Iceland rewards those who travel on their own terms. With black sand beaches, volcanic valleys, and waterfalls around every bend, the country offers the kind of raw beauty that’s best explored at your own pace. A campervan makes that possible, offering shelter, mobility, and spontaneity in one.
For first-time visitors, it solves both transportation and lodging needs in a country known for its sparse infrastructure and high accommodation prices. This guide outlines what to expect from the road, what gear makes a difference, and which rookie mistakes to avoid on your first campervan trip across Iceland.
Why a Campervan is Ideal for Iceland
When planning your first self-drive adventure in Iceland, choosing a reliable camper van rental lets you combine transport and accommodation in one, giving you the freedom to explore fjords, hot springs, and glacier lagoons at your own pace without worrying about hotel check-ins.
A campervan gives you direct access to Iceland’s varied terrain without relying on fixed itineraries or nightly bookings. Weather changes quickly, and with a campervan, you can adjust your route without losing time or comfort. Mountain roads may open or close with little notice, and having your lodging with you makes it easier to adapt.
Many scenic spots lie far from towns, and a self-contained vehicle brings those places within reach. Campsites are widely available, often located near major attractions, and typically offer amenities such as showers, electricity, and kitchens. Lodging prices in Iceland rise fast, but with a campervan, overnight stays become part of the experience instead of an added expense.
Driving and Road Conditions: Know Before You Go
Iceland’s main road, Route 1 or the Ring Road, circles the country and connects most major attractions. It’s generally paved and accessible year-round, but conditions vary by season. In the summer, travel is smoother; in winter, expect icy patches, road closures, and shorter daylight hours. F-roads, which lead into the highlands, require 4×4 vehicles and are only open during the summer months.
Headlights must remain on at all times, even during daylight hours. Speed limits shift between urban and rural areas, and fines are steep. Off-road driving is banned to protect fragile terrain. Many bridges are single-lane, requiring drivers to yield to oncoming traffic. Hills may be blind, with no visibility over the crest, and rural roads often turn to gravel without warning.
Sudden wind gusts are common, especially near mountains and coastal areas. Grip the wheel firmly and reduce speed when needed. Knowing the types of roads, seasonal access, and basic rules will prevent costly delays and keep you focused on the journey.
Essentials to Pack for Comfort and Safety
Packing for a campervan trip in Iceland means preparing for mobility, variable weather conditions, and limited access to electricity. A high-quality sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures is essential, even in summer. Battery banks and 12V power inverters help keep devices charged when campsites don’t offer electricity.
Windproof jackets and thermal layers protect against sudden temperature drops, and compact, high-calorie food is helpful when grocery stops are scarce. Choose stackable or foldable items to save space inside the van.
Download apps that track weather, show road closures, and help locate open campsites. Service may be unavailable in remote areas, so offline access is crucial. Comfort and safety rely less on quantity and more on readiness.
What First-Time Travellers Often Get Wrong
First-time travellers often overlook how different Iceland’s conditions are from those of typical road trips. Misjudging distances on the map can lead to late arrivals, especially on single-lane roads or when encountering sudden detours.
Fuel stations can be far apart in rural areas, so filling up regularly helps avoid unnecessary risk. Weather shifts quickly, even in summer, and ignoring storm alerts or road closure signs can strand travellers for hours.
Daylight changes drastically between seasons. In winter, a tightly packed schedule collapses under just a few usable hours. Heating systems and lights inside campervans draw battery power more quickly than expected, especially during cold months. Without backup power or charging plans, systems can fail overnight.
Common mistakes include:
- Skipping fuel stops in remote areas
- Overpacking daily schedules without accounting for weather or daylight
- Driving into restricted areas or ignoring road hazard warnings
- Letting the camper battery drain overnight without monitoring usage
- Relying on campsites without checking if they’re open or equipped for winter
Avoiding these missteps helps keep your trip flexible, warm, and stress-free.
Rules, Costs, and Etiquette at Campsites
Wild camping in Iceland is heavily restricted, and sleeping outside designated areas is no longer an option in most regions. Paid campsites are the norm, and they vary in price, size, and facilities. Most offer kitchens, restrooms, and charging stations, with some requiring booking during peak season.
Arriving late is common among campervan travellers, but it’s important to respect quiet hours, which typically begin around 10 p.m. Waste disposal must be handled responsibly; many sites provide designated areas for grey water and chemical toilets.
Leaving trash or disturbing natural areas damages fragile ecosystems and creates problems for future travellers. A campervan trip works best when shared spaces are treated with care and consideration.
READ MORE ICELANDIC TRAVEL GUIDES FROM WANDERLUSTERS
