What you'll do
This 10 day adventure takes you all around the main Ring Road of Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You will experience Waterfalls, Glaciers, Hotsprings, Black sand beaches, Beautiful hikes, and everything else Iceland has to offer.
Note that this itinerary is designed with summer months in mind as that time of year has enough daylight to enjoy each location, and recommended start time each day is early around 08:00.
The roads in Iceland are not always the best, About 90% of this journey has paved roads and the rest are dirt/gravel roads so a 4x4 van is recommended if it is available to you, but you should be fine in a normal one if you drive carefully.
Day 1
Pick up your camper and grab some breakfast, it's a good idea to hit one of the local supermarkets (Bónus or Krónan) to stock up on enough food/snacks and drinks for the next few days. Some parts of the country only have small stores that are more expensive, and a few places have no stores at all.
Once you are stocked up and ready to go it's time to make your way down to the beautiful South Coast!
Go Campers Iceland
car_rental
Affordable camper van adventures in Iceland
Use Code: eli5 for 5% off your rental price.
Go Campers in Iceland is your go-to for affordable and unforgettable camper van adventures. With a range of campers to choose from, including 4x4 options for exploring the highlands, they make it easy to hit the road and experience Iceland's stunning landscapes. Their team is all about helping you have the best trip possible, whether it's providing tips on where to go or making sure you're well-equipped for your journey. So, if you're looking for a fun and hassle-free way to explore Iceland, Go Campers has got you covered!
Brauð & Co
bakery
Artisanal Icelandic bakery with flair
Brauð & Co is a cool bakery in Iceland that's all about fresh, artisanal bread and pastries. They opened their first spot in 2016 and now have a bunch of locations serving up delicious sourdough bread, croissants, and other tasty treats. They're all about using top-notch organic ingredients and keeping it real with their baking methods. Plus, they're super proud to use Icelandic butter and sea salt in their goodies. If you're in Reykjavik or Gardabaer, definitely swing by for a carb-filled delight!
Seljalandsfoss
Waterfall
One of Icelands most famous waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall in Iceland that drops 60 meters and is located in the South Region near Route 1. Visitors can even walk behind the falls for a unique experience. The waterfall has been featured in popular culture, including being a waypoint on The Amazing Race 6 and appearing in music videos. Plans to build an information center near the waterfall sparked controversy in Iceland in 2017 due to concerns about spoiling the natural beauty of the area.
As this is one of the most visited waterfalls in the country it does get very crowded during the day, if you are visiting during summer and want to experience it without the large crowds I definitely recommend going in the middle of the night or super early in the morning.
Paid Parking.
Nauthúsafoss
Waterfall
Adventure to hidden waterfalls in Iceland
The hike to Nauthúsagil and Nauthúsafoss in Iceland is a short but adventurous trek that leads to a narrow gorge with hidden waterfalls. The trail offers a sense of discovery and magic, making it feel like a scene from a fantasy or Game of Thrones episode. While the hike is relatively easy, hikers need to be cautious due to slippery rocks and a section where a chain helps you climb up. It's a quick and rewarding stop if you're driving along the Ring Road near Seljalandsfoss, so don't miss out on this hidden gem!
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
Hot Spring
One of Icelands oldest swimming pools
Seljavallalaug is one of Icelands oldest swimming pools, built in 1923 to teach people how to swim. it is situated in a gorgeous mountain valley surrounded by multiple small waterfalls and a roaring river just off to the side of the pool. The hike to the pool takes about 10 minutes. The temperature of the pool can vary day by day but seems to be trending colder over the years, most days now it's usually luke warm.
Skógafoss
Waterfall
Majestic Icelandic waterfall
Skógafoss is a massive waterfall located in Iceland, known for its impressive 60-meter drop and 25-meter width. Legend has it that a Viking buried treasure behind the waterfall, adding to its mystical charm. Visitors can often catch a rainbow on sunny days, but watch out for the spray - you might get soaked if you get too close! The waterfall has also been featured in music videos and films, making it a popular spot for tourists and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
Paid Parking.
Kvernufoss
Waterfall
Fantastic waterfall you can walk behind
Kvernufoss is a fantastic waterfall in a beautiful little canyon that you can walk behind and get some really cool photos. This used to be a hidden gem but has gotten very popular in recent years, so if you want to beat the crowds make sure to get there very early or later in the day.
Paid Parking.
Dyrhólaey lower viewpoint
Sightseeing
Dyrhólaey beach viewpoint
The lower area of Dyrhólaey has a beautiful view of a large seastack sitting on a black sand beach, in the summer this area often has puffins in the hills.
Dyrhólaey
photospot
Breathtaking coastal views in Iceland
Dyrhólaey is a picturesque photospot located in southern Iceland, just a short drive from Vik. This unique destination offers stunning views of the black beach Reynisfjara and the iconic cliffs of Reynisdrangar. Explore the lower plateau for amazing rock formations, or head to the upper plateau for a view of the coastline stretching to the horizon. Don't miss the chance to capture the enormous lava arch and watch the sun rise behind Reynisdrangar. With opportunities to spot Atlantic puffins from April to September, Dyrhólaey is a must-visit location for any photography enthusiast seeking to capture Iceland's natural beauty.
Reynisfjara Beach
photospot
Dramatic black sand beach
Reynisfjara Beach is a world-famous black sand beach on Iceland's South Coast, known for its dramatic basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Visitors flock to this stunning spot near Vik i Myrdal to witness the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the unique rock formations. With its folklore tales of trolls turned to stone and nesting seabirds, Reynisfjara offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Just remember to watch out for sneaker waves and heed the warning signs to stay safe while exploring this mesmerizing beach.
Paid Parking.
Smiðjan Brugghús
restaurant
Icelandic brewpub with craft beers
Smiðjan Brugghús is a cool brewpub located in Vík, Iceland. They serve up the best burgers on the South Coast, ribs, and hot wings alongside 10 Icelandic craft beers on tap. You can even try their beer cocktails for a unique twist! So, if you find yourself in Vík and craving some good food and brews, Smiðjan Brugghús is the spot to hit up!
Þakgil
campsite
One of the most beautiful campsites in Iceland
Þakgil is a stunning hiking area in Iceland, known for its beautiful canyons, ravines, waterfalls, and even a melting glacier. Accessible only in summer, the bumpy gravel Road 214 leads to this hidden gem. The campsite offers a picturesque setting surrounded by lush green hills, making it one of the most scenic campsites in Iceland. With three main hiking trails and various detours, Þakgil is a hiker's paradise waiting to be explored.