
Self Drive Route
Iceland Campervan Ring Road
14-day Ring Road route with a designated campsite every night
A ready-planned 14-day motorhome route with nightly campsites and sightseeing stops.
Follow Route 1 at a relaxed pace with campsite overnights and linked highlights. No F-roads are included by default; some scenic detours leave Route 1 and need separate checks. The itinerary is a planning suggestion, not a guarantee of safe or open roads or overnight availability.
Winter Warning
This complete circuit is not a default route for first-time winter campervan drivers. Conditions can include high winds, ice, snow, closed roads and closed campsites; shorten or postpone stages when needed.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
48 must-see locations

Reykjavík
Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, is Iceland's vibrant economic and cultural heart.
Start only after vehicle handover and a full rest. This is a suggested summer/favourable-weather plan.

Þingvellir
Þingvellir: A site of profound historical, cultural, and geological significance in Iceland's stunning landscape.
Start only after vehicle handover and a full rest. This is a suggested summer/favourable-weather plan.

Laugarvatn Campsite
A lakeside campsite in Laugarvatn along the Golden Circle, known for geothermal bathing and scenic countryside views.
Overnight campsite for Day 1. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Geysir Geothermal Area
Historic geothermal field in Haukadalur with Great Geysir, Strokkur and numerous hot springs.
Keep time for the southward drive. Do not assume the waterfall viewpoint is an overnight area.

Gullfoss
Two-stage waterfall on the Hvítá river and one of the main stops on the Golden Circle.
Keep time for the southward drive. Do not assume the waterfall viewpoint is an overnight area.

Seljalandsfoss
60-metre South Coast waterfall with a path behind the cascade when conditions allow.
Keep time for the southward drive. Do not assume the waterfall viewpoint is an overnight area.

Hamragarðar Campsite
A scenic campsite beside Seljalandsfoss waterfall with views toward Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
Overnight campsite for Day 2. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Skógafoss
Broad 60-metre waterfall by Skógar with viewpoints at the base and above the falls.
At Reynisfjara stay well back from the surf. Dyrhólaey access may be seasonally restricted.

Kvernufoss
30-metre waterfall in a narrow gorge near Skógar, with a path behind the cascade in suitable conditions.
At Reynisfjara stay well back from the surf. Dyrhólaey access may be seasonally restricted.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Iconic black-sand beach near Vík with basalt columns, sea stacks and dangerous sneaker waves.
At Reynisfjara stay well back from the surf. Dyrhólaey access may be seasonally restricted.

Vík
Southernmost mainland village in Iceland and a key South Coast service centre.
At Reynisfjara stay well back from the surf. Dyrhólaey access may be seasonally restricted.

Vík í Mýrdal Campsite
Vík í Mýrdal is Iceland's southernmost village on the mainland and one of the most iconic stops on the South Coast. The campsite provides an outstanding base for exploring the dramatic black sand beach at Reynisfjara, the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar, and the sweeping volcanic coastline. The looming Katla volcano and Mýrdalsjökull glacier form a dramatic backdrop to the village, and on clear days the views stretch across the beach to the sea.
Overnight campsite for Day 3. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Winding river canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur with marked rim viewpoints.
Observe canyon access restrictions and do not drive or walk on fragile moss.

Eldhraun að Klaustri
Moss-covered lava from the 1783–1784 Skaftáreldar eruption near Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Observe canyon access restrictions and do not drive or walk on fragile moss.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur
South Coast service village with strong links to medieval monastic history and the 1783 Skaftáreldar eruption.
Observe canyon access restrictions and do not drive or walk on fragile moss.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur Campsite
A peaceful campsite in Kirkjubæjarklaustur surrounded by lava fields, waterfalls, and scenic South Coast landscapes.
Overnight campsite for Day 4. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Major hiking and visitor area within Vatnajökull National Park.
Check trail/weather status. Never access glaciers without proper guidance and equipment.

Svartifoss
Svartifoss: Iceland's dramatic black basalt waterfall.
Check trail/weather status. Never access glaciers without proper guidance and equipment.

Skaftafell – Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður Campsite
A scenic national park campsite in Skaftafell surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and hiking trails in Vatnajökull National Park.
Overnight campsite for Day 5. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glacier lagoon below Fjallsjökull in Öræfi, west of Jökulsárlón.
Ice and water are hazardous. Lagoon car parks are not approved overnight sites.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glacier lagoon where icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull drift toward the Atlantic.
Ice and water are hazardous. Lagoon car parks are not approved overnight sites.

Breiðamerkursandur/Diamond Beach
Black-sand beach beside Jökulsárlón where pieces of glacier ice often wash ashore.
Ice and water are hazardous. Lagoon car parks are not approved overnight sites.

Höfn
Höfn, Iceland's lobster capital, is a significant fishing town and the majestic gateway to Vatnajökull glacier.
Ice and water are hazardous. Lagoon car parks are not approved overnight sites.

Höfn í Hornafirði Campsite
A well-located campsite in the fishing town of Höfn with excellent views of Hornafjörður and Vatnajökull glacier. A perfect base for visiting Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain at Stokksnes.
Overnight campsite for Day 6. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Stokksnes
Dramatic black sand beach offering iconic reflections of the towering, jagged Vestrahorn mountain.
Stokksnes has private-access areas; check fees and vehicle limits before using side tracks.

Djúpivogur
Stokksnes has private-access areas; check fees and vehicle limits before using side tracks.

Djúpivogur Campsite
Djúpivogur is a village by Berufjörður, famous for Eggin í Gleðivík — 34 giant stone eggs along the harbour representing local bird species. The campsite is near the waterfront and makes an excellent stop before heading into the East Fjords or west towards the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Overnight campsite for Day 7. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Fáskrúðsfjörður Village
Historic Eastfjords village known for its French fishing heritage, bilingual street signs, former French hospital and sailors' cemetery.
Seyðisfjörður is an optional weather-sensitive pass; omit it in poor visibility or wind.

Reyðarfjörður
A deep East Iceland fjord with a significant World War II history, an aluminium smelter, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Seyðisfjörður is an optional weather-sensitive pass; omit it in poor visibility or wind.

Egilsstaðir
East Iceland's main service hub and a convenient base for Lagarfljót, waterfalls, forests, fjords and highland routes.
Seyðisfjörður is an optional weather-sensitive pass; omit it in poor visibility or wind.

Egilsstaðir Tjaldsvæði
A well-equipped campsite in the service center of East Iceland near Lagarfljót lake and Hallormsstaðaskógur forest.
Overnight campsite for Day 8. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Mývatn
Stuðlagil requires an optional side trip with carefully checked access and parking.

Hverir (Námaskarð) Geothermal Area
Mars-like geothermal area with boiling mud pots
Stuðlagil requires an optional side trip with carefully checked access and parking.

Dimmuborgir
Explore Dimmuborgir, a dramatic field of ancient lava formations resembling a collapsed dark citadel.
Stuðlagil requires an optional side trip with carefully checked access and parking.

Mývatn – Hlíð Campsite
A scenic campsite at Lake Mývatn surrounded by volcanic landscapes, pseudocraters, and geothermal attractions.
Overnight campsite for Day 9. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Húsavík
Húsavík, Iceland's charming whale-watching capital, boasts a vibrant harbor and a distinctive church against verdant hills.
The Dettifoss/Ásbyrgi excursion adds substantial driving and has seasonal road restrictions.

Húsavík Campsite
A scenic campsite in Húsavík near Skjálfandi Bay, perfect for whale watching and exploring North Iceland.
Overnight campsite for Day 10. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Goðafoss
Witness Iceland's 'Waterfall of the Gods' in all its glory.
Grjótagjá is an optional backtrack to the Mývatn area, not on the direct road to Akureyri.

Akureyri – Capital of the North
Akureyri, the vibrant Capital of the North, nestles beautifully at the head of Iceland's longest fjord.
Grjótagjá is an optional backtrack to the Mývatn area, not on the direct road to Akureyri.

Akureyri Tjaldsvæði
A large, well-equipped campsite in Akureyri beside Eyjafjörður fjord and within walking distance of the town center.
Overnight campsite for Day 11. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Akureyri – Capital of the North
Akureyri, the vibrant Capital of the North, nestles beautifully at the head of Iceland's longest fjord.
Check forecast crosswinds and mountain-pass conditions; avoid unnecessary side roads in poor weather.

Blönduós Campsite
Blönduós is a town on the Blandá river on the North Coast of Iceland. The campsite is well-maintained and a practical stopping point on the Ring Road between Akureyri and the Westfjords. Home to the Textile Museum of Iceland, Blönduós is also the main centre of the Húnaþing district.
Overnight campsite for Day 12. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Borgarnes
This vibrant town, beautifully captured from above, is characterized by its colorful houses, some with striking red roofs, set against the backdrop of a serene fjord and distant mountains. A distinctive bridge gracefully spans a calm inlet, leading into the heart of the settlement. Borgarnes exudes a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, inviting travelers to wander its streets, enjoy panoramic coastal vistas, and delve into its fascinating Viking heritage. It's an ideal base for adventures further afield, yet captivating enough to explore at leisure.
Hvítserkur requires a gravel-road detour; leave it out for unsuitable motorhomes or conditions.

Borgarnes Campsite
A well-located campsite in Borgarnes overlooking Borgarfjörður, ideal for exploring West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Overnight campsite for Day 13. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.

Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar: Waterfalls born from lava fields.
Allow time to empty wastewater, clean the vehicle and refuel before returning it.

Barnafoss
Barnafoss: A dramatic, rapid waterfall in a rugged gorge, steeped in a poignant legend of lost children.
Allow time to empty wastewater, clean the vehicle and refuel before returning it.

Reykjavík
Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, is Iceland's vibrant economic and cultural heart.
Allow time to empty wastewater, clean the vehicle and refuel before returning it.

Reykjavík Campsite – Laugardalur
A large, well-equipped campsite in Reykjavík’s Laugardalur valley within walking distance of swimming pools, parks, and city attractions.
Overnight campsite for Day 14. Verify opening, facilities and motorhome acceptance before arriving.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Reykjavík → Þingvellir → Laugarvatn
Pick up your campervan, stock up in Reykjavík and settle in by the Golden Circle. Overnight at laugarvatn. Start only after vehicle handover and a full rest. This is a suggested summer/favourable-weather plan.
Day 2
Geysir, Gullfoss → South Coast
Visit Strokkur and Gullfoss before heading south towards Seljalandsfoss and a campsite at Hamragarðar. Overnight at hamragardar. Keep time for the southward drive. Do not assume the waterfall viewpoint is an overnight area.
Day 3
Skógafoss → Reynisfjara → Vík
Waterfall walks, black-sand beaches and time to explore Vík. Overnight at vik. At Reynisfjara stay well back from the surf. Dyrhólaey access may be seasonally restricted.
Day 4
Vík → Fjaðrárgljúfur → Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Short drive with time for the canyon and moss-covered Eldhraun lava. Overnight at kirkjubaejarklaustur. Observe canyon access restrictions and do not drive or walk on fragile moss.
Day 5
Kirkjubæjarklaustur → Skaftafell
Make a hiking day of Skaftafell and the walk to Svartifoss. Overnight at skaftafell. Check trail/weather status. Never access glaciers without proper guidance and equipment.
Day 6
Glacier lagoons → Höfn
Pause by Fjallsárlón, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach on the way to Höfn. Overnight at hofn. Ice and water are hazardous. Lagoon car parks are not approved overnight sites.
Day 7
Stokksnes → Djúpivogur
Enjoy Vestrahorn mountain and the dramatic Eastfjords coastal road at a relaxed pace. Overnight at djupivogur. Stokksnes has private-access areas; check fees and vehicle limits before using side tracks.
Day 8
Fjord villages → Egilsstaðir
Explore Fáskrúðsfjörður and Reyðarfjörður on the way to an overnight base in Egilsstaðir. Overnight at egilsstadir. Seyðisfjörður is an optional weather-sensitive pass; omit it in poor visibility or wind.
Day 9
Egilsstaðir → Lake Mývatn
Travel north towards Mývatn and enjoy its volcanic landscapes, geothermal ground and short walks. Overnight at myvatn. Stuðlagil requires an optional side trip with carefully checked access and parking.
Day 10
Mývatn → Húsavík
Keep the day flexible. Take a direct route to Húsavík or add the Diamond Circle when roads allow. Overnight at husavik. The Dettifoss/Ásbyrgi excursion adds substantial driving and has seasonal road restrictions.
Day 11
Húsavík → Goðafoss → Akureyri
Stop at the striking Goðafoss waterfall before visiting the largest town in North Iceland. Overnight at akureyri. Grjótagjá is an optional backtrack to the Mývatn area, not on the direct road to Akureyri.
Day 12
Akureyri → Blönduós
A manageable section of the northwest Ring Road, with time for services and rest. Overnight at blonduos. Check forecast crosswinds and mountain-pass conditions; avoid unnecessary side roads in poor weather.
Day 13
Blönduós → Borgarnes
Follow Route 1 south through Northwest and West Iceland, overnight in Borgarnes. Overnight at borgarnes. Hvítserkur requires a gravel-road detour; leave it out for unsuitable motorhomes or conditions.
Day 14
Hraunfossar → Reykjavík
Return towards Reykjavík, with a relaxed optional visit to West Iceland waterfalls. Overnight at reykjavik. Allow time to empty wastewater, clean the vehicle and refuel before returning it.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Trip Duration
14 days
Starting Point
Reykjavík
Best Time to Visit
Summer usually offers more daylight and operating campsites, but exposed stretches may still have hazardous wind. Shoulder and winter travel requires significantly more caution, additional flexibility and confirmed campsite opening.
Road Conditions
Route 1 is the spine; scenic detours may use other roads. No F-roads or off-road driving in a standard motorhome.
Weather
High-sided campers are vulnerable to gusting crosswinds. Check official Icelandic weather warnings and Umferdin road reports before driving.
Fuel
Refuel when passing service towns and plan for longer gaps in East and North Iceland.
Parking
Overnight at designated campsites, not attraction car parks or roadside pull-outs. Confirm each site is open and accepts your vehicle.
Toilets
Use proper campsite waste disposal facilities.
Safety
Use umferdin.is/en and en.vedur.is/weather/warnings.
Winter Driving
Short days and road closures can make the itinerary unworkable in winter.
Book Now
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Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Plan overnight stays at designated, open campsites and verify motorhome facilities.
Check Icelandic Met Office warnings, Umferdin and SafeTravel daily, especially for wind.
Stay on permitted public roads. Do not take a standard campervan onto F-roads or off-road.
Keep at least one flexible day for delays or poor weather.
No overnight parking is implied at attraction or scenic stops.
Accommodation
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