6 Days Self -Drive Tour with Pick Up – Golden Circle & Waterfalls -4×4 Campervan

Iceland’s greatest strength is its freedom of movement, and this six-day 4×4 campervan route gives you plenty of it. You drive from Keflavík to Snæfellsnes, the Golden Circle, the south coast, and Reykjanes, while sleeping at campsites instead of packing and unpacking each night.

I like the well-planned route, which links major sights with a few quieter stops, and I like the hands-on extras: geothermal rye bread, the Lava Show in Vík, Vatnshellir Cave, and two spa visits. The catch is the pace. Several days are packed, and fuel, parking, food, and some entry fees are still yours to pay.

Key points to know before booking

• A 4×4 campervan gives you flexible road travel: The Easy Monster, Easy Ranger, Easy Viking, or another assigned CampEasy vehicle is built for an Iceland road trip, with equipment for cooking and camping.
• The Easy Guide tablet keeps the route in one place: It contains navigation, the daily plan, camper information, and useful travel details.
• The route covers three very different regions: You see Snæfellsnes, the Golden Circle, the south coast, and part of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Several high-value activities are included: Krauma, Vatnshellir Cave, the geothermal bath and rye bread experience, the Icelandic Lava Show, Magic Ice, Sky Lagoon, campsites, and airport transfers.
• Parking costs add up: Þingvellir, Kerid, and Seljalandsfoss require fees that are not included, and fuel is also extra.
• This is private travel for your own group: You set out in your assigned campervan rather than joining a large sightseeing coach.

Why this campervan route works

The appeal here is not simply having a vehicle. It is having a vehicle, sleeping arrangements, camping fees, navigation, and a route that has already been arranged for you.

That removes much of the planning burden. You still make the daily drive yourself, but you are not starting each morning by deciding which waterfall or crater fits into the day. The Easy Guide tablet carries the schedule, directions, activity details, and camper information in one place.

The 4×4 format matters in Iceland, where weather can change quickly and roads may feel demanding. One assigned vehicle can be the Easy Monster, Easy Ranger, Easy Viking, or another CampEasy 4×4 model. The exact van is not specified in advance, so confirm the vehicle category and sleeping setup before you pay.

The campervans have been praised for being warm, dry, comfortable, and ready for cooking. That is important because the camper is your room, kitchen, and transport all at once. Bedding and camping equipment are provided, along with extras such as gas and Wi-Fi.

You also receive zero-risk coverage, though personal accident insurance is not included. Read the coverage terms carefully, especially if you plan to share driving.

Day 1: Reykholt, lava waterfalls, and Krauma

Your airport or Keflavík hotel pickup takes you to the CampEasy office, about five minutes from Keflavík International Airport. The shuttle is free, and the transfer is listed at about 30 minutes, including the pickup process.

After collecting the campervan, you head toward Reykholt. This small historic site is linked with Iceland’s medieval sagas and deserves about 50 minutes. It is a useful first stop because it adds cultural context before the route turns toward hot springs and waterfalls.

Hraunfossar is one of the more unusual waterfalls in Iceland. Instead of one main stream dropping over a cliff, many small rivulets appear through the lava and vegetation along the riverbank. Nearby Barnafoss has a very different character, with a forceful rush of water through a narrow lava opening.

The two falls are close enough to visit together, but they are not interchangeable. Allow about 30 minutes for Hraunfossar and another 20 minutes for Barnafoss. If you are trying to keep the day short, do not skip Hraunfossar simply because Barnafoss looks more dramatic in photographs.

Deildartunguhver gives you a look at Iceland’s geothermal power at close range, though you must keep a safe distance. Water reaches about 97 degrees Celsius, and the heat is easy to feel. The visit takes about 30 minutes.

Then comes Krauma, a strong first-day finish. Its four pools use a constant flow of natural geothermal water, and the facility does not use chemicals to maintain water quality. You spend about two hours here before going to the campsite.

This first day combines history, waterfalls, geology, and bathing without asking you to drive across the whole country. Still, pickup, vehicle handover, several stops, and a spa visit make it a full opening day. Begin with enough energy for the camper orientation and the drive.

Day 2: Seal beach and the wild side of Snæfellsnes

Day two heads into Snæfellsnes, a region with black beaches, lava formations, fishing villages, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier area. The route begins with an optional detour to Glanni Waterfall, a small scenic stop known for the bright contrast between white water and dark lava rock.

Ytri Tunga is a worthwhile pause for its seal-watching potential. The beach is quieter than many headline sights, and you have about one hour and 45 minutes there. Seals appear from time to time, but nature does not follow a timetable, so treat them as a possible bonus rather than a promise.

Búðakirkja is a short, photogenic stop. Its black exterior makes it one of Iceland’s most recognizable churches, and the nearby Búðir hotel area provides another possible place to look toward the sea.

At Gatklettur, erosion has cut a hole through the cliff. The stated visit takes about two hours and 20 minutes, including the walk, so this is not just a quick roadside photograph. Wear shoes suited to uneven ground and allow time for the coast to do its work.

Vatnshellir Cave is one of the route’s booked activities. At the scheduled 2 PM visit, you descend by spiral stairs into an 8,000-year-old lava tube, about 32 meters below the surface. Helmets and headlamps are provided. The cave visit lasts about an hour and has a minimum age requirement of five for some activities on the overall program.

Djúpalónssandur is a black pebble beach with a strong connection to Iceland’s fishing past. The lifting stones once tested the strength of sailors, and pieces of rusty shipwreck remain on the shore. You can see the old stones and driftwood, but do not treat the beach as a place for casual swimming or climbing.

Finish at Saxhóll Crater, reached by wooden steps. The easy walk leads to a view across the sea and lava fields, with Reykjavík possibly visible on a clear day. The total visit takes about 45 minutes.

Day two has several short stops but also two longer walks. Snæfellsnes is rewarding precisely because the sights are varied, yet you should watch the clock around Gatklettur and Vatnshellir. Missing the cave time would be a costly mistake because it is one of the included, scheduled activities.

Day 3: Kirkjufell, Stykkishólmur, and Þingvellir

Svodufoss is a quick waterfall stop, with parking close to the access point and about 15 minutes set aside. On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull glacier may appear behind the falls.

Kirkjufell is the famous mountain seen in countless Iceland photographs. Its layered shape formed millions of years ago, and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall supplies the classic foreground view. You have only about 30 minutes here, so set up your walk and photographs quickly.

Stykkishólmur gives you a change of pace. This fishing village is known for seafood, and Súgandisey Island is linked to the harbor by road. Walk up toward the lighthouse for a broad view before continuing.

Gerðuberg Cliffs are made partly of unusually regular basalt columns, some reaching about 14 meters. The one-hour stop is enough to appreciate the geometry without turning the route into a long hike.

Eldborg Crater is the day’s most demanding optional stop. The walk takes about 45 to 50 minutes each way, with roughly two hours and 45 minutes allowed overall. From the top, you can see other craters nearby. If weather, energy, or daylight is poor, this is the first stop I would shorten.

Þingvellir National Park is both geological and political. Continental movement created the fissures, including the Silfra area, while the site also carries major importance in Iceland’s history. Öxarárfoss adds a waterfall to the park’s scenery, and UNESCO recognizes Þingvellir as a World Heritage site.

The park visit itself is free, but parking is not included. That small fee is easy to overlook when budgeting. The two-and-a-half-hour visit also comes late in a day that already includes Eldborg, so you may need to choose between a long crater walk and a relaxed park visit.

Day 4: The Golden Circle and Iceland’s south coast

Kerid Crater begins day four. Its roughly 3,000-year-old volcanic bowl has colorful sides and a lake in the center. The crater is appealing in every season, but entry to the walking area costs extra.

Laugarvatn Fontana is more than a hot bath. At 11:45 AM, you join a rye bread experience in which dough cooks in the ground using geothermal heat. You taste the bread afterward, then soak in the geothermal pools with views toward the lake.

This is one of the package’s most distinctive activities because it connects Icelandic food with the heat beneath the country. The whole visit takes about two and a half hours, so the morning timing matters. Arrive at paid activities 20 minutes early.

Geysir is the second major Golden Circle stop. The original Geysir gave the area its name, but Strokkur is the active star, sending hot water up to about 15 meters. Allow about 45 minutes.

Gullfoss is the grand finale of the Golden Circle. Water drops in two stages into a narrow gorge from a height of about 32 meters. The spray can be heavy, so keep a waterproof layer handy.

Friðheimar tomato farm is an optional recommendation, not part of the package price. Its tomatoes grow with geothermal energy and biological pest controls, and the farm also has horse breeding and a restaurant. You must make your own reservation by email or phone, and the stated stop takes about 50 minutes including the drive from Gullfoss.

The route then turns south to Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind. The area is free to enter, but parking costs extra. Give yourself about an hour and 45 minutes, since the path and spray make this more than a quick glance.

Skógafoss closes the day with serious force. Meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers feeds the fall, creating loud spray and frequent rainbows. The one-hour visit is enough to feel the scale, though you may want waterproof clothing even in fair weather.

This is a long day with several fixed or semi-fixed elements. Fontana at 11:45 AM and Friðheimar, if chosen, reduce your flexibility. I would skip Friðheimar unless its food and farm setting are a high priority.

Day 5: Black beaches, hot lava, and Reykjavík baths

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter rock formation with a large opening through it. It is also home to many bird species. The 45-minute visit gives you a sharp view of the coast, but conditions can affect access and comfort.

Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most memorable beaches. Basalt columns form the cliff wall, while three rock formations rise from the Atlantic. Local folklore says they are trolls turned to stone by daylight.

The beach is beautiful, but treat the sea with respect. The schedule provides about 50 minutes, which is enough to see the columns and sea stacks without lingering near the water.

At 1:30 PM, the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík brings the country’s volcanic character indoors. Real hot lava flows safely through a staged eruption, making this a useful activity when weather is rough or you want more explanation than a viewpoint provides.

You then drive back toward Reykjavík for Magic Ice at 6 PM. The ice museum and ice bar provide a playful hot-and-cold contrast, with about two hours and 45 minutes allocated for the visit and driving.

Hallgrímskirkja is close to downtown and Rainbow Street. Church entry is free, but the tower requires a separate fee. The planned 20-minute stop is enough for the exterior and interior, but not a leisurely city visit or tower experience.

The day ends at Sky Lagoon at 7 PM. Your Sky Pass includes the seven-step ritual, and the visit lasts about two hours and 15 minutes. This is a generous final evening activity, but the timing leaves little room for delays on the drive from Vík.

If you want a relaxed evening in Reykjavík, this schedule may feel tight. If you like having the day filled with varied experiences, it gives you waterfalls, coastal geology, volcanic theater, ice, architecture, and geothermal bathing in one sweep.

Day 6: Reykjanes before the airport

Your final morning depends on your flight time. If you have room, Krýsuvík offers steaming ground and bands of yellow, white, red, and green around the geothermal area. The visit takes about an hour.

The Bridge Between Continents lets you stand on a bridge above the meeting area of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It is a short, symbolic stop rather than a major half-day attraction.

You can also consider Viking World Museum, but it is not included. The museum contains a life-size Viking boat, and the visit takes about one hour and 20 minutes including driving from the bridge.

You return the campervan at CampEasy’s Keflavík office, then use the free shuttle to the international airport or a Keflavík hotel. Build in enough return time for fuel, cleaning expectations, and the shuttle connection. Exact return timing is not supplied, so confirm it with CampEasy.

What the $1,331 price really covers

At $1,331.02 per person, the package is not a cheap car rental. Its value comes from bundling the campervan, zero-risk coverage, campsite fees, Easy Guide tablet, airport transfers, gas, Wi-Fi, sports equipment, and several paid activities.

Included admissions cover Krauma, Vatnshellir Cave, Laugarvatn Fontana, the rye bread experience, the Lava Show, Magic Ice, and Sky Lagoon. Paying for those separately could make a hotel-based road trip expensive, especially when accommodation is also needed.

You still pay for fuel, food, drinks, parking, electricity and other campsite services, traffic fines, personal accident insurance, and optional stops. Parking at Þingvellir, Kerid, and Seljalandsfoss is specifically excluded. Add those costs before deciding that the package price is all-inclusive.

The price makes the most sense for two or more people sharing the campervan and cooking some meals. It is less attractive if you want hotel comfort, restaurant meals each night, or a slow route with plenty of unplanned time.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to couples, friends, or families who want a private road trip and are comfortable driving, cooking, and sleeping in a campervan. The minimum driver age is 20, and some activities have a minimum age of five.

You should also be willing to follow fixed times. Vatnshellir, the rye bread visit, the Lava Show, Magic Ice, and Sky Lagoon all shape the day. The route is private, but it is not fully spontaneous.

CampEasy’s support is another practical strength. Staff members named in customer feedback include Iris, Alicia, Natalia, Dominik, Edoardo, Joachim, and Maxime. Their help with pickup, vehicle handover, route advice, and airport return is part of what makes this more than a bare van rental.

Several direct accounts describe vans that were new or in good condition, warm and dry in poor weather, comfortable for sleeping, and equipped for cooking. That does not remove the normal limits of campervan living, but it suggests you can expect a functional setup rather than an empty vehicle.

Should you book the Golden Circle and Waterfalls campervan tour?

Book it if you want Iceland’s major sights with the freedom of self-drive, but prefer someone else to arrange the route, campsites, navigation, and key activities. The combination of Snæfellsnes, the Golden Circle, the south coast, and Reykjanes gives you a strong first visit in six days.

Skip it if you dislike tight schedules, shared campervan space, extra parking charges, or driving in uncertain weather. Before booking, confirm the exact 4×4 model, campsite arrangements, insurance terms, and return timing.

For the right person, this is a practical way to see a lot of Iceland without joining a coach. Just keep your driving days realistic, budget for fuel and parking, and remember that the best part of a self-drive trip is knowing when to slow down.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at CampEasy Iceland, Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík. A complimentary shuttle is offered from Keflavík International Airport or a hotel in Keflavík town.

Where does the tour end?

You return the campervan to the CampEasy office. A free shuttle then takes you to Keflavík International Airport or a hotel accommodation in Keflavík.

Is the campervan included?

Yes. A quality 4×4 campervan is included, along with zero-risk coverage, an Easy Guide tablet, selected extras, sports equipment, and campsite fees.

Are fuel and parking included?

Fuel is not included. Parking fees are also excluded, including charges at Þingvellir, Kerid, and Seljalandsfoss.

Which activities are included?

Included activities are Krauma, Vatnshellir Cave, the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal bath and rye bread experience, the Icelandic Lava Show, Magic Ice, and Sky Lagoon with the Sky Pass and seven rituals.

Is food included?

Food and beverages are not included, except where a restaurant is specifically included in the tour. The optional Friðheimar farm restaurant is not included and requires your own reservation.

How old must the driver be?

The minimum age for driver participants is 20 years.

Is this a shared group tour?

No. This is a private activity, so only your own group participates.

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 accepted for a refund.