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

Iceland’s big appeal is right outside the campervan door: steaming ground at Gunnuhver, waterfalls thundering beside the road, black beaches, and icebergs glowing like glass. This five-day route gives you the freedom of self-drive travel while taking the guesswork out of the major stops, including a Katla Ice Cave trip and the Golden Circle.

I like the included airport shuttle and campsite fees, and I like that the camper comes with Wi-Fi, kitchen gear, bedding, heating, and a tablet guide. The catch is pace: you cover a lot of ground in five days, and fuel, parking, food, and optional attractions such as the Blue Lagoon cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Reykjanes begins the trip well: See the Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver hot springs, and Kleifarvatn Lake soon after pickup.
• A private road trip: You drive your own quality campervan rather than joining a large coach group.
• The Golden Circle is built in: Þingvellir, Fontana Baths, Geysir, and Gullfoss fill the second day.
• Katla adds a real adventure: A four-hour super-jeep excursion into the Katla volcanic area is included.
• The South Coast delivers the drama: Expect waterfalls, basalt cliffs, black sand, glaciers, and the famous Diamond Beach.
• Support is part of the package: CampEasy supplies Wi-Fi, a guide tablet, zero-risk coverage, booked activities, and airport transfers.

What this five-day campervan trip really offers

This is not a standard guided tour where you sit back and watch Iceland through a bus window. You collect a campervan from CampEasy near Keflavik, receive an itinerary and equipment, then drive from stop to stop with your own group.

That setup gives you privacy and control. You can linger at a waterfall, stop for a meal, or adjust the day when the weather changes. At the same time, the route points you toward Iceland’s best-known sights, so you do not need to build a five-day plan from scratch.

The price is listed at $1,125.85 per person. That sounds high until you account for the camper, booked activities, Wi-Fi, campsite fees, airport transfers, guide tablet, and zero-risk coverage. It is still not an all-inclusive holiday. You pay for fuel, parking, meals, electricity at campsites, personal accident insurance, and any optional activity.

The practical question is how many people share the camper and how much you value independence. For a couple or small private group, the package can make sense. For a solo driver, the per-person cost deserves a closer look.

Day 1: Reykjanes volcanic ground after pickup

Your trip starts with a free shuttle from Keflavik International Airport or a selected Keflavik hotel. The CampEasy office is about five minutes from the airport, and the pickup service runs between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

You must be at least 20 to drive, and your international driving license must be valid for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months at pickup. Allow time for the handover before setting out. You are not simply collecting keys. You need to understand the camper, heating, equipment, and driving arrangements before heading into Icelandic weather.

The first stop is the Bridge Between Continents, also called the Leif the Lucky Bridge or Miðlína. It marks the meeting area of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The visit takes about 45 minutes and offers a quick, unusual introduction to Iceland’s geology.

At Gunnuhver, you get a more powerful taste of the island’s geothermal activity. Steam vents and hot mud pools spread across mineral-stained ground, with the Reykjanes lighthouse visible in the distance. Stay on marked paths and take the warnings seriously. This is an active geothermal area, not a place for wandering off to find a better photo.

Kleifarvatn Lake is the day’s longest stop, at about 70 minutes. It is Iceland’s largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and nearly 100 meters deep. Lava and old moss surround the water, giving the area a quiet, spare beauty after the noisy steam fields.

This first day is well judged in one sense: the stops are close enough to Keflavik to work after an arrival. Still, an early flight, vehicle handover, and several outdoor visits can leave you tired. If your pickup is later in the day, do not force the full schedule. Iceland rewards caution more than ambition.

Day 2: The Golden Circle, warm baths, and two waterfalls

Day two brings the classic Golden Circle route, with a few additions that make it more than a checklist.

Þingvellir National Park is both a geological site and an important political place. You can walk among the areas shaped by continental movement, see Öxarárfoss, and learn why this setting matters to Iceland’s national story. The site itself is free, but parking has a fee that you must pay separately.

Next comes Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths. The listed schedule includes a rye bread tour at 11:45 a.m. The dough is cooked in the hot ground, then you get to taste the finished bread. This is a particularly good addition because it connects the geothermal heat to everyday Icelandic food, rather than treating hot springs as scenery alone.

You also have time for the warm baths, which overlook Lake Laugarvatn. Fontana admission is included, but the timing matters. Arrive at the activity meeting point 20 minutes early for paid activities.

Fridheimar tomato farm and restaurant is suggested as an optional stop. The farm uses geothermal energy and biological pest control, and it is known for tomato-based food, horse breeding, and horse shows. You must arrange and pay for this visit yourself, and adding it takes about an hour including driving from Fontana. It is a worthwhile option if you want a meal and a look at how Iceland grows food in a cool climate, but do not add it if it makes the day too tight.

Geysir follows. The active Strokkur geyser shoots hot water up to about 15 meters, often giving you several chances to see an eruption during a short visit. Geysir itself is free to visit, and 45 minutes is enough for the main paths.

At Gullfoss, water drops through a narrow gorge from about 32 meters. The spray and force of the falls make this one of the day’s more memorable stops. Good footwear and waterproof layers help here, especially when the ground is wet.

The day continues south to Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter waterfall famous for the path behind its falling water. The waterfall area is free, but parking is not included. The planned two hours and 15 minutes gives you room for the main fall and nearby viewpoints, though the path behind the cascade can be wet and slippery.

Skógafoss closes the day with a different kind of power. Meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers feeds this broad, loud waterfall. You can expect heavy spray and, in suitable light, rainbows. One hour works for a focused stop, but the whole day is demanding. Fontana, the Golden Circle, and two waterfalls mean you should keep an eye on driving time and road conditions.

Day 3: Katla Ice Cave and the black-beach coast

The third day centers on Vík and the southern coast’s starkest scenery. The included Katla Ice Cave excursion begins in Vík at 9:30 a.m. and lasts four hours. You ride in a super jeep toward Katla Volcano, where volcanic rock and glacial ice meet.

This is the most structured adventure in the trip. You are not independently walking onto a glacier or trying to judge ice conditions yourself. The activity is booked as part of the package, but you still need to reach the meeting point early and follow the operator’s instructions.

After the ice cave, Reynisfjara gives you a very different view of the South Coast. Basalt columns rise at Reynisfjall, while three rock formations sit offshore in the Atlantic. The beach is beautiful and exposed, so keep away from the water and pay attention to conditions. The 30-minute stop is short, but enough to see the main formations.

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter rock formation with a large opening once used by ships. It is also a bird area, though bird activity can vary by season. The viewpoint takes about 45 minutes and adds a wider coastal view after the close-up drama of Reynisfjara.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon takes about an hour and 45 minutes. Its winding form, cold river, and steep walls make it one of the most photogenic stops on the route. The site also appeared in a Justin Bieber music video, but the canyon’s shape is the real reason to visit.

Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Systrafoss drops from Lake Systravatn above the town. A short climb gives you a broader view, and you can drive a further five minutes to Stjórnarfoss if time allows. These smaller stops are useful reminders that Iceland’s appeal is not limited to the famous sights.

Skaftafell National Park gives you two hours for walking paths, including the route toward Svartifoss. The waterfall is framed by dark basalt columns, which explain its name, Black Waterfall. There is no park admission charge, but parking costs extra.

This is a long, full day. The ice cave alone occupies four hours, then you have several coastal stops and a national park walk. You should be comfortable with changing weather, wet paths, and a lot of time on the road. The reward is variety: ice, sea, cliffs, canyon, and waterfalls in one stretch.

Day 4: Icebergs at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is one of the most striking stops in Iceland. Pieces of ice from the nearby glacier lagoon wash onto black sand, where they can look like polished stones in the sun. Their size and shape change constantly, so the beach does not look exactly the same from one visit to the next.

The walk is free, and the planned hour and a half gives you enough time to explore both the shoreline and the ice. Wear shoes that can handle wet sand and keep clear of waves. Ice can also be slippery, even when it looks solid.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is next. Icebergs break away from the Vatnajökull glacier and float through the lagoon before reaching the sea. The lagoon began forming roughly 90 years ago as the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue melted back.

Only 40 minutes is scheduled here, which is enough for a viewpoint but not a relaxed outing around the entire area. If you want a boat activity, it is not included in the package and would be an extra booking. The itinerary gives you the key visual experience without adding another paid excursion.

The drive then turns toward Selfoss, where you spend the night. The listed stop lasts four and a half hours, effectively giving you time to rest, eat, and prepare for the final day. Food is not included, so budget for restaurants or groceries. The camper’s kitchen equipment gives you the option of preparing simple meals, which can help control Iceland’s high food costs.

Day 5: Reykjavik sights and campervan return

The final sightseeing begins with the Sun Voyager, Jón Gunnar Árnason’s waterfront sculpture. Its theme is hope and freedom, and its position by the sea with mountains behind it makes it a strong first stop in Reykjavik.

Harpa Concert Hall follows. The building’s design draws on Icelandic natural forms, and you can enter to see the interior without paying admission. Parking costs extra. Thirty minutes is enough for a quick visit, though the building deserves more time if you want to explore it slowly.

Hallgrímskirkja is close to downtown and Rainbow Street. Entry to the church is free, but the tower viewpoint has a separate admission fee. The 360-degree city view is optional, so you can choose based on your budget and flight schedule.

The Blue Lagoon is suggested as a final soak, not included. If you add it, allow about two hours including driving from Hallgrímskirkja, and make your own reservation through the Blue Lagoon website. It can be a pleasant final stop, but do not book it too tightly against your flight.

You return the camper to CampEasy, then use the free shuttle to Keflavik Airport or your selected Keflavik hotel. The route ends where it began, which is convenient for an onward flight.

Campervan comfort, support, and real costs

CampEasy supplies a quality campervan with kitchen equipment, bedding, Wi-Fi, heating, a guide tablet, and zero-risk coverage. You also get campsite fees and booked activities. These are meaningful inclusions, especially on a short trip, because they reduce the number of separate reservations and payments.

The strongest practical point is the camper’s heating and condition. The vehicle is described as clean, comfortable, and reliable, with heating that can run for long periods. One particularly useful detail is that the battery and heater performed well even during a long cold night. That matters more than a glossy vehicle photo when you are sleeping in Iceland.

CampEasy’s support is another plus. Staff members mentioned in the service experience include Lidia, Natalia, Florentina, Nicole, and Kamila. The pickup explanation, check-out process, and replies to questions were repeatedly described as helpful and smooth. You should still ask your questions before collection, especially about insurance and the exact camper setup.

The extra costs are easy to underestimate:

• Fuel is not included.
• Parking fees apply at Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell, and Harpa.
• Electricity and other campsite services are extra.
• Food and drinks are extra.
• Personal accident insurance is not included unless it is connected to driving or passenger coverage.
• Optional visits, including Fridheimar, the Blue Lagoon, and any extra activity, cost more.
• Traffic fines are your responsibility.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Iceland route?

I would choose this trip if you want a private road trip but do not want to spend weeks researching every stop. It suits people who enjoy driving, can share a compact campervan comfortably, and want a mix of famous sights and booked adventure.

It is also a good fit for a first campervan holiday. The tablet guide, airport shuttle, supplied gear, campsite fees, and staff support remove much of the worry. Families should check the age rules carefully because some activities require participants to be at least eight, while the driver must be at least 20.

I would think twice if you dislike long drives, need hotel-style space, or want a slow holiday. The route covers a large part of southern Iceland in five days, and weather can change the feel of every driving day. You also need to be ready for parking charges, fuel, meal planning, and the responsibility of driving yourself.

Should you book the five-day CampEasy adventure?

Book it if freedom matters more to you than a leisurely pace. The route packs in Reykjanes, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Katla, Skaftafell, the glacier lagoon, and Reykjavik, while the camper and support package make the logistics manageable.

Before paying, confirm the vehicle size for your group, check the insurance details, and set aside money for fuel, parking, meals, and optional baths. If those extras fit your budget and you are happy driving in changing Icelandic conditions, this is a strong five-day introduction to the country. If you want more time at each place, use the same concept but stretch the route beyond five days.

FAQ

Where does the campervan tour start?

The tour starts at CampEasy Iceland, Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík. A free shuttle is available from Keflavik International Airport or a selected hotel in the Keflavik area.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup is offered from Keflavik International Airport or one of 12 selectable hotels in the Keflavik area between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Is the return airport shuttle included?

Yes. After you return the campervan, a free shuttle takes you to Keflavik International Airport or your selected Keflavik hotel.

How old must the driver be?

The minimum driver age is 20. The driver must also show a valid international driving license suitable for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months at pickup.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the self-drive activity.

Is the Katla Ice Cave activity included?

Yes. The four-hour Katla Ice Cave experience by super jeep is included. It starts in Vík at 9:30 a.m., and you should arrive 20 minutes before paid activities.

Are campsite fees included?

Yes. Campsite fees are included, but electricity and other campsite services are not included.

Is fuel included?

No. You pay for fuel during the trip.

Are parking fees included?

No. Parking fees at places such as Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell, and Harpa are paid separately.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

No. The Blue Lagoon is only an optional suggestion. You must book and pay for admission yourself, and the suggested visit takes about two hours including driving from Hallgrímskirkja.