200 kilometers (125 miles)

Drive Time: 2.5 hours

Route Summary: Vik → Fjadrargljufur Canyon → Vatnajökull Glacier → Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon → Diamond Beach

Because your time on the island is a little restricted, today will mark the farthest east you’ll explore the country.

Highlights of the Day:

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Fjadrargljufur is a serpent-like canyon that snakes through 100-meter-high moss-covered cliffs. Although the canyon isn’t very long (roughly 2 kilometers), it’s a hike that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an epic movie like The Lord of the Rings.

And if you’re feeling nervous about the term ‘hike,’ it’s more like an easy stroll that practically anyone will be able to complete (you don’t need to be an avid hiker or a fitness buddy). Allocate between 1.5 and 2 hours for the full hike.

Vatnajökull Glacier

Depending on the season, you’ll have a few options for what to do at the glacier. You can opt to explore one of our ice caves (only available during our colder months) or go glacier hiking (counterintuitively available all year round).

Both activities are done via guided tours, so you’ll need to book in advance. Depending on the tour, these activities can take anything between 1 and 4 hours. Alternatively, you can just do a drive-by for a quick view.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon promises to be an incredible experience. You can just pop round for a quick glance, but we highly recommend you take one of the boat tours. These tours will get you as close to the action as possible, floating through crystal clear water while seals lie chilling on sheets of ice, and getting so close to the glacier that you can almost reach out and touch it.

The Zodiac offers a more adrenaline-fueled adventure ride, while the Amphibian is more like a leisurely cruise experience. While a quick drive by won’t even take 15 minutes, one of the boat tours will take at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is yet another of our most famous black sand beaches, neighboring Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. But this is not your ordinary black sand beach. This beach is littered with thousands of pieces of ice, making them glitter like diamonds in the sun (hence the name). You should probably allocate between 30 minutes and an hour to a visit.

Overnight at: Either spend another night at the Vik Camping or move on to the Skaftafell Campgroundv (open all year round).

Day 4: Lava Tunnels and City Lights

Driving Distance: +/- 340 kilometers (210 miles), depending on where you slept

Drive Time: +/- 4.3 hours, depending on where you slept

Route Summary: Vik or Skaftafell → Reykjadalur Valley → Reykjavik

Today will be the furthest you’ve traveled out of all 5 days, so brace yourself and plan accordingly. But, boy, are you in for some fantastic times!

Highlights of the Day:

Reykjadalur Valley

In typical Land of Fire and Ice style, this is no ordinary valley. This is a geothermal valley with a hot spring RIVER! Yes, you heard right. And things just get better and better from here. Although the entire river is flowing with hot water, the natural rock pools have also created their own private hot pools. You can also decide how hot you want your hot spring experience to be here at Reykjadalur.

The higher upstream you go, the hotter the water, and the lower downstream you go, the cooler the water. You’ll probably want to stay here all day, but since your time is limited, we don’t recommend staying more than 2 hours.

Reykjavik

Time to become the ultimate city-slicker in the capital city. Honestly, you can spend a week in Reykjavik with everything there is to see and do (and eat!) here. But since you’ll literally be sleeping over in the middle of the city, you can explore till late.

Some of the places not to be missed include Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager Sculpture, the National Museum, and, of course, our famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

Overnight at: Reykjavik Eco Campsite

Day 5: Raufarholshellir Lava Cave, Reykjanes Lighthouse & The Blue Lagoon

Driving Distance: 145 kilometers (90 miles)

Drive Time: 2 hours

Route Summary: Reykjavik → Raufarholshellir Lava Cave → Reykjanes Lighthouse → The Blue Lagoon → Keflavik Airport

Today, you’re officially on your way, and how long you stay at today’s attractions will completely rely on what time your flight is later in the day.

Highlights of the Day:

Raufarholshellir Lava Cave

Raufarholshellir is the fourth-largest lava tunnel in Iceland. It’s a staggering 1.3 kilometers long, 30 meters wide, and 10 meters tall. Although there is a nice wooden walkway by which to explore the cave, you won’t be able to do it all by your lonesome due to safety concerns.

So, be sure to book your spot on a guided tour well in advance, especially when visiting during our peak seasons. The entire tour will take roughly an hour.

Reykjanes Lighthouse

The Reykjanes Lighthouse is not what you’d typically expect a lighthouse to look like: it’s entirely white. During a survey by the Icelandic Maritime Administration, locals declared this picturesque lighthouse their absolute favorite on the island.

Currently, there’s just one catch when it comes to this stop; the continuing eruptions in and around Grindavik sometimes make it nearly impossible to visit the lighthouse. But if you are able, you’ll probably spend no more than 30 minutes there.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is probably one of the most famous sites in Iceland. In fact, its unique aesthetic has landed it on the big screen in movies such as Star Trek and Hostel. But it’s not all about looks here at the Blue Lagoon. It’s healing, warm waters (scientifically proven!) with its silica mud, will have you relaxed and with baby-soft skin in absolutely no time.

If you pop in at the store, you’ll also be able to take some of this healing power with you back home. Here you can relax as long as you want; just keep the drive to the airport, the paperwork when dropping off the camper, and the check-in time in mind.

5-Day Iceland Itinerary by Season

We already provided you with the ultimate 5-day campervan itinerary above, but here are a few adaptations based on the different seasons:

Spring 5-Day Iceland Itinerary by Campervan

Day 1

Arrival at Keflavik Airport, visit the Blue Lagoon and explore Reykjavik, where you’ll sleep over.

Day 2

Drive to the village of Vik (where you’ll be sleeping) and stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, and the Solheimajökull Glacier along the way.

Day 3

You’ll be sleeping over at Vik for another night, so today will just be exploring your surroundings, which includes the Vik I Myrdal Church Viewpoint, Reynisfjara Beach, Fjadrargljufur Canyon, and Mögafoss Waterfall.

Day 4

Visit Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and its neighboring Diamond Beach. Sleep over in Selfoss.

Day 5

Road trip the Golden Circle and stop along its various interesting sights: Kerid Crater, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, Fridheimar, and Thingvellir National Park. From here, you have a choice: either drive directly to the airport and catch a flight out or sleep over in Reykjavik and catch a flight out in the morning.

Summer 5-Day Iceland Itinerary by Campervan

Day 1

Drive the Golden Circle, stopping at Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss along the way. Then head south to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach before heading to Vik, where you’ll sleep tonight.

Day 2

Explore Skaftafell National Park (now part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park), where you’ll get to check out Svartifoss Waterfall. Stop at Sjonarnipa Viewpoint before taking the Ring Road to Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Drive to Höfn, where you’ll be spending the night.

Day 3

Visit Höfn, a charming fishing town famous for its lobster and langoustine soup. You can also head to Stokkness, where the majestic Vestrahorn mountain is located.

Day 4

Undo the route; take your time exploring more of the South Coast on your way back towards Vík. Revisit a favorite spot, or discover hidden gems like the turf houses at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, turf-roofed barns that date back hundreds of years, or the Sólheimasandur plane wreck site.

Day 5

This day solely depends on your flight time. You can head back to Reykjavik and enjoy the city, but if you barely have time, you can drive directly to Keflavik with a little bit of a detour. Drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula (the airport is located in this area) and visit Seltún Geothermal Area. 

Fall 5-Day Iceland Itinerary by Campervan

Day 1

Arrival at Keflavik Airport. Head out to the capital city, where you’ll not only spend the day exploring, but will also be sleeping. Explore places such as Hallgrimskirkja, Laugavegur Street (where you can shop till you drop), the Old Harbor, and Harpa Concert Hall, and finish the day off with a relaxing soak at Sky Lagoon.

Day 2

Hit the Golden Circle with all its attractions, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Find your overnight spot somewhere around Gullfoss (there are numerous camping options).

Day 3

Drive west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Stop at Kirkjufell Mountain and its waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss. Then, visit the Snæfellsjökull National Park to check out the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, stop at Saxholl Volcanic Crater, and walk through the beautiful Raudfeldsgja Gorge. Find a place to stay around Borgarnes.

Day 4

Today, you’ll be cruising along the south coast, with stops at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Gljufrabui Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, and end the day’s adventures with a hike on Solheimajokull Glacier. We recommend staying over at Skogar.

Day 5

Make a quick stop at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, drive through the village of Vik, and walk down to Kirkjufiara Beach. Finally, go and check out the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck before officially making your way back to either Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport.

Winter 5-Day Iceland Itinerary by Campervan

Day 1

Complete the Golden Circle today. Explore Thingvellir National Park, stop at Geysir Geothermal Area, and check out Gullfoss Waterfall before searching the skies for the Northern Lights at your campsite at Selfoss.

Day 2

Today you’ll be cruising the South Coast and stopping at gems like Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Dyrholaey Rock Formation, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach before crashing at the village of Vik for the night.

Day 3

Today is a day filled with ice. Start with Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, then make your way to Diamond Beach and end your day with an ice cave tour. Sleep over at Höfn.

Day 4

Spend the day soaking in our relaxing, warm waters. Begin at the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest pool, and then move on to Reykjadalur Thermal River before making your return to the capital city for the night.

Day 5

Today you’ll just spend exploring Reykjavik. Drive back and hit spots like Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Laugardalslaug Pool. See how much you can see and do before you have to catch your flight at the airport.

Regional 5-Day Iceland Itineraries by Campervan

The below are a few 5-day itinerary adaptations based on the different regions found on the island:

South Coast Iceland Itinerary (5 Days)

Day 1

Immediately after picking up your camper, head out to begin your discovery of the Golden Circle. Be sure to visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Secret Lagoon. Stay over at Reykholt.

Day 2

Head east on the Ring Road to where you’ll sleep at the village of Vik. Stop at Kerid Crater, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Gljufrabui Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Kvernufoss Waterfall, Dyrholaey Rock Formation, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Sleep over in the village of Vik.

Day 3

Take the Ring Road down for a day filled with glaciers, lagoons, ice caves, and more. Begin at Eldhraun Lava Fields before moving on to Skaftafell National Park (now part of Vatnajökull National Park). Here you’ll see Svartifoss Waterfall, admire the views at Sjonarnipa Viewpoint, and go for a glacier hike.

Move on to Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and book a spot on an ice cave tour (if you’re visiting during our colder months). Make a last stop “next door” at Diamond Beach before sleeping over in Höfn.

Day 4

Start making your way back via the Ring Road. On the way, visit Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Seljavallalaug Thermal Pool, and check out the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. Before you retire for the night, see if you still have enough time to take a quick dip in the Reykjadalur Thermal River.

Day 5

Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula before either returning to Reykjavik for one last night on the island or heading straight to the airport. Begin your last day at Brimketill Lava Pool before heading over to Gunnuhver, where you’ll get to see Iceland’s largest mud pools. Afterwards, make a quick stop at Reykjanesviti Lighthouse and have a farewell soak in the Blue Lagoon.

West Iceland Itinerary (5 Days)

Day 1

Your first day will be spent exploring the capital. Hit spots such as Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and much more.

Day 2

Head north to Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Make a few stops along the way, drive through the famous Hvalfjördur Tunnel (our tunnel under the sea), but just remember that there is a small toll to pay here. Drive down the coast to the town of Akranes.

Then drive to the town of Borgarbyggd. After that, check out Skuggafos Waterfall and, if there’s still enough time, do a little hiking at the Gerduberg Basalt Cliffs. Drive to Arnarstapi, where you’ll sleep for the night.

Day 3

Continue your exploration of the peninsula. Take Road 54 and 56 to the Snæfellsjokull National Park, where you can check out the Snæfellsjökull Volcano, Kirkjufell Mountain from Game of Thrones with its Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, and the village of Arnarstapi, and Stapafell. Tonight, you’ll spend your second night in Arnarstapi.

Day 4

You’re going to start making your way back towards the airport. Finish off your time in Snæfellsnes by taking Road 54 around the fjord before making your way inland via Road 60. Be sure to grab some delicious cheese at Erpsstadir Creamery.

Not far away from here, there’s a hidden local gem: Grafarlaug Hot Spring (if you struggle to find it, just ask the locals). Get back onto the Ring Road and make a stop at Grabak Crater, where you’ll find the Glanni Waterfall after a short hike.

Take the little loop via Road 50 toward Road 523 that turns into Road 518, where you’ll find Vidgelmir Lava Cave and Surtshellir Lava Cave, take a dip at the Husafell Canyon Baths, and test your strength at the Husafell Stone.

Then you’ll move on to Barnafossar Waterfall, whereafter you’ll head to Deildartunguhver Hot Spring (but take note: this is NOT the type you take a dip in!). Drive further south to where you’ll stay somewhere around the shores of Skorradalsvatn.

Day 5

Get in a few last stops before leaving the island later today. Check out Glymur Waterfall and get any souvenirs you still need to get for your loved ones in Reykjavik before heading to the airport.

West Iceland and Westfjords Itinerary (5 Days)

*** Please note that a 4x4 will be required for this itinerary. Exploring the Westfjords generally requires a longer road trip than just 5 days. Therefore, the below itinerary should only be attempted under very specific conditions, including good weather conditions and plenty of daylight hours (typical summer conditions). ***

Day 1

Your first stop in the Westfjords will be the town of Holmavik. An absolute must-visit here is the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. From here, you’ll move on to Drangsnes, where you can relax in the three hot tubs before retiring to Holmavik for the night.

Day 2

Today you’ll head out to Isafjördur. On the way, stop at the seal lookouts (Steingrimsfjördur and Mjoifjördur), grab some apple pudding at Litlibær Café, and make a quick stop at Reykjafoss Waterfall. By keeping a relaxed pace, you’ll probably arrive in Isafjördur by late afternoon.

Day 3

Spend the day exploring Isafjördur (the Westfjords' largest town). Some of the things to do and see here include Bunarfoss Waterfall, Kayaking on the fjord, going on a whale watching boat tour, visiting the Westfjords Heritage Museum, hiking Naustahvilft (aka the “Troll’s Seat), and grab a cold one at Isafjördur Brewery (just don’t get behind the wheel of your camper afterwards!) Spend your second night in Isafjördur.

Day 4

First stop of the day is the tiny village of Flateyri (one of the Westfjords' oldest settlements) before moving on to our impressive Dynjandi Waterfall that looks like a tiered wedding cake. If you have a 4x4 camper, you can continue on to Raudasandur Red Sand Beach and the Latrabjarg Cliffs. If not, you can head straight to your camping spot at Thingeyri.

Day 5

You’ll have some options on your drive back today. Either go straight back to Reykjavik before catching your flight later today, or make it a bit of an adventure, take the ferry to Stykkisholmur and explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula a bit (just keep your flight times in mind!)

Highlands Iceland Itinerary (5 Days)

*** Please note that a 4x4 will be required for this itinerary. Exploring the Highlands generally requires a longer road trip than just 5 days. Therefore, the below itinerary should only be attempted under very specific conditions, including good weather conditions and plenty of daylight hours (typical summer conditions). ***

Day 1 & Day 2

Today, you leave the paved world behind and ascend into the rhyolite realm. After picking up your serious 4x4 in Reykjavík, stock up on all your supplies (food, water, fuel...there are no shops out here). Your destination is the legendary Landmannalaugar.

The drive in via the F-roads (typically F225 or F208 north) is an adventure in itself, involving river crossings and rugged landscapes. Once there, you're surrounded by a kaleidoscope of mountains in hues of pink, green, yellow, and blue. Hike the popular Brennisteinsalda-Bláhnúkur loop for the full spectacle. In the evening, soothe your muscles in the natural geothermal hot spring right by the campground.

Day 3

Today, you make your carefully planned exit from the highland wilderness. The goal is to get back to paved roads and comfortable civilization without a punishing marathon drive.

Once you hit the paved road near Gullfoss, you’re back in the world of smooth tarmac. From here, it's a short and easy drive to your well-earned rest in the Flúðir or Hella area. Enjoy a hot shower, a real bed, and a celebratory dinner.

Day 4

Enjoy the Golden Circle route and some other nearby gems, such as Kerid crater or Brúarfoss waterfall.

Day 5

When you're ready, begin the straightforward, scenic drive to Keflavík Airport. The roads are excellent, and you'll have plenty of time. Consider a final, soothing stop at the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík or the Blue Lagoon near the airport (book well in advance!) to soak away any remaining trail dust.

How Much Driving is Realistic in a 5-Day Campervan Trip?

A common problem when people plan their 5-day campervan trip is that they overestimate how far they can drive in a day, or completely forget to take the time spent at the various stops into consideration as well.

While there are various factors that can impact a road trip, either speeding things up or slowing things down, the following should give you a good idea of how to structure your itineraries:

A Summer Road Trip

Try not to drive more than 3/4 hours. With all the daylight hours, you’re bound to have a jam-packed trip itinerary, filled with all sorts of exciting activities and sights along the way, which will quickly gobble up more hours.

A Winter Road Trip

Try not to drive more than 1/2 hours. You’ll only be working with around 4 hours of daylight, and road conditions can drastically slow you down, so if you want to stand any chance of doing or seeing things along the way, you need to limit your time behind the wheel.

A Shoulder Month Road Trip

This will vary since most shoulder months take on certain characteristics of their shoulder seasons. In general, take a look at which season it’s closest to and then work on the same assumptions as above. This way, you’ll also always have a little leeway in your itinerary.

Your Cheat Sheet to a Realistic 5-Day Campervan Trip

Below is a quick-referencing guide to simplify planning and manage expectations:

Common Mistakes When Planning a 5-Day Iceland Itinerary

We already touched on some of the most common mistakes above, but there are also the following you should remain wary of:

• Suffering from wishful thinking. If you only have 5 days on the island, you can’t do a 10-day Ring Road itinerary, no matter how badly you want to.
• Some put themselves under unnecessary pressure when it comes to their itineraries. It’s supposed to be a relaxing vacay, not the Amazing Race. These are also usually the type of road trips where one little mishap, unexpected event, or road closure can completely derail an entire trip.
• Also, driving is a strenuous exercise. No one has ever exited a vehicle after 8 hours of driving and proclaimed how refreshed they feel. So, have some grace for yourself, limit the hours of driving each day, and incorporate regular breaks, especially if you’re planning on driving in more challenging conditions during our colder months.
• Not heeding our warning and trying to wild camp illegally or overnight in a parking spot that does not allow for overnight parking. Icelanders do not look kindly on this type of rulebreakers, and you can expect either you camper towed or such a hefty fine that you’ll need to return home to remortgage your house.
• Not checking operating hours or capacity of campsites, attractions, and activities before coming to the island. During the off-season (winter) or shoulder months, many places can be closed to operate at limited capacity, so it’s very important to know this type of information beforehand.
• Choosing the wrong camper. Whether it’s because of the size of your party, your personal preferences, or your specific trip itinerary, choosing the wrong camper can quickly turn your dream vacay into a nightmare. If you’re unsure or confused regarding this topic, please reach out to us at Campervan Iceland.

FAQs About a 5-Day Iceland Campervan Trip

Below you will find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions regarding a 5-day Iceland campervan trip:

Will 5 Days Be Enough to See the Northern Lights on My Campervan Road Trip?

Seeing the Northern Lights has nothing to do with the number of days you’ll be road tripping on the island. The Aurora Borealis (aka the Northern Lights) only makes its appearance under very specific conditions: it must be cold, dark, and the air must be dry.

Therefore, you’ll only get the chance to see this phenomenon during our colder months, especially our wintertime, but you’ll never have a 100% guarantee that you’ll see them (it’s Mother Nature’s gig, not ours).

Will I Need a 4x4 Camper for my 5-Day Campervan Road Trip Through Iceland?

That will all depend on when you plan on visiting the island and what your itinerary looks like. If you’re planning on exploring our more remote regions, driving our rough-and-tough roads, including the F-roads, or visiting during our colder months, a 4x4 should be your go-to. If you’re planning on visiting during our warmer months, sticking to our towns and cities and paved main roads, a 2WD should be more than sufficient.

Can I Sleep Anywhere in Iceland With a Camper?

No, wild camping with a camper is illegal, unless it’s on private property and you have the owner's explicit permission. Even then, you’re not allowed to stay for more than 48 hours. So, as a general rule of thumb, only camp in dedicated campsites.

Are Campsites Open All Year-Round in Iceland?

Some, but not all. You’ll need to inquire ahead of time if you’re planning on traveling during our down season (winter) or shoulder seasons, since many campsites are either closed or working at limited capacity.

Is It Really True That Headlights Should Always Be on When Driving?

Yes, in Iceland, it’s mandatory for any moving vehicle’s headlights to be on, whether it’s day or night.

Will My Campervan Rental Package Include Everything I Need?

That all depends on your rental agent, the package, and you, of course (did you properly read what’s included?). You’ll find that many of the basics, including cooking gear, are included, but you’ll often find that accessories such as ice scrapers and car seats or devices such as a GPS come at special request and at additional cost. This should be thoroughly discussed beforehand.

Remember to Rent a Campervan for Your 5-Day Iceland Road Trip!

A campervan is the only way to go for a 5-day Iceland road trip if you’d like to have the benefit of convenience, dream about cruising around in comfort and getting more bang for your buck compared to a traditional road trip. Just remember to opt for a 4x4 if you’d like to keep the door open to wherever adventure takes you. 

So, what are you waiting for? You’re ready! Armed with the knowledge from our extensive guide, you’re well prepared to create and have the campervan road trip of your dreams. So, do that final plan and prep work, book your flight, rent your campervan in Iceland, and hit the road!