Top things to do in Iceland
Book your complete trip with the best companies only
Book this 8-day self drive camping trip around Iceland. This tour will help you uncover the very best spots around the entire country, while you camp each night in Iceland's beautiful nature. This tour is perfect for outdoor and nature lovers who want to explore and travel the country on a budget.
You'll travel around Iceland's Ring Road and explore the whole country. As the driver, you can go where you like and ignore a set schedule without worrying about tour guides or other group members. Across your journey, you'll travel through an array of stunning terrains that include rolling hills, lava fields, past mountains, glaciers and volcanoes, incredible fjords and the very best natural geothermal hotspots.
There are quality camping facilities with plenty of amenities all across the country, and you'll be surrounded by spectacular nature no matter where you pitch up your tent. Along the way, you can explore popular spots including the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, the famous Golden Circle, the stunning wildlife and glaciers of Skaftafell Nature Reserve, the geothermal hotspot of the Lake Mývatn Area and the magnificent waterfalls of the West.
To guarantee that you have a selection of the most popular locations with some more private areas to enjoy, Guide to Iceland has chosen a few unique attractions well worth visiting on your travels across the country. These sites are listed in a personal itinerary you will receive after you book, allowing you to revel in the natural landscapes Iceland is famous for without the crowds. The route also sends you to explore many of Iceland's fantastic geothermal hot springs.
This tour can be enhanced further by adding various activities along the way. These include snorkelling between 2 continents, snowmobiling on top of some of Iceland's mighty glaciers, challenging yourself with a glacier hike, delving into the natural phenomenons of Iceland's ice caves, dazzling whale-watching tours and a boat tour on the spectacular glacier lagoon. Add a once in a lifetime experience to your trip by selecting these extras during the booking process.
Reserve this camping trip now for an affordable self-drive tour to see the best attractions in Iceland! Check booking availability now by choosing a date and book an Iceland adventure to suit your budget now.
On your way to Iceland’s capital city, you could choose to make a stop at the Blue Lagoon. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colours and luxurious treatments. It is located in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere. If you add the Blue Lagoon it will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today it can be added to another day, your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you. There is still plenty to see and do in Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula if you have extra free time.
If you wish, you can explore Reykjavík city a little before you set out to the little village of Þorlákshöfn where you'll find your camping site for the night.
Next up is the Haukadalur geothermal valley, home to the great Geysir—the original “geyser”. Its more active neighbour, Strokkur, erupts every ten minutes or so, sending boiling water up to 20 m (66 ft) high, and the area is dotted with bubbling hot springs and steaming fumaroles.
End the circle with a visit to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall; you can approach it right to its edge to observe its incredible scale and power. From here, you can also take the option of going on a snowmobiling tour on Langjökull glacier. If that does not appeal, look into booking a horse-riding tour.
Following this, head to the south coast and visit one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk all the way around. The towering Skógafoss waterfall is also nearby. Further along the coast, stop to admire the black volcanic beach at Reynisfjara, and the dramatic Dyrhólaey rock formations. Other sights along the route include the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which will be on your left-hand side.
Spend the night at a campsite in Vík village.
At Skaftafell, hiking enthusiasts will truly be in their element. There are plenty of challenging tracks and trails to be found, including one that leads to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. This fall tumbles down unique basalt columns, which inspired the design of Reykjavík's Hallgrímskirkja church.
This is also an ideal place to go glacier hiking, allowing you to behold some incredible views. It's an unforgettable experience, which comes highly recommended.
Backtrack a little to a campsite near the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the South Coast where you will spend the night.
Don't miss a walk down to the Diamond Beach, where these icebergs wash up on the black shore like glistening jewels. Also, keep a keen eye out for the seals that call the lagoon and beach home.
After exploring this beautiful area, continue your journey to the Eastfjords. This is an incredibly beautiful area of jagged mountains, tranquil villages and stunning coastline. Spend the night at a campsite in one of those charming towns of the Eastfjords.
After a long day on the road, take a dip in the soothing geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths, before spending the night at a campsite just outside of Akureyri town.
After making the most of these sights, head towards Akureyri. Just be sure to stop and appreciate the mighty Goðafoss waterfall on the way.
Known as 'the capital of the North,' Akureyri is a charming town with a plenty of shops and museums, as well as one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens. Enjoy the area, before either returning to your campsite just outside of town, or heading to a new one in one of the pleasant villages on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula.
There are two very different caving tours you can opt for on this day. You can enter the man-made tunnels carved into the side of Langjökull glacier, or else the natural lava tubes of Víðgelmir.
At the end of the day, make your way to the town of Akranes where you'll find your last campsite on this journey.
Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavík City or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license is required, along with a one-year long on-road experience. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to better fit with your arrival date and time.
Although it is summertime, the Icelandic weather can be very unpredictable. Please bring appropriate clothing.
The vehicles offered for our self drive camping tours are highland capable and equipped with a roof top tent and necessary camping equipment suitable for two people. They come with a GPS and CDW insurance.