An Epic 9 Day Campervan Adventure Around Iceland's Ring Road

Iceland, known as the land of fire and ice, is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. With dramatic landscapes, mystical waterfalls, and unique geological formations, it promises an adventure unlike any other. This blog post details our exhilarating 9-day campervan journey around Iceland's iconic Ring Road, highlighting the breathtaking sights and experiences that await you. Get ready to embark on our unforgettable expedition!

Day 1 – Arrival & Golden Circle

Our adventure kicked off at Keflavík International Airport, where we picked up our cozy campervan. The excitement was palpable as we steered towards the Golden Circle, famed for its iconic sights.

Our first stop was Kerið, a striking volcanic crater lake. The vibrant red and green colors of the surrounding landscape took our breath away. We leisurely strolled around the rim, captivated by the beauty of this natural wonder.

Next, we visited Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls. The sheer volume of water cascading down its two tiers was awe-inspiring. We took a moment to walk along the paths, capturing photos while feeling the refreshing mist on our faces.

Later, we stopped by Seljalandsfoss, a remarkable waterfall that allows visitors to walk behind the falling water. The experience was surreal, with the sound of rushing water echoing around us. We concluded our first day at Skógar Campsite, where we set up our campervan and enjoyed a peaceful night.

Day 2 – South Coast & Plane Wreck

Day two started with a visit to Skógafoss, yet another breathtaking waterfall. Standing at the base, we felt the might of the water rushing down. Climbing the stairs to the top rewarded us with a panoramic view of the landscape below.

Next, we ventured to Sólheimajökull glacier, where we did not participate in a guided glacier hike. Trekking on the ice is an exhilarating experience. Our guide shared compelling insights about the glacier's formation, noting that some areas have shrunk by nearly 30% over the past 30 years due to climate change. We just hiked the more safe regions of the glacier, on our own.

Plane wreck was our next stop.

DC-3 Plane Wreck

We then made our way to Dyrhólaey viewpoint and Reynisfjara black sand berach, a dramatic promontory offering stunning views of the coastline. The towering rock formations and sea stacks mesmerized us, and we even spotted puffins nesting in the cliffs during their breeding season, which runs from April to August.

We wrapped up our day at Vik Camping, sharing stories and laughter around a warm campfire while the sun dipped below the horizon.

Day 3 – Vík & East Coast

On day three, we explored the Eldhraun Lava Field, a vast blanket of moss-covered lava that felt otherworldly. It was truly a unique sight, and we took our time wandering through the surreal terrain.

Moss covered lava fields

Next, we visited Fjaðrárgljúfur, a breathtaking canyon stretching over 2 kilometers long and up to 120 meters deep. The views from the top were stunning, and we couldn't resist taking countless photos.

As we made our way through Lómagnúpur Scenic Spot, a vast glacial outwash plain, the scenery transformed into stark yet beautiful contrasts, with the glacier looming magnificently in the background.

Our day concluded at Skaftafell Glacier, where we camped amid stunning mountains. We enjoyed a tranquil evening under the beautiful Aurora show, reflecting on our incredible journey so far.

Day 4 – Glacier & East Fjords

Our fourth day began at Mulagljufur Canyon, a hidden gem with steep cliffs and lush greenery. The contrast was breathtaking, and we spent hours hiking and exploring the area.

Next, we arrived at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. The mesmerizing sight of blue ice against the contrasting black sand made it feel otherworldly.

Afterward, we visited Diamond Beach, where ice chunks washed ashore glistened like diamonds on the black sand. It was truly a photographer's paradise!

We ended our day at Vestrahorn Camping, where setting up our campervan with a view of the iconic mountains was a dream come true. The sunset painted the sky in breathtaking hues of orange and pink.

Day 5 – East Fjords & Stuðlagil

On day five, we explored the East Fjords, known for their dramatic landscapes and charming fishing villages. Our first destination was Stokksnes, where we marveled at stunning views of mountains rising steeply from the black sand beach.

Next, we visited the Viking Village, a replica of a traditional Viking settlement. It was fascinating to learn about Iceland's history and the Viking way of life, including their unique building techniques and maritime skills.

Continuing, we made our way to Stuðlagil Canyon, a stunning location with striking basalt columns and turquoise waters. We hiked along the canyon, taking in breathtaking views while snapping pictures of this lesser-known gem.

Day five concluded at Útsýnisstaður, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the fjords. The sunset was truly magical, filling our hearts with gratitude for the beauty surrounding us before we headed to Myvatn Campsite for a restful night.

Day 6 – North Iceland

Day six took us to Dettifoss, hailed as Europe's most powerful waterfall. The sheer force of the water was staggering, and we took our time exploring the rugged landscape surrounding the falls.

Next, we hiked to the rim of Hverfjall, a massive volcanic crater. The panoramic views revealed the stunning landscapes stretching for miles, a perfect reward for our climb.

Afterward, we visited Hverir, a geothermal area characterized by bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. The strange, multicolored landscape felt like stepping onto another planet.

We settled in for the night at Husavik Campground, preparing for an exciting whale-watching adventure the next day.

Day 7 – Húsavík & West

Day seven began with a thrilling whale-watching tour from Húsavík, recognized as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. We were fortunate enough to spot several humpback whales surfacing, and the entire experience was nothing short of magical.

After our time on the water, we headed to Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city. We explored charming streets, savored lunch at a local café, and visited several shops along the bustling main street.

In the late afternoon, we arrived at Snorrastaðir Campsite, where we set up our campervan for the night in a peaceful, nature-filled environment. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a thrilling day.

Day 8 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula

On day eight, we explored the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature" for its diverse landscapes. Our first stop was Kirkjufell, an iconic and picturesque mountain that holds the title of one of the most photographed spots in Iceland.

Next, we visited Kirkjufellsfoss, a beautiful waterfall at the mountain's base. The perfect combination of the waterfall and the mountain made for an enchanting scene.

Following this, we stopped at Búðakirkja, a charming black church surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The contrast of the dark church against the lush green hills was striking and worth capturing.

Our next location was Arnarstapi, a quaint fishing village with spectacular coastal cliffs. Here, we took a leisurely walk along the coastline, admiring the rock formations and listening to the powerful waves crashing against the shore.

Finally, we visited Ytri Tunga, a beach known for its seal colony. We spotted several seals lounging on the rocks, and it was delightful to watch them in their natural habitat.

Our day came to a close at Reykjavík Eco Campsite, where we prepared for our final day in Iceland.

Day 9 – Reykjavík & Reykjanes

On our last day, we explored Reykjavík, the vibrant capital of Iceland. We started at Hallgrimskirkja, a stunning church that offers a panoramic view of the city from its tower. The architecture was captivating, and we took time to explore the beautiful interior.

Next, we strolled along Rainbow Street, a colorful thoroughfare filled with shops, cafés, and local art. The lively atmosphere made it easy to immerse ourselves in the local culture.

For lunch, we visited Rok restaurant, indulging in delicious Icelandic cuisine. The unique flavors made it a fitting conclusion to our culinary journey.

We couldn't leave Reykjavík without making a stop at Brauð & Co, a popular bakery known for its delightful pastries. Treating ourselves to freshly baked goods was the cherry on top of our trip.

Finally, we traveled to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa celebrated for its milky blue waters. Relaxing in the warm water was the perfect way to unwind after our adventure.

As we headed to Keflavík Airport, we reflected on our incredible journey around Iceland's Ring Road. The memories we made and the stunning landscapes we explored will stay with us forever.

Journey Reflections

Our 9-day campervan adventure around Iceland's Ring Road was truly unforgettable. From breathtaking waterfalls to stunning glaciers and charming villages, every moment was filled with joy and discovery. If you're planning a trip to Iceland, we highly recommend taking to the Ring Road in a campervan. It allows you the freedom to explore this amazing country at your own pace.

So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!