Looking to circumnavigate Iceland via the Ring Road? Check out this seven day itinerary for Iceland van life (with options to stay elsewhere if van life isn’t your thing!)
Iceland has become very popular for adventurous travellers for good reason. It offers sweeping shorelines, majestic waterfalls, dramatic mountains, massive glaciers, glorious geysers, relaxing hot springs, fabulous fjords and much more – all in a location that is reasonably easy to get to from the United States or mainland Europe.
In this post, we’ll walk through an itinerary for one of the best ways to see the best of Iceland: the Ring Road! (While the itinerary is focused on vanlife, we’ve included suggestions for making it a regular roadtrip with standard accommodations.)
Table of Contents
- What is the Ring Road?
- How to Van Life in Iceland
- Getting Your Van
- Where to Stay in Your Van
- What to Eat in Your Van
- Seven Day Ring Road Itinerary
- Day 1: Reykjavik
- Day 2: Reykjavik to Hella
- Day 3: Hella to Þakgil
- Day 4: Þakgil to Fossardalur
- Day 5: Fossardalur to Husavik
- Day 6: Husavik to Selskogur
- Day 7: Selskogur to Reykjavik
- FAQs about Van Life in Iceland
What is the Ring Road?
Iceland’s Ring Road is a 1,322 kilometer (820 mile) road that loops around the island’s main body, mostly following the coast. This route is a great way to see Iceland’s most iconic attractions – like the Golden Circle, Skogafoss, and Diamond Beach – and excludes only Westfjords and central Iceland.
The route does not require 4-wheel drive, unlike Iceland’s more extreme “F-roads.” The Ring Road begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and largest city. While you can take the route clockwise or counterclockwise, this itinerary will focus on the counterclockwise route.
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How to Vanlife in Iceland
Vanlife is a popular way to see Iceland. As a result, it is very easy to set up a vanlife trip, even if you have never done a vanlife trip before. In fact, Iceland was our first experience with vanlife, and we loved it! We thought it was the perfect way to experience the country’s rugged landscapes. In this section, we’ll walk through the big logistical points for van-lifing Iceland.
Getting Your Van
Iceland has many options for van life. Most people fly into Reykjavik, which is flush with van rental companies. The options range from bare-bones vans for two to luxury and 4-wheel drive options with more space and amenities. Generally, even for the budget options, the van will be outfitted with a mattress and camp kitchen supplies like a gas stove, cutting board, utensils, etc.
For the Ring Road, any of the options will do fine – you don’t need 4-wheel drive or anything fancy. We went with a Go SMART Camper from Go Camper, which was the most cost-effective option. While it was no luxury vehicle, the van was comfortable, reliable, and outfitted with everything we needed for driving, sleeping, and cooking. If money were no option, we likely would have gone for something bigger, simply to have more room to move about, but we had no complaints about our van.
If you've decided you want to take your first van road trip in Iceland, check out my guide to the Top Mistake Beginners Make with a Van Rental (and How to Avoid Them!)
Where to Stay in Your Van
You used to be able to camp just about anywhere in Iceland. However, the rules changed as Iceland became more popular for travelers. Now, you’ll need to find a campsite along the route. This isn’t a problem because Iceland has exceptional campsites to choose from. Many are located near major attractions, and feature clean showers and kitchen areas for cooking. One of the bonuses of staying in campsites is the opportunity to meet likeminded travelers.
What to Eat in Your Van
Since you’ll be staying in campsites, many of which are away from towns and restaurants, expect to cook your own food using a campstove. You can stock up with supplies in Reykjavik, and there are grocers along the route for perishables and resupply.
The upside is that cooking your own food helps cut some costs, since Iceland is as expensive as people say. (One travel hack to consider is bringing your own dry food, like pasta, rice, and snacks, from home, which helps avoid a more expensive grocery bill in Iceland.) However, there are certainly restaurants along the route for a treat, and you must take time to experience the luster of an Icelandic gas station hot dog.
Looking to visit Iceland, but on a budget? Check out our tips for a budget friendly Iceland trip!
Seven Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to show you the best of Iceland through a trip around the Ring Road. There are a few modifications to the route for important side quests, but generally you’ll follow the road around Iceland as expected.
Day 1 (Reykjavik)
To get the most out of your Ring Road trip, you’ll want to build in a day before you hit the road, to get your groceries and check out Reykjavik. That’s especially important because your first day on the road will cover the Golden Circle, which features some of Iceland’s most popular attractions.
Stop 1 – Blue Lagoon
Assuming that you arrive early via red eye, there are a few options to get to town. But there’s only one BEST option, which is to take the airport bus to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, where you can stow your bags and relax! Blue Lagoon is a massive hot spring spa complex, known for its unique colored water. If it sounds like a tourist trap, it’s not.
We loved Blue Lagoon, which was the perfect way to recover after our red eye flight. The central feature is the sprawling, bright-blue pools of hot water for bathing, where you can smear yourself in minerals and muds, or grab a drink from the swim-up bar. While it’s on the expensive side, Blue Lagoon is worth a splurge. Many tour packages offer a transfer from the airport, since it’s so close.
Stop 2 – Reykjavik (Logistics)
After a couple hours at Blue Lagoon, you can take one of the regular buses from Blue Lagoon into Reykjavik. First things first, check into your hotel, so that you can dump your bags. We stayed in the Thingholt Hotel, which was great, but there are plenty of well-rated options. The only real requirement is that you have a mini-fridge, because next up you’re going grocery shopping.
There are several options to shop in Reykjavik, but we went with the Bonus market in the city center. It has everything you need, is reasonably priced (by Iceland standards), and is right in the center of town, so walking there and back is a great way to explore the city a bit.
To explore more hotel and lodging options in Reykjavik, check out the map below!
Stop 3 – Reykjavik (Exploring)
Once you’ve stashed your groceries, it’s time to explore a bit and grab dinner (and maybe a cheeky drink). We liked Reykjavik, but felt like the highlights could be seen in about a day. Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street) is an absolute must, and at the top you’ll find Hallgrimskirkja, an impressive Protestant Lutheran Church. For dinner, we really enjoyed the famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, but there are tons of highly rated options to choose from.
Day 2: Reykjavik to Hella
This itinerary requires an early start, as it has a lot of stops. It’s a busy day, since you need to pick up your van before checking off the top attractions of Iceland’s Golden Circle, which is just outside of Reykjavik. (If you’re looking to extend your trip, you could extend this day into two days to see more of the Golden Circle.)
Stop 0 – Pick Up Your Van
Can’t van life without a van! Many of the camper van companies in Iceland offer a transfer from your hotel or rental in Reykjavik to their locations. If not, you can schedule a taxi through your hotel to pick you up.
Stop 1 – Reykjaldur Hot Springs Hike
After picking up your van, head to Reykjaldur Hotsprings for a hilly hike along a stream fed by hot springs. The full hike is about 6 miles roundtrip, but it’s an out-and-back trail, so you can turn around whenever. Soon after you get started you’ll feel the warmth of the springs, and at the end there are pools where you can take a warm dip!
Insider Tip: Keep an eye on the time especially if you’re doing the Silfra snorkeling, so you don’t get too behind schedule. (We had to sprint down the trail to make sure we were on time for snorkeling).
Stop 2 – Silfra Snorkeling
This is a big Iceland bucket list item. Silfra is a fissure that marks the tectonic boundary between North America and Europe. The clarity provided by local springwater means you get 100 meters of visibility as you literally swim between continents. You’ll book a group tour, and the guides are very knowledgeable – especially about local elf activity!
We booked our tour through DIVE.IS, which provided drysuits (this was definitely NOT a hot spring swim) and snorkeling equipment. (Note that if you don’t hit the road until later, you may need to choose between Reykjaldur and Silfra.)
Stop 3 – Gulfoss
This massive waterfall is formed by the Hvítá river, and its name means “Golden Falls.” As Iceland’s second-largest waterfall, it’s quite popular. You’ll be able to hike along a few short paths to viewing platforms that give different perspectives of the falls.
Stop 4 – Geysir
Iceland’s location between two tectonic plates results in significant geothermal activity. This activity produces the famous hot springs, but also their more temperamental relatives – geysers. Geysir is one of the most famous places to see Icelandic geysers, and it is just a few-minute drive from Gulfoss. There are several geysers at the site, and you won’t have to wait too long to see one of the frequent eruptions!
Lodging – Gaddstadaflatir Campsite
Where you camp for the night will depend on when you finish up your sightseeing. The goal is to get as close as possible to Seljalandsfoss, which is the first stop on Day 2. We ended up at Gaddstadaflatir Campsite, in Hella, which was perfectly comfortable (though it does not have showers).
Non-Vanlife Edition: Alternative Lodging
There are a few options around Hella. Here are a few of the best:
- Loa’s Nest – a small Bed & Breakfast, offering waffles in the morning
- Glass Cottages Iceland – offers unique all-glass cottages (hence the name) for excellent views.
- Hotel Kanslarinn Hella – great for couples and has a delicious breakfast
Day 3: Hella to Þakgil
Day 3 shows off more of Iceland’s famous waterfalls, before finishing up at one of the most unforgettable campsites you’ll ever see (if you’re willing to brave the road to get there).
Stop 1 – Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui Waterfall
Leave camp early to beat the crowds to this iconic waterfall, which literally brought Tory to tears. The 60-meter cascade drops from the cliffs into a pool below at a scale that is hard to describe. The view on approach is fantastic, but things don’t stop there. The real appeal of this waterfall is the short trail that takes you behind the falls for a jaw-dropping perspective!
A few minutes walk from Seljalandsfoss is a lesser-known waterfall – Gliufrabui. This one may not have the same scale, but it offers a similarly unique viewing experience, since it cascades into a cave! It’s a bit of a tight fit to find, but once you’re inside, the narrow cavern is a fun counterpoint to the wide-open Seljalandsfoss.
Stop 2 – Skogafoss and Hike
From Seljalandsfoss, it’s about a short drive to your third waterfall of the day, Skogafoss. It’s another big one at 60 meters, and on a sunny day the mist will result in brilliant rainbows. While you can’t get behind Skogafoss, a long staircase will take you up to the top, and the start of the Fimmvörðuháls hike.
While the full hike travels 22 kilometers (14 miles), you can do as much as you like before turning back. We ended up hiking longer than expected (a couple miles) because it was so great! The trail follows to Skoga river, which is quite turbulent before it hits the falls, and is pretty mellow after gaining so much elevation up the stairs.
Stop 3 – Vik and Black Sand Beach
The town of Vik is a great place to stop for lunch or coffee on your trip. It’s a small town, but has everything you might need, and is right on route. Black Sand Beach is right next to Vik, and you can probably guess what it’s famous for. If you guessed black sand, you nailed it. The eponymous black sand gets its color from its volcanic origins and stretches for what seems like miles. The sprawling beach is wide, easy to get to, and great for a walk or a picnic.
Lodging – Þakgil Campsite
If you’re itching for more adventure, then this is the campsite for you. Located 12ish miles inland from Vik, Þakgil is nestled in a crown of peaks. The site boasts clean and hot showers, plenty of room, great hikes (if you get there early enough), and an in-cave dining room!
Be warned, however, that the drive is harrowing, and is not for the faint of heart. The last several miles are dirt roads without guardrails, which are often steep and poorly maintained, and should not be attempted by inexperienced drivers. It will push any two-wheel drive van to its limits, and should be avoided in poor weather. Drive at your own risk!
If this level of adventure isn’t for you, try Vik Camping.
Non-Vanlife Edition: Alternative Lodging
If you’re looking for something more comfortable, check out Hotel Kria in Vik or Hotel Vik (unsurprisingly, also in Vik). There are plenty of other options in Vik, too, including several smaller guesthouses.
Day 4: Þakgil to Fossardalur
Your next day on the Ring Road continues along the south coast before turning north, tackling canyons, glaciers, and Diamond Beach. It’s also some of the best driving on the trip, as you traverse coastal stretches and wind around fjords on Iceland’s east coast.
Stop 1 – Fjadrarglijufur Canyon
This dramatic canyon gained (unsustainable) fame after it was featured in Justin Bieber’s music video for I’ll Show You. In the years since, Iceland has closed the canyon for multiple-month stretches to allow the vegetation to heal. These days, be sure to check whether the canyon is open before making the trip. If it is, you’re in for a treat.
This was one of our favorite stops – the views down the jagged canyon are fantastic, and the green cliffs, flowing river, and ocean in the background create a unique landscape. Try to get there early to avoid the crowds and get that morning light!
Stop 2 – Skaftafell Glacier and Hike
Skaftafell Glacier (aka Skaftafellsjökull) is situated in Vatnajökull National Park, right on the Ring Road. You’ll park at the Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Center (which has a nice little cafe if you’re peckish), which is the starting point for several trails to glacial viewpoints. The landscape is grand, and you’ll see the massive glacier stretching up into the mountains beyond.
Stop 3 – Joksursarlon Glacier Lagoon
Next up is another glacier! Joksursarlon Glacier covers a whopping 18 square kilometers (11.2 miles). Icebergs from the glacier populate the lagoon below, which also happens to be Iceland’s deepest lake at a maximum depth of 284 meters (932 feet). We enjoyed the views from the shore, but you also have the option of taking a closer look at the icebergs and glacier via a boat tour!
Stop 4 – Diamond Beach
Unfortunately, Diamond Beach is not as literal a name as Black Sand Beach. Still, it’s pretty rad. This (also black sand) beach is on the other side of the road from the lagoon, and broken-up pieces of the icebergs from Joksursarlon litter the shore! We use the word “unique” pretty frequently, but this one really is. You’re unlikely to ever see anything quite like this again.
Lodging – Fossardalur Campsite
From Diamond Beach, you’ll transition up the coast for an extended drive to reach Fossardalur Campsite. It’s a smaller campsite just off the end of Berufjordur, and boasts hot showers, picnic tables, and great scenery. Depending on how much time you have, you can check out nearby waterfalls Nykurhylsfoss, Mulafoss, and Fossardalur.
Non-Vanlife Alternative Lodging
For a nearby hotel, you can try Hotel Framtid or Bragdavellir Cottages – both in Djupivogur.
Day 5: Fossardalur to Husavik
Day 5 stinks – literally, but not figuratively! The smell is courtesy of the sulfur from geothermal activity around the Myvatn Region. But this was our favorite day of the trip, thanks to a local-recommended hot spring and what may be the best campsite of our lives.
Stop 1 – Viti Crater
This 300-meter wide crater is the result of significant volcanic activity in the 18th century, hence the name “Viti,” which means “hell.” Today, however, the jets of lava and flame have been replaced with a bright blue lake. From the parking lot, it’s a short hike up to the crater rim. The views are great, and the stark landscape stands in contrast to the greenery that characterizes the days prior. This is where you really start to feel like Iceland is on another planet.
Stop 2 – Hverir Mud Pools
The Hverir Geothermal Area is where the stink really comes into play. The area is characterized by geothermal vents spewing steam and sulfur, which gives off the notorious eggy smell. While the stench is . . . really something . . . the sulfur is a big part of what makes this area special. The acidic gases help to form bubbling mud pools and multi-colored crystalline structures.
Stop 3 – Grjotagja Cave
Game of Thrones fans will recognize this cave from the steamy scene between Jon Snow and his lady love, Ygritte, in Season 3, Episode 5. The cave is fairly nondescript from the outside, but inside you’ll find a wide and deep pool fed by a hot spring. While you cannot enter the water due to the heat, the cave is worth a stop while you’re in Myvatn.
Stop 4 – Husavik
Husavik is an old fishing town on Iceland’s northeast coast. While it’s particularly known for its whale-watching tours (which we did not do, but you totally should if you’re interested!), but it’s also just a cool little town to explore and grab lunch. The old port is lively, and the old wooden church showcases unique architecture from the early 20th century. While Husavik is about 45 minutes off the Ring Road, it is well worth it for your next stop.
Stop 5 – GeoSea
After a long couple days on the road, you deserve some relaxation – and GeoSea is just the place. These baths offer several bathing pools fed by geothermal seawater from just north of Husavik. There are several pools of varying temperatures, all with staggering views of the bay and mountains beyond. Essentially, we’re talking about hot spring infinity pools with a swim-up bar, which, if you ask us, is the pinnacle of adventurous luxury. If you’re lucky, you might see whales in the bay!
This was one of our favorite stops on the trip and we may have had so much to drink at the swim up bar that we both forgot our swimsuits in the locker room. A price well paid for such a great time!
Lodging – Camping 66.12 North
This campsite is stunning. Located at the very tip of the peninsula north of Husavik, the site offers spots right on the water for an unforgettable vanlife experience. We stayed here in nice weather and were spoiled with a beautiful sunset and views of dolphins in the ocean. While there’s limited shower and kitchen space, it’s absolutely worth the drive to this unforgettable campsite. This was our favorite campsite of the trip.
Day 6: Husavik to Selskogur
Today’s a big day for driving, but it’s worth it for the waterfalls, geological formations, and, of course, the ice cream.
Stop 1 – Godafoss
Shortly after getting back to the Ring Road, you’ll reach Godafoss, which translate to “Waterfall of the Gods.” It’s not hard to see why the name stuck. Though not as tall as waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, Godafoss makes up for it in width! The formation spans 30 meters (98 feet) in a broad semi-circle interspersed with rocky outcroppings.
Stop 2 – Akureyri
Iceland’s second-largest city is a great place to stop for lunch, refill your food supplies, and check out some history. The town’s roots date back to the 9th century; more recently, it was home to an Allied airforce base during World War II.
Today, you can take a stroll through the city center, tour the Icelandic Aviation Museum or Motorcycle Museum, or check out the Hof Cultural Center. For lunch, try Kaffi Ilmur, which serves a mean soup and is a great place to sample kjötsúpa – a traditional lamb soup.
Stop 3 – Hvitserkur Rock
Did you know that Iceland is home to wild elephants? Well it’s not . . . but this coastal rock formation is pretty close! Situated off the coast of Hunafloi Bat, Hvitserkur is a basalt rock stack that has been shaped by the elements to look like an elephant (if you ask us) or a troll (if you consult local folklore). There’s a short trail from the parking lot, which is a nice opportunity to stretch your legs.
Stop 4 – Erpsstaðir Creamery
If driving by all the fields and livestock has you craving some sweet, sweet dairy, you’re in luck! The Creamery is a family-owned farm where you can pick up tasty treat like ice cream (with local flavors like dandelion and elderflower), or other dairy products. It’s also a great place to pick up some local wool products!
Stop 5 – Gerðuberg Cliffs
One thing that’s been missing from this trip so far is Iceand’s iconic basalt columns. But Gerðuberg Cliffs are here to change that! Basalt columns – geometric, vertical pillars of rock – are formed by lava flows as they solidify. These cliffs are a great place to see these formations up close after a short walk from the parking lot.
Lodging – Selskogur Campsite
After a long day of driving, you’ll be ready to set up camp. This campsite has everything you need – namely, warm showers! It’s a nice location, nestled under a hill, and has spots that are made more private than usual by hedges and trees.
Non-Vanlife Lodging Alternatives
Hotels in this area a fewer and further between but you still have some good options. Here are some of the best ones:
Day 7: Selskogur to Reykjavik
On the last day of your seven day Iceland ring road itinerary, you’ll be focused on getting the van back to Reykjavik in time. But that won’t stop you from one last hurrah with a gorgeous hike.
Stop 1 – Glymur Hike
This popular hike is one of the best in Iceland. Even though it is rated moderate, it features a river crossing and steep drop offs so is not suitable for young children or those with a fear of heights. The hike is about four miles long and takes anywhere from three to five hours depending on pace. The highlight of the hike for us were the sweeping waterfall views and the log we had to use to cross the river.
The trail can get muddy and slippery after rain, so wear good hiking shoes and bring trekking poles if you have them. The trail is closed when the log crossing is taken out as the river crossing is not safe so make sure to check local resources to see if the trail is open before traveling here.
If you want to make sure you never lose a route, upgrade to AllTrails+. Then you can download trail maps to stay on trail even when you don't have service!
Stop 2 – Hvammsvik Hot Springs
If you’re keen to get one last soak before the end of your trip (and if you have the time before dropping off your van), this is a great bet. Full disclosure, we did not stop by Hvammsvik, but it looks great. Smaller than Blue Lagoon and GeoSea, it boasts waterfront views, a bar and bistro, and a more natural bathing pool.
Stop 3 – Reykjavik
After dropping off your van, you’ve got another chance to explore the parts of Reykjavik that you missed on Day 1!
If you're a newbie to van life, check out my beginner's guide to car camping that will help you with everything you need to pack and think about!
FAQs About Van Life in Iceland
What if I want to extend my trip beyond your itinerary?
There are plenty of ways to extend your trip, if you want to see more of Iceland or indulge in some longer hikes. For this, we’d recommend breaking Days 2 and 3 in half, so that you can spend more time in the Golden Circle, and extend the Reykjaldur and Skodafoss hikes.
Another option is to add a second night in Þakgil to spend a day hiking from the campsite, or a second night at Camping 66.2 North to do a longer whale-watching tour from Husavik. If you really want to go big, you could even add a loop in the Westfjords! We didn’t make it there (this time), but it’s supposed to be great.
When is the best time of year to do van life in Iceland?
We would suggest September as the ideal time to visit Iceland. It’s less crowded than the summer, but you can still enjoy the long days and good weather. However, any time between May and early October should be just fine. If you go during the summer, just try to book campsites well in advance.
What if I don’t want to van life in Iceland?
No problem! The Ring Road can also be done as a road trip in a rental car, staying in hotels or guesthouses along the route. While our itinerary focuses on vanlife, each stop below offers a suggestion for lodging alternatives to campsites.
Be warned, however, that Iceland can get pricey! Staying in a van is a great way to see the country on the (relative) cheap. But if you don’t mind shelling out a bit more for lodging, you can take the same route and see the same sights from a rental car.
Did we miss anything you loved about Iceland? Got any questions about van life? Let us know in the comments or send Tory a DM on socials @torytalkstrails!