A Camper Van Road Trip Around Iceland’s Ring Road in 2.5 Weeks
- Fokke Baarssen
- Oct 7
- 10 min read
Hello, adventure seekers and van life enthusiasts! Suppose you've ever dreamed of swapping your cubicle for a camper van and chasing waterfalls, volcanoes, and elusive puffins across one of the most breathtaking islands on Earth. In that case, Iceland's Ring Road is calling your name. This 1,332-kilometer circular route, officially known as Þjóðvegur 1, weaves through Iceland's diverse landscapes, from steaming geothermal fields to glacier-capped mountains and black sand beaches that resemble those from another planet. This expanded blog post is your blueprint for a 2.5-week (about 17-18 days) camper van extravaganza.
We started in Seyðisfjörður, as that's where the ferry stops, but if you fly to Reykjavik, you just pick up the trip from day 13/14 and go around from there
We've condensed the classic extended itinerary into a punchy yet immersive timeline, packing in more historical insights, geological facts, photography pro tips, sustainability advice, and laugh-out-loud anecdotes from our own wind-swept journeys. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family dodging sheep on the road, this guide will help you navigate Iceland's wonders without rushing or missing the magic. Let's hit the gas—er, diesel—and dive in!
Why Iceland’s Ring Road in a Camper Van? The Ultimate Freedom Ride
Iceland, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is a geological hotspot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of 2cm per year, creating new land through volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. This dynamic environment creates over 200 volcanoes (30 active systems), 11,000 square kilometers of glaciers, and an estimated 10,000 waterfalls. The Ring Road, completed in 1974 to connect remote communities, offers access to 80% of these highlights while skirting the uninhabitable highlands. A camper van is the ideal vessel: it provides mobility to follow weather windows (Iceland's climate changes faster than a chameleon's mood), cost savings on accommodations (campsites average 2,000-5,000 ISK per night), and the joy of waking up to views like a personal hot spring or a glacier lagoon.
But beware—the road isn't all smooth sailing. Gravel sections (F-roads require 4x4, but Ring Road is mostly paved), unpredictable winds (up to 100km/h gusts that can flip vans), and roaming sheep (hit one, and you're liable) add thrill. Rent from companies like Happy Campers or Go Campers for models with heaters (nights dip to 5°C even in summer), kitchens, and beds. Fuel costs? Around 250 ISK/liter, so budget 50,000-80,000 ISK for the loop. Eco-tip: Iceland runs on 100% renewable energy (geothermal and hydro), so charge devices at campsites guilt-free. Our trip's funniest mishap? A wind gust slammed the van door on a finger mid-picnic—lesson learned: always anchor everything!
Pre-Trip Essentials: Packing, Permits, and Pro Tips
Before wheels up, download apps like Vedur, is for weather, 112 Iceland for emergencies, and Park4night for camp spots. No drone permit needed for recreational use under 2kg, but respect no-fly zones. Pack layers (merino wool base, waterproof jacket/pants), sturdy boots, quick-dry towels, and a power bank—outlets are sparse. Food: Stock non-perishables; supermarkets like Bónus offer deals, but prices are 20-50% higher than in mainland Europe. Alcohol? Buy duty-free at Keflavík Airport. Sustainability: Follow Leave No Trace—use biodegradable soaps, stick to paths to prevent erosion (Iceland's soil is fragile post-volcanic). Budget breakdown: Van rental, 150,000-300,000 ISK/week, gas, 50,000 ISK, food, 30,000 ISK/person, attractions, 10,000-20,000 ISK. Now, onto our condensed 2.5-week itinerary, blending must-sees with offbeat gems for a balanced pace.
Days 1-2: East Fjords Kickoff – Seyðisfjörður to Stuðlagil Canyon and Dettifoss
Start in artsy Seyðisfjörður, accessible by ferry from Denmark or the Faroe Islands, with its rainbow streets and avalanche barriers (a nod to 1996's deadly slide). Grocery shop for skyr and rye bread, then drive to Stuðlagil Canyon (Park4night #366527, 1000 ISK parking).
This 1-hour hike unveils basalt columns formed 2 million years ago from cooling lava, with the Jökla river's turquoise hue from glacial silt. Fun fact: Revealed in 2016 after the dam construction lowered water levels. Overnight here, then push to Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls (west side parking, 500m walk). Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest at 193 m³/s, inspired Prometheus's alien scenes; Selfoss offers cascading views. Camp at Park4night470192, ears ringing from the roar—earplugs are your new BFF. Birdwatch for gyrfalcons, Iceland's national bird.
Days 3-4: Geothermal North – Hverir, Grjótagjá, Mývatn, and Godafoss
Head to Námafjall Hverir Viewpoint, a fuming geothermal field in the Krafla system (last erupted 1984), with mud pots at 100°C—smells eggy, looks Martian. Explore nearby, then Grjótagjá Cave, a Game of Thrones hot spring (too hot to bathe, 45°C). Splurge on Mývatn Nature Baths (50€/pp), silica-rich for skin benefits, amid lava fields teeming with midges (bring bug nets in summer). Camp #118736 or #130369.
Next day, Godafoss Waterfall, site of Iceland's 1000 AD Christian conversion—walk sides in 20 minutes, drone for epics (#137132 overnight). History buff? It's where pagan idols were dumped. Funny story: Our drone battled winds like a kite in a storm—victory shots were hard-won!
Days 5-6: Northern Charms – Akureyri, Hofsos, Kolugljúfur, and Hvítserkur
Urban respite in Akureyri, with heart-shaped lights post-2008 crisis. Shop, visit Akureyrarkirkja's modernist steps, then to Hofsos Campsite infinity pool (heated to 38°C, fjord views). Day 6: Kolugljúfur Canyon Waterfall, a gorge named after the giantess Kola, with multi-drops over Víðidalsá. Then Hvítserkur, a 15m basalt "drinking troll" per folklore, seals spotting at low tide (#158549 or #87293 camp). Erosion sculpted it; photograph at golden hour. Tip: Tide apps prevent wet feet surprises.
Days 7-8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Hot Springs, Villages, and Kirkjufell
Soak at Landbrotalaug Hot Spring (#469717, 40°C, fits 4), a free geothermal gem. Explore Arnarstapi cliffs with arches, Londrangar volcanic plugs (75m, ancient crater remnants), and photogenic Ingjaldshólskirkja church (#130744 camp).
Day 8: Kirkjufell Mountain (463m, arrowhead shape) and Kirkjufellfoss, 175km from Reykjavik, sunset west-facing magic (#161563 or #55621, refill #473547). Basalt formation, GoT "arrowhead mountain." Midnight sun (June) extends playtime
Days 9-10: Western Wonders – Barnafoss, Hraunfossar, Glymur, and Thingvellir
Barnafoss and Hraunfossar Waterfalls: Barnafoss's tragic kid legend, Hraunfossar seeps from 900m lava (#342077 or #143455). Post-800 AD eruption origin. Then Glymur Waterfall (198m drop, #51453, 5km loop with. Day 10: Thingvellir National Park, UNESCO for Alþingi parliament (930 AD) and tectonics. Öxarárfoss (20m, #38674 camp with laundry, 20min walk, skips parking fees). Snorkel Silfra (optional, 2-10°C visibility 100m).
Days 11-12: Golden Circle Classics – Geysir, Gullfoss, Hot Springs, and South Coast Falls
Geysir (Strokkur erupts 15-40m/5-10min), the geothermal pioneer named all geysers. Gullfoss (32m, saved from damming by activist Sigríður Tómasdóttir). Hrunalaug Hot Springs, rustic soak; Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss (60m, walk-behind, 120km from Reykjavik, waterproof must, #441440 or #335684). Day 12: Skogafoss (60m, rainbows), Kvernufoss (hidden fave, walk-behind), Solheimasandur Plane Wreck (1973 US Navy crash, 4km hike, #436652).
Days 13-14: Capital and Coast – Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Vik, and Black Beaches
Reykjavik: Hallgrímskirkja (74m, basalt-inspired), Harpa hall, street art. Blue Lagoon (37-39°C silica, book ahead) or Sky Lagoon (less touristy, #143511, #516715, or #75217). Day 14: To Vik via Dyrhólaey (arch, puffins, no 4x4 needed), Vík Mýrdal Church (lupines June), #436652 camp. Sunrise Reynisfjara Beach (basalt, dangerous waves), Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (#39005, 100m deep mossy).
Days 15-16: Glacier Realm – Skaftafell, Svartifoss, Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach
Skaftafell camp (free laundry), hike Svartifoss (20m, basalt, inspired architecture). Vatnajökull National Park, Europe's largest glacier. Day 16: Jökulsárlón Lagoon (icebergs, seals), Diamond Beach (black sand gems, #454235). Lagoon deepened since the 1930s glacial retreat—climate change exhibit.
Day 17: Eastern Peaks and Puffins – Vestrahorn, East Fjords Wrap-Up
Vestrahorn (454m, Stokksnes dunes, entry fee), Viking vibes (#364467). Cruise East Fjords: Útsýnispallur Grænafell (#254871), Gufufoss, Borgarfjörður Eystri puffins (millions nest June-August). Spots like #39281, #75347 for overnights. Puffins: Atlantic clowns, dive 60m for fish.
Day 18: Final Flex Day – Inland Detours or Revisits
Buffer for weather or you can extend your trip with Reykjadalur (1hr hike, 38-42°C river), Landmannalaugar (rhyolite colors, 4x4 park before river), Sigöldugljúfur/Haifoss (158m, drone spots). Or revisit faves for sunsets.
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Extended Tips Section: Mastering the Camper Van Life in Iceland
Weather Warfare: Four seasons daily—pack Gore-Tex, check SafeTravel.is for alerts.
Driving Dos and Don'ts: Speed limit 90km/h paved, 80km/h gravel; no off-road driving (fines 300,000 ISK+).
Photography Mastery: Golden hour apps like SunCalc; ND filters for waterfalls, tripods for aurora (if shoulder season).
Foodie Finds: Try lobster soup in Höfn, hot dogs in Reykjavik; forage berries responsibly.
Health & Safety: Tap water pure; hot springs vary 30-100°C—test first. Emergency: 112.
Cultural Nuggets: 330,000 Icelanders, 99% literacy, belief in elves (huldufólk)—roads detour around "elf rocks."
Budget Hacks: Free campsites via Park4night
Common Blunders: Underestimating wind (secure tents), ignoring jet lag (from long flights), forgetting bug spray for Mývatn.
Wrapping Up: How This 2.5-Week Iceland Ring Road Trip Transforms You
Condensing Iceland's Ring Road into 2.5 weeks means prioritizing highlights while allowing downtime for spontaneous soaks or puffin chases—it's intense but rewarding. From Stuðlagil's columns to Vestrahorn's drama, you'll witness nature's raw power, laugh at wind-whipped mishaps (like our van's "earthquake" shake from gusts), and connect with a land where fire and ice coexist. Iceland spoils you for other trips, instilling respect for the planet. Ready to book? Start with van rentals and ferry timetables—your epic awaits. Safe travels, and remember: In Iceland, the journey is the destination!
Embarking on the Ultimate Road Trip: Sailing to Iceland with Your Camper Van from Hirtshals, Denmark
If you're anything like me, the thought of trading airport chaos for a slow, sea-sprayed adventure sounds like pure bliss. Last summer, my partner and I loaded up our trusty camper van in Hirtshals, Denmark, and set sail for Iceland aboard the MS *Norröna*—the only ferry that lets you bring your wheels along for the ride. It wasn't just a crossing; it was a mini-cruise through the North Atlantic, Faroese fjords, and enough time to binge-read Nordic noir novels. In this post, I'll spill the beans on how to make this epic journey happen, from booking to bobbing on the waves. Buckle up (or should I say, secure your awning?)—let's dive in.
Why Ferry Over Fly? The Camper Van Dream Made Real
Flying to Iceland is quick, sure, but where's the romance? Taking the ferry means arriving with your camper van intact—no pricey rentals or squished luggage Tetris. You'll dock in Seyðisfjörður, a rainbow-hued fishing village in East Iceland that's straight out of a postcard, and from there, it's Ring Road glory all the way to Reykjavík. Plus, this route is the *only* passenger ferry from mainland Europe that hauls vehicles like yours. It's eco-friendlier (less emissions than flying with a car rental), and for vanlifers, it's freedom on four wheels.
The best part? A stopover in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands—think dramatic cliffs, sheep outnumbering people 10-to-1, and hikes that make your soul sing. We extended ours by a week, and it was the highlight.
The Route: From Danish Dunes to Icelandic Fjords
Operated by Smyril Line (the Faroese shipping wizards), the *Norröna* departs from Hirtshals, a breezy port town in northern Denmark that's an easy drive from Copenhagen (about 4-5 hours). Here's the lowdown on the 2025 schedule—note that it's weekly from March to October, with summer (June-August) seeing two sailings for high demand.
| Departure | From | To | Duration | Notes |
|-----------|------|----|----------|-------|
| Sundays (15:00) or Tuesdays (varies, e.g., 13:00-15:00) | Hirtshals, Denmark | Tórshavn, Faroe Islands | ~30-38 hours (summer/winter) | Smooth sailing across the Skagerrak—pack Dramamine if you're prone to motion. |
| Tuesdays (afternoon) | Tórshavn, Faroe Islands | Seyðisfjörður, Iceland | ~15 hours | Overnight leg; wake up to East Fjord magic. |
| **Total Trip** | Hirtshals to Seyðisfjörður | | ~47-66 hours | Includes stopover option—stay in the Faroes up to 5 days free! |
Pro tip: Check the exact 2025 timetable on Smyril Line's site, as weather can tweak times (we had a foggy delay once, but it added mystery). Arrive in Seyðisfjörður? Hop on Route 1 (the Ring Road) for an 8-hour drive to Reykjavík, or detour to Egilsstaðir for geothermal pools.
Booking Your Spot: Snag It Early, Save Big
Don't wing this—cabins and vehicle spots vanish faster than hot dogs at a Reykjavik food truck. Head to smyrilline.com and book 3-6 months ahead, especially for summer. Select your vehicle type (camper vans up to certain lengths; measure yours!), add passengers, and pick a cabin. The process is straightforward: passengers first, then vehicle, then extras like meals.
Costs? Variable as Icelandic weather, but here's a ballpark for 2025 based on current trends (prices rise with demand and vehicle size—expect 20-30% hikes for larger campers).
| Category | One-Way (2 Adults + Mid-Size Camper) | Return | Budget Hack |
|----------|-------------------------------------|--------|-------------|
| **Deck Passage (No Cabin)** | €300-500 | €600-900 | Shared bunks for €200/person—cozy but communal. |
| **Inside Cabin (No Window)** | €600-800 | €1,100-1,500 | Our pick: Clean, quiet, ~€150/night equivalent. |
| **Outside Cabin (Sea View)** | €800-1,200 | €1,500-2,200 | Splurge for sunsets; add €100-200 for camper over 6m. |
| **Vehicle Fee (Camper Van)** | €400-1,000 extra | Same | Based on length/height—under 6m is cheapest. Pets? +€100. |
Total for us (2 people, 6m van, inside cabin, one-way in shoulder season): ~€1,200. High season? Double it. Look for spring deals (March-May) or packages with Faroe hotel stays to shave 10-20%. One-way + fly back is a steal for long trips. Cancellation policy? Flexible up to 30 days out, but read the fine print.
Life Aboard: It's Half Ferry, Half Floating Fiesta
The *Norröna* isn't some rusty barge—think boutique cruise ship with Viking vibes. We rolled our van onto the car deck (easy peasy, staff guide you), then headed up to our cabin for a hot shower and fjord views. Highlights:
- **Dining**: Buffet breakfast (€25) and dinner (€35) with fresh seafood and vegan options. Pro tip: Pre-book meals for discounts; the bar's local beers hit different after a day at sea.
- **Chill Zones**: Lounges with movies, a gym, sauna, and kids' play area. Wi-Fi? Spotty but workable (€10/day).
- **Van Perks**: No cooking on board, but stash snacks in your rig. We played cards on deck while spotting whales—pure magic.
Motion sickness? Pack ginger chews; the Atlantic can get rolly.
Camper-Specific Tips: Don't Let the Sea Steal Your Adventure
Bringing a camper? You're in good company—bikers and vanlifers flock here. Here's what we learned:
- **Prep Your Rig**: Secure *everything*—loose items fly in swells. Check tires, fluids, and battery; Iceland's roads are gravelly beasts. EU vignette? Not needed, but get green card insurance.
- **Vehicle Rules**: Max height ~4.2m, length ~12m. Weigh your van—overloads cost extra.
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