5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break

Iceland’s best road scenery arrives in quick succession on this five-day campervan trip: steaming Reykjanes, the Golden Circle, black beaches, waterfalls, Katla Ice Cave, and icebergs at Jökulsárlón. You get a planned route without giving up your own wheels or your own quiet space. That mix of structure and privacy is the real draw.

I like the included airport shuttle and the practical extras, especially Wi-Fi, campsite fees, kitchen gear, bedding, and zero-risk coverage. The campervans have earned strong praise for clean interiors, reliable heating, and smooth handovers, with staff such as Lidia, Natalia, Florentina, Nicole, and Kamila singled out for helpful support. The main catch is pace: five days means long drives, and fuel, parking, food, and optional visits are extra.

Key points before you book

• Katla Ice Cave is the big booked adventure: A four-hour super jeep outing from Vík gives the trip its most dramatic activity.
• The campervan keeps the route private: You follow an expert-planned itinerary with your own vehicle rather than joining a large coach group.
• The South Coast gets the strongest scenery: Expect waterfalls, black sand, basalt columns, glaciers, canyons, and floating ice.
• Useful extras are included: Wi-Fi, a guide tablet, campsite fees, airport transfers, booked activities, and zero-risk coverage reduce some of the usual hassle.
• The schedule is demanding: Some days combine several stops and substantial driving, so winter weather or slow road conditions can affect your plans.
• The northern lights are not guaranteed: The route places you in Iceland during a suitable kind of trip, but there is no dedicated northern lights chase or promise of a sighting.

Why this campervan route works for independent explorers

This is not a standard sightseeing coach. You collect a campervan near Keflavík and drive yourself around a carefully laid-out circuit. That gives you freedom to pause at a waterfall, linger by a black beach, or make a short detour without waiting for a bus full of people.

You also avoid the work of building a five-day route from scratch. The plan links western Reykjanes with the Golden Circle, the South Coast, glacier country, and central Reykjavík. Booked highlights are built into the schedule, including Laugarvatn Fontana and the Katla Ice Cave excursion.

I see this as a good middle ground. You get the independence of a road trip, but the basic shape of the holiday is already in place. The guide tablet, complimentary Wi-Fi, and route information are especially useful when you are driving through unfamiliar country.

The tradeoff is that you are responsible for the driving. The minimum driver age is 20, and you need a valid international driving licence that has been valid for at least 12 months at pickup. You will also pay for fuel, parking, food, and optional attractions. A campervan saves on some accommodation costs, but it does not make Iceland cheap.

Day 1: Reykjanes begins with steam and tectonic plates

Your trip starts with a free shuttle from Keflavík International Airport or one of 12 selected hotels in the Keflavík area. The CampEasy office at Selvík 5 is about five minutes from the airport, so the first transfer is short. Pickup is offered between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., which makes your arrival time important.

Allow enough time for the vehicle handover. You will need to understand the camper’s equipment, heating, and driving setup before heading out. The included kitchen supplies and bedding make the van more practical from the first night, while the Wi-Fi and guide tablet help you keep track of the route.

The first stop is the Bridge Between Continents, also called the Leif the Lucky Bridge or Miðlína. It is a simple site, but the idea is memorable: you can stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Give it about 45 minutes, then continue across the Reykjanes Peninsula.

At Gunnuhver, the earth feels less quiet. Steam vents and hot mud pools spread across mineral-stained ground, with the Reykjanes lighthouse in the distance. Stay on marked paths and keep to the viewing areas, since geothermal ground can be dangerous. The stop lasts about 40 minutes.

Kleifarvatn provides a calmer finish to the day. It is one of Iceland’s deepest lakes, almost 100 metres in places, surrounded by porous lava and old moss. The planned stop is about 70 minutes, enough for a look at the stark shore and a breather after collecting the van.

This first day is well judged in one way: it gives you scenery close to the airport rather than sending you straight into a long drive. It is less ideal if your flight arrives late, since the shuttle window and the number of stops may force you to shorten the day.

Day 2: The Golden Circle, geothermal bread, and two major waterfalls

Day 2 covers Þingvellir National Park, Laugarvatn, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss. It is the busiest sightseeing day, but it also gathers several of Iceland’s most familiar sights.

At Þingvellir, you get both geology and national history. The park is linked to continental movement, with the earth’s crust split in places, and it includes Öxarárfoss and the Silfra Fissure. The planned visit is 80 minutes. The site itself is free, but parking is not included, so keep a payment method ready.

Laugarvatn Fontana is more than a hot pool stop. A rye bread tour at 11:45 a.m. shows how dough is cooked in the ground using geothermal heat, followed by a tasting. You can then soak in warm water while looking across the lake. The scheduled visit takes about two and a half hours, and admission is included.

The fixed bread tour time matters. If you arrive late, the day’s rhythm may be difficult to maintain, so plan your driving carefully and aim to reach the meeting point 20 minutes early for paid activities.

Fridheimar is offered as an optional suggestion, not as an included part of the tour. Its geothermal tomato farm, horse breeding, horse show activities, and tomato-based food can make a worthwhile addition, but you must book it yourself by email or phone. The stop adds about an hour, including driving from Fontana, so it may make an already full day feel rushed.

Geysir follows, with Strokkur sending hot water up to about 15 metres. You only have 45 minutes here, which should be enough to watch several eruptions and walk around the geothermal area. Keep your camera ready, but do not crowd the marked paths.

At Gullfoss, a powerful two-stage waterfall drops into a narrow gorge from a height of about 32 metres. The visit is scheduled for 45 minutes. That is enough for the main viewpoints, though you may wish you had longer if wind or rain slows your walk.

The route then turns toward the South Coast. Seljalandsfoss is about 60 metres high, and its path allows you to walk behind the falling water when conditions permit. The stop is given more than two hours, which is helpful because the ground can be wet and you may want time for nearby views. Parking costs extra.

Skógafoss closes the day with noise and spray. Meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers feeds the falls, and sunlight can produce rainbows in the mist. The planned hour gives you time to see the falls from below and take the steep stairs for a higher view if you feel up to it.

The concern here is simple: this is a lot for one day. Fontana, the optional Fridheimar stop, the Golden Circle, and two South Coast waterfalls create a full schedule. You will get more from it if you skip the optional farm or accept that some stops will be brief.

Day 3: Vík, Katla Ice Cave, and the black-sand coast

Vík is the base for the day’s main activity. The village sits by the southern coast, close to black beaches and glaciers, and the Katla Ice Cave excursion begins at 9:30 a.m. You should arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes early.

The four-hour trip uses a super jeep to reach Katla Volcano. Here, volcanic rock and glacial ice meet in a setting that feels far removed from ordinary road sightseeing. The cave visit is included, but the operator controls the timing and route because conditions inside and around ice caves can change.

This is the trip’s most important scheduled activity. It gives you a guided experience that would not be sensible to attempt independently. The minimum age for some activities is eight, so check the age rules carefully if you are bringing children.

After returning to Vík, you visit Reynisfjara. The beach is famous for its black sand, basalt columns, and offshore rock formations tied to the local troll story. The Atlantic can be rough here, so stay well back from the water and follow all warnings. Thirty minutes is enough for a look, but not for a long beach walk.

Dyrhólaey offers a different view of the same coast. This former island is now a high rock formation with a large opening through it, and the area is known for birdlife. The visit lasts about 45 minutes. Wind can be strong on exposed viewpoints, so warm layers matter even when the weather looks mild.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is one of the longer stops at about 105 minutes. Its winding shape, river, and steep walls make it a fine place to stretch your legs. The site also became widely known after appearing in a Justin Bieber music video, though its natural form is the real reason to stop.

Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Systrafoss drops from Lake Systravatn above the town. A short uphill walk gives a broader view of the area. You can also drive about five minutes farther to Stjórnarfoss. These smaller stops help break up the road, but do not underestimate the time needed for parking, walking, and getting back to the van.

Skaftafell National Park finishes the day. The park has several walking paths, including the route to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. The planned visit is two hours. Entry to the park is free, but parking costs extra.

Day 3 is rewarding but ambitious. The ice cave takes half the morning, and the later stops continue toward the southeast. If road conditions are poor, you may need to cut a minor stop rather than drive tired.

Day 4: Icebergs at Jökulsárlón, then the long return west

Diamond Beach is one of Iceland’s most memorable sights. Ice blocks that have broken away from a glacier lagoon wash onto black sand, where they glitter like pieces of glass. The scheduled visit is 90 minutes, giving you time to walk along the shore and see how different the ice pieces can be.

Across the road, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon gathers icebergs released from the Vatnajökull glacier. The lagoon formed as the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue began to retreat, and its floating ice gives you a close look at a changing glacial system.

Only 40 minutes is planned at the lagoon, so keep the timing in mind. Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón are close together, but weather, walking speed, and photo stops can quickly use up the morning.

The itinerary then allocates four and a half hours in Selfoss. This is described as your overnight town, with time to rest, eat at a restaurant, and prepare for the final day. The return drive is the practical cost of reaching the glacier region on a five-day schedule.

This day may be the least relaxed. The southeast is far from Reykjavík, and the route back to Selfoss involves substantial driving. I would treat the schedule as a framework, not a demand to see every viewpoint if the weather turns difficult.

Day 5: Reykjavík icons and a practical airport return

The final morning brings you back into Reykjavík. At the Sun Voyager sculpture, a steel ship shape points toward the sea and mountains. The piece was created by Jón Gunnar Árnason as a symbol of hope and freedom, and 40 minutes is enough for a short waterfront visit.

Harpa Concert Hall is nearby. Its glass architecture draws from Icelandic natural forms, and you can enter the building without paying an admission fee. Parking is extra, and the planned visit lasts about 30 minutes.

Hallgrímskirkja is close to downtown and Rainbow Street. The church itself is free to enter, while the tower viewpoint requires a separate ticket. If city views are important to you, this is the optional extra most likely to reward the cost, but allow time for the visit and opening hours.

The Blue Lagoon is another optional recommendation before departure. It takes about two hours, including driving from Hallgrímskirkja, and you must reserve admission yourself through the lagoon’s website. It is not included, so check your flight time before adding it.

Return the campervan to CampEasy, then use the free shuttle to Keflavík International Airport or your selected Keflavík hotel. The stated drop-off shuttle window is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so your departure timing needs careful planning.

What the $1,125.85 price really covers

At $1,125.85 per person, this is not simply a vehicle rental. The value comes from combining a quality campervan, booked activities, campsite fees, Wi-Fi, a guide tablet, airport transfers, zero-risk coverage, and a prepared route.

The included campsite fees matter because five nights of paid camping can add up. The included Katla Ice Cave outing and Fontana experience also remove two large decisions from your planning. A private vehicle gives you control that a group tour cannot provide.

Still, budget for the following:

• Fuel
• Parking at Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell, Harpa, and other sites
• Food and drinks
• Electricity or other campsite services
• Personal accident insurance
• Optional visits such as Fridheimar, the Blue Lagoon, or the Hallgrímskirkja tower
• Traffic fines

The price becomes more attractive when shared by two or more people, since the campervan and many route costs are not priced like separate hotel rooms. Group discounts may also be available. For a solo driver, the same price feels harder to justify unless you place a high value on privacy and independence.

Camper comfort, support, and the winter question

The most useful practical strength is the camper equipment. The van comes with kitchen gear and bedding, and the heating system has been praised for keeping the interior warm through long cold nights. Battery performance has also received strong approval, including a report of heating running for about 14 hours without trouble.

That does not remove the need to respect Icelandic weather. Snow, ice, wind, and road closures can change the route. A driver who is new to campervans should take the handover seriously and ask about heating, power use, campsite hookups, and safe driving before leaving the office.

CampEasy’s support team includes staff named Lidia, Natalia, Florentina, Nicole, and Kamila in customer communications. The useful pattern is quick practical help, smooth check-in and check-out, and weather updates. One customer had difficulty reaching the company before the trip, so I would still ask important questions early and save the contact details offline.

Cancellation is free with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted or refunded.

Who should book this Iceland road trip?

You should consider it if you want major Iceland sights without surrendering control to a bus schedule. It suits couples, friends, and small private groups who are comfortable driving, cooking simply, and sleeping in a compact campervan.

It is also a strong choice for a first campervan trip because the route, booked activities, guide tablet, Wi-Fi, equipment, and campsite fees give you a useful safety net. The handover process is designed to be straightforward, but you still need to be an attentive driver.

I would be cautious if you want slow mornings, long hikes, or plenty of free time. The itinerary covers a great deal of ground in five days, and the glacier region creates a long return journey. It is also not the right pick if seeing the northern lights is your only goal, since sightings depend on conditions and no dedicated chase is included.

Should you book the five-day CampEasy adventure?

Book it if your priority is a private Iceland road trip with the big South Coast sights already organized. The combination of a reliable, heated campervan, helpful equipment, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, included campsites, and the Katla Ice Cave experience gives you a lot of practical value.

Do not book it expecting a leisurely holiday. Budget for fuel and parking, watch the weather, arrive early for the timed activities, and be willing to trim stops when roads are slow. If you accept that pace, this is an efficient way to see an impressive slice of Iceland while keeping the open road in your own hands.

FAQ

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. A free shuttle is available from Keflavík International Airport or one of 12 selected hotels in the Keflavík area. Pickup operates between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Where do I collect and return the campervan?

The start and end point is CampEasy at Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. After returning the vehicle, a free shuttle takes you to Keflavík International Airport or your selected Keflavík hotel.

What is the minimum age for the driver?

The minimum driver age is 20. The driver must show a valid international driving licence that is valid for the vehicle and has been valid for at least 12 months at pickup.

Is the Katla Ice Cave trip included?

Yes. The four-hour Katla Ice Cave experience from Vík is included. It starts at 9:30 a.m., and some activities have a minimum age of eight.

Are campsite fees included?

Yes, campsite fees are included. Electricity and the use of other campsite services are not included.

Are fuel and parking included?

No. You pay for fuel and parking yourself. Parking fees may apply at Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell, Harpa, and other sites.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.