Exploring Iceland’s Ring Road, all my tips and impressions and itinerary for a 15 days camper van trip.
Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and captivating culture. One of the best ways to experience this stunning country is by traveling the famous Ring Road (Route 1) in a camper van. This allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace while taking in all that Iceland has to offer. Join me as I share our unforgettable 15-day itinerary along the Ring Road!
Why Choose a Camper Van?
Traveling in a camper van offers incredible flexibility and surprisingly comfort. It allowed us to:
- Discover Hidden Gems: We veered off the beaten path and found less-visited spots along our route.
- Save on Accommodation Costs: Camping in designated areas or campsites was often way more budget-friendly than hotels, as you probably know, Iceland is not a cheap country to visit.
- Enjoy Outdoor Living: We cooked meals, relaxed, and soaked in the incredible landscapes around us.
- Perfect travel pace: Not having to worry about hotel reservations saved us a lot of headache and let us fully enjoy the road at our own pace.
- Chasing sunshine: Weather in Iceland is very unpredictable and being able to just adjust our plans as we went to get the most of the weather, was a big bonus.
The Route: Highlights of Our 15-Day Journey
Iceland’s Ring Road encircles the entire island, covering approximately 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). Over 15 days, we allowed ourselves to savor each stop, you will find sorter itineraries, varying from 5 days to 10 days, and while I totally think its doable in a shorter time, I would recommend at least 10 days. We I will tell more about it later.
Here are some of the must-see highlights along the way:
Day 1: Reykjavik and skylagoon
We started our journey landing in Reykjavik at 13:45pm. And from the airport, the car rental company picked us up to get our camper van at their office nearby, it took approximately 2 hours from landing until we were ready to drive.
Our First stop was the Sky Lagoon, and the oceanside geothermal lagoon did not disappoint. It is a 15 min drive from Reykjavik city center, and the perfect way to relax after a 17 hours journey from Dubai to Iceland.
After exploring the city center and doing groceries, we found a nice camping site to spend the night. We had a great weather forecast for the first week and wanted to make the most out of it, leaving Reykjavik for our last days if we had extra time. We were ready to hit the road first thing the next morning.
Day 2: Seljalandfoss, Stora-Dimon and Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
We started driving south on Iceland’s Ring Road (Road 1) , and our first stop was the majestic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrubi, they are right next to each other. They may be touristy, but trust me, they are worth a visit!
After a quick lunch, we drove to the nearby little mountain called Stora-dimon, after a short but steep hike(about 30 min) we had an amazing view of the river braids (see picture)
We ended the day at Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool a protected 25-metre outdoor pool in southern Iceland. The pool is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and was built in 1923. From the parking lot, there’s a 30 min walk until you reach the pool, and although the water comes from a hot spring near by, it was not hot enough for me to stay long at night, it was still a nice experience, but aware that the water is full of limescale, and you might want to skip this one if it is something that bothers you.
Day 3: Skogafoss and Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
On Day 3, we set out to explore the stunning Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls (bonus: it was one of the filming locations for game of thrones). We climbed the staircase to the viewpoint at the top for a panoramic view of the landscape and the river below—it was definitely worth the hike!
After, we made our way to the nearby Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck. The wrecked DC-3 plane on the black sand beach is a must-see. It’s a surreal experience walking across the expansive black sand toward the wreck, feeling like we’ve stepped onto another planet. The contrast between the wreckage and the natural beauty surrounding it created a hauntingly beautiful scene perfect for photography.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the walk to the plane wreck. It’s about a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) walk one way, so be prepared for the journey! But if you prefer, there’s a shuttle bus that takes you from the parking lot to the plane and back, it runs 7 days a week from 10am until 5pm and it departs every 45 min and in 2024 it costed 2000 isk per person.
Day 4-5: Kirkjufjara Beach, Reynisfjara and Vik
A black sand beach at Reynisfjara gave us jaw-dropping views, and the charming village of Vík provided the perfect spot slow down and enjoy the views, we stayed the night at the camping site in Vik, probably my favorite city in Iceland.
Don’t miss the drive to the Dyrholaey Lighthouse, we drove up around 8pm and were blessed with hundreds of puffins chilling around the cliff, Watching the midnight sun while admiring these stunning birds was breathtaking. We had the place to ourselves at night.
From Vík, we discovered that various tours are available to the Katla Ice Cave. If you’re interested in exploring the ice caves, be sure to book ahead! This is a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s unique glaciers.
Day 6-7: Fjadrargljufur Canion, Svartfoss, Diamond Beach, Jokulsarlon GLacier and Vestrahorn
On day 5, we visited Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This canyon is about 2 kilometers long and up to 120 meters deep, with steep walls covered in lush green moss. Walking along the canyon’s edge, we marveled at the river below and the dramatic views on both sides.
After exploring the canyon, we set on to Svartifoss in Skaftafell National Park. Known as the “Black Waterfall,” Svartifoss gained its name due to the striking black basalt columns that frame the falls. The short hike to get there was enjoyable and well-marked. We stood in awe as water cascaded over the rugged, dark rocks—truly a photographer’s dream!
Next, we headed to Diamond Beach, a stunning contrast to the rugged landscapes we had seen earlier. The black sand beach is famous for its scattered icebergs, which glisten like diamonds against the dark sand. Watching the waves crash against the ice was mesmerizing, and we enjoyed taking photos of the sparkling ice formations. It felt like stepping into a dream!
Tip: Consider leaving a couple of days for the diamond beach if that’s high on your bucket list, we arrived around 4pm and there was barely any ice on the beach, we decide to stay overnight and to our surprise, around 8pm the beach was full of all sizes of ice, we spend a few hours watching the current bring the icebergs whiles the seals were swimming around the glacier lagoon. If you can, arrive during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting to capture the beauty of the icebergs. It was unbelievable.
And a quick photo stop at Vestrahorn, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains along the Iceland’s Ring Road.
Days 8: Laekjavik and Fauskasandur
After our time at Jökulsárlón, we traveled to the Laekjavik Coast, between Djupivogur and Hofn, has many black sand beaches that are not so touristy as more famous beaches in Iceland like Reynisfjara. Even though they are located along the Ring Road, most of them are hidden gems and stunning views.
Day 9-10: Hengifoss, Studlagil Canyon and Vok Baths
On Day 9, we set off to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, standing at 128 meters. The colorful stratification of the cliffs surrounding the falls made for a beautiful hike to the viewpoint. It’s a moderately challenging trek, but the views are absolutely worth it.
Following Hengifoss, we visited Stuðlagil Canyon, known for its striking basalt columns and turquoise water. The hike to the canyon was scenic and allowed us to take in the captivating beauty of this little-known spot that should be high on your list.
To wrap up our time in this area, we treated ourselves to a relaxing soak at the Vök Baths, a geothermal spa located by Lake Urriðavatn. The unique floating pools offered a serene atmosphere to unwind while taking in the stunning lake views.
Day 11: Storagja cave and husavik
On Day 11, we explored the Stóragjá Cave, a well hidden geothermal hot spring cave that invites visitors to soak in its warm waters. Adjacent to the cave, we visited the charming town of Húsavík, known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
Day 12: Akureyri, thermal waterfall, Hvitserkur
Our next stop was Akureyri, the “Capital of the North.” We enjoyed exploring its charming cafes and stunning gardens, where the vibrant flowers provided a lovely contrast to the surrounding landscapes.
We didn’t miss the chance to visit Hvitserkur, a striking rock formation that resembles a dragon drinking from the ocean. It’s an impressive sight and a great spot for photos!
Day 13: Thingvellir National park
Day 13 took us to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in both cultural and geological significance. This stunning park is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a dramatic rift valley filled with incredible landscapes.
One of the highlights of our visit was partaking in a snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure—a captivating experience that allowed us to swim between the tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water. The visibility underwater was breathtaking, often exceeding 100 meters, allowing us to appreciate the unique rock formations and underwater landscapes. Wearing dry suits kept us warm as we floated through the fissure, surrounded by the vibrant blues and greens of the Icelandic waters.
Day 14: Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
On Day 14, we embarked on a hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs, famous for its natural thermal river. The hike to reach the hot springs was approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) and took about an hour. The trails were well-marked, and we enjoyed the scenic views of the surrounding landscapes as we made our way to the hot river.
Once we arrived, we found the perfect spot to soak in the warm waters while surrounded by breathtaking nature. The experience was incredibly relaxing, allowing us to unwind and reflect on our adventure so far. We soaked in the warm waters for hours.
Day 15: Blue lagoon and Reykjavik
Our final day was spent at the iconic Blue Lagoon, a must-visit for anyone traveling to Iceland. The geothermal spa, famous for its milky blue water and surrounding lava fields, provided the perfect way to unwind after our epic journey. We pampered ourselves with soothing baths, enjoyed the steam rooms, and even treated ourselves to some local delicacies at the spa restaurant.
After a relaxing day at the Blue Lagoon, we made our way back to Reykjavík to explore any remaining attractions. We took a leisurely stroll through the city, revisiting our favorite cafes and picking up a few last-minute souvenirs.
We hiked amid diverse landscapes, admired lava fields, waterfalls, and the iconic waterfalls and mountains, wrapping our trip with memories to last a lifetime.
Tips for a Successful Camper Van Trip
- Plan Your Stops: While spontaneity is one of the joys of camper van travel, having a general itinerary helped us make the most of our time.
- Check Campsite Availability: Iceland has many campsites; some may require advance booking, especially in peak season. Planning accordingly was key.
- Pack Smart: We brought essentials like a good camera, hiking gear, and warm clothing since Icelandic weather can be unpredictable.
- Embrace Nature: We took advantage of Iceland’s outdoor activities—hiking, soaking in hot springs, and exploring unique geological formations.
Traveling the Ring Road in a camper van over 15 days allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the stunning beauty of Iceland. From spectacular waterfalls to serene landscapes, this epic adventure offered a deeper connection with nature’s wonders. If you haven’t yet experienced Iceland’s magic, I encourage you to pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on the trip of a lifetime!
If you’ve traveled the Iceland’s Ring Road or are planning your adventure, I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
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