Discover Iceland by motorhome: advice, information and areas.
Conquering Iceland by motorhome is one of the most fascinating experiences a traveller can have. This island of fire and ice, born of the encounter between intense volcanic activity and tectonic forces, offers breathtaking scenery that lends itself perfectly to adventure in a converted vehicle. With its famous Route 1 running 1,332 kilometres all the way around the island, Iceland seems to have been designed for road trips in a motorhome. Travelling this way not only reduces the cost of accommodation and meals in this notoriously expensive country, but also gives you complete freedom to explore the majestic fjords, spectacular waterfalls, black sand beaches and natural hot springs at your own pace.
Why choose a motorhome to discover Iceland?
Iceland by motorhome is the ideal way to travel for several key reasons. Firstly, the geography of the country itself favours this type of adventure: Circular Route No. 1 forms a perfect loop around the island, making it much easier to plan your itinerary. Secondly, as the cost of living in Iceland is particularly high, especially when it comes to accommodation and food, having a motorhome means you can make substantial savings while retaining a high level of comfort. You can cook your own meals using local produce bought in supermarkets, and sleep in your converted vehicle rather than in expensive hotels.
The motorhome also offers unrivalled flexibility to adapt to Iceland’s changing weather conditions. If a storm comes up or conditions become difficult, you can easily change your itinerary or stay longer in a place you particularly like. This freedom of movement is invaluable in a country where the weather can change dramatically in a matter of hours. What’s more, travelling by motorhome allows you to access more remote areas and admire the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own home, without having to step out into the freezing cold of the Icelandic night.
Also read about the Iceland guide :
- The 10 best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Glaciers & Ice Caves Iceland : Memorable Experiences
- When is the best time to visit Iceland?
- Top 5 things to do in Reykjavik
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Reykjavik
Renting a motorhome in Iceland: everything you need to know
Renting a motorhome in Iceland requires careful planning, especially if you’re travelling during the peak summer season. It is strongly recommended that you book your vehicle several months in advance, ideally as soon as your flight tickets are confirmed. Rates vary considerably depending on the period: expect to pay between €200 and €350 a day in high season (June-August) for a standard van, and up to €600 for larger, better-equipped motorhomes. In the low season (September to May), prices can drop by 30 to 50%.
Several rental agencies are located close to Keflavík international airport, making it much easier to collect your vehicle on arrival. Check carefully what is included in your contract: unlimited mileage is generally offered, but insurance may vary. Gravel insurance (compulsory for certain F-roads) and sandstorm insurance are highly recommended. You should also make sure that the vehicle has all the necessary equipment: full bedding, kitchen utensils, clean water and waste water tanks, independent heating and electrical sockets.
What type of motorhome should I choose for Iceland?
The choice of vehicle depends mainly on your planned itinerary and the season of your trip. If you plan to stay on Route 1 and the main tarmac roads, a 2-wheel drive van is more than sufficient and will be more economical. These compact vehicles are also easier to manoeuvre and park at small campsites. For two people, a VW California or similar van offers an excellent compromise between comfort and budget.
On the other hand, if you plan to explore the Highlands and take to the F-roads, a 4×4 vehicle becomes essential. These unpaved roads, often crossed by fords, are forbidden to 2-wheel drive vehicles and insurance does not cover damage if you use them despite the ban. For families or groups of 3 or 4 people, a larger motorhome with an integrated shower and toilet will provide appreciable comfort, particularly on long days on the road.
Itineraries in Iceland by motorhome depending on the length of your stay
Iceland offers a variety of itineraries to suit all lengths of stay. Whether you’re looking for a week, two weeks or three full weeks, each option allows you to discover the wonders of this northern land while enjoying the freedom offered by your motorhome.
1. One-week discovery tour of Iceland in a camper van
For a week’s holiday, concentrate on the south and west of the island, the most accessible regions and rich in remarkable sites. Start on the Reykjanes peninsula as soon as you arrive in Keflavík, with its lunar landscapes and famous Blue Lagoon. Then devote a full day to the famous Golden Circle: Þingvellir National Park (site of Iceland’s original parliament and a fault between two tectonic plates), the Geysir and Strokkur geysers, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.
Continue to the South Coast, visiting the iconic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss (which you can walk behind) and Skógafoss, then the black sandy beach of Reynisfjara with its impressive basalt columns. Don’t miss the village of Vík and its marine rock formations. Then head up to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, nicknamed “Iceland in miniature” for the diversity of its landscapes: the Snæfellsjökull glacier, the cliffs of Lóndrangar, the beach of Djúpalónssandur and the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi. This one-week loop will give you an excellent taste of Icelandic magic.
2. A complete tour of Iceland in a motorhome in a fortnight
With two weeks ahead of you, you can complete a full tour of the island via Circular Route No. 1, which is 1,332 kilometres long. After covering the Golden Circle and South Coast as in the one-week itinerary, continue eastwards to visit Vatnajökull National Park, Europe’s largest glacier. Explore the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, where impressive blue icebergs float, and nearby Diamond Beach, where stranded ice blocks glisten on the black sand.
Then head up the east coast to explore the Eastern Fjords, a less touristy region of remarkable wild beauty. Continue north to Akureyri, the “capital of the north”, then visit Lake Mývatn and its extraordinary geothermal landscapes: the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, the Hverir geothermal zone with its fumaroles and pools of boiling mud, and the Grjótagjá cave. Don’t miss the Dettifoss waterfalls, the most powerful in Europe. Finish with the Western Fjords if time permits, otherwise head back to Reykjavík via the north-west. This two-week itinerary offers a complete and balanced discovery of the country.
3. In-depth exploration in three weeks
Three weeks is the ideal length of time to explore Iceland in depth without rushing. Repeat the two-week itinerary, adding detours to less-frequented but equally spectacular sites. Spend a few days in the Westfjords, the most remote and wild region of the country, with the towering cliffs of Látrabjarg (Europe’s largest nesting site), the magnificent red beach of Rauðasandur, and the natural hot springs lost in the mountains.
With a 4×4 vehicle, venture into the Highlands to reach the Askja volcano and its milky water-filled Víti crater, or explore the Landmannalaugar region with its multicoloured rhyolitic mountains and natural hot springs. You can also add a trip to the Vestmann Islands (Westman Islands) by taking the ferry from Landeyjahöfn: there you’ll discover the island of Heimaey, its Eldfell volcano, which buried part of the village in 1973, and impressive colonies of puffins. A three-week tour really allows you to savour each region at your own pace and explore Iceland’s hidden treasures.
Rules for driving and parking a motorhome in Iceland
Driving in Iceland means knowing a few local peculiarities and scrupulously observing certain safety rules. The first fundamental rule: your dipped headlights must be on at all times, 24 hours a day, even in broad daylight and in fine weather. This obligation is designed to increase vehicle visibility in a country where weather conditions can change abruptly.
Speed limits are clearly defined: 90 km/h on tarmac roads, 80 km/h on gravel roads, and 50 km/h (sometimes 30 km/h) in built-up areas. These speed limits must be observed at all times, as speed cameras are common and the fines are very high. On gravel roads, slow down particularly when approaching another vehicle to avoid stones being thrown up and damaging the windscreen or bodywork. You should also watch out for sheep that may suddenly appear on the road: they have the right of way and you are liable in the event of an accident with an animal.
Special features of Icelandic roundabouts
Iceland has an unusual priority rule at roundabouts that often surprises foreign drivers: vehicles leaving the roundabout have priority over those wanting to enter it, even if they are on the inside lane. This rule, which is contrary to practice in most European countries, requires special attention. Always slow down when approaching a roundabout and check that the lane is clear before entering.
Unauthorised camping and parking: what the law says
A crucial point to understand: wild camping has been strictly prohibited in Iceland since 2015 for motorhomes and converted vehicles. This ban is designed to protect Iceland’s fragile environment, whose vegetation takes decades to regenerate. Offenders face heavy fines of up to several hundred euros. You must spend the night at an officially equipped campsite or an authorised parking area for motor caravans.
Free parking is permitted in public car parks and rest areas along the roads, but only for short stops (breaks, picnics, visits). Under no circumstances may you sleep overnight, unfold your awnings or use your wheel chocks. Car parks near tourist sites are generally chargeable and often have public toilets. Always plan ahead and book your camping pitch in advance in high season, as campsites often sell out in summer.
The best motorhome parks and campsites in Iceland
Iceland has a well-developed network of campsites throughout the country, with widely varying levels of comfort and services. The most basic campsites simply offer a pitch, sanitary facilities and sometimes showers for a fee, while the most well-equipped offer communal kitchens, relaxation rooms with Wi-Fi, washing machines and even jacuzzis or geothermal pools. Most campsites are only open from May/June to August/September, with only a few remaining open all year round.
To make it easier to find a pitch, download the Park4Night app or visit the Campercontact.com website, which lists parking areas and campsites with their facilities, prices and user reviews. These are invaluable tools for planning your daily stops. Campsite prices generally vary between 15 and 25 euros per person per night, with sometimes additional charges for electricity, showers or Wi-Fi.
The Camping Card: a good deal for long stays
If you’re planning to stay in Iceland for a fortnight or more, buying a Camping Card can be very cost-effective. This prepaid card, available online or at participating campsites, costs around €180 and gives access to 28 nights at over 40 affiliated campsites throughout the country. The calculation is simple: if you pay an average of €20 per person per night, the card pays for itself after 9 nights for two people. It includes access to sanitary facilities, showers and basic services; only electricity and Wi-Fi may require an extra charge, depending on the campsite.
Recommended campsites on Route 1
Among the best located and most popular campsites, Camping Skaftafell in the south-east offers direct access to Vatnajökull National Park with its spectacular glaciers and hikes. The Höfn campsite is an excellent stopover before or after visiting the Jökulsárlón lagoon. Further north, the Mývatn campsite allows you to explore the geothermal region and the pseudo-craters lake. In Akureyri, several well-equipped campsites provide a base for exploring the capital of the north. In the western fjords, the Ísafjörður campsite offers a comfortable stopover in this isolated region.
Budget and cost of a trip to Iceland in a motorhome
To establish a realistic budget for your Icelandic motorhome adventure, you need to take into account several major items of expenditure. The motorhome itself accounts for the largest share: you should budget between €1,400 and €2,800 for a week’s hire in high season, depending on the type of vehicle, plus additional insurance (around €200-400) and mileage allowance if it is not unlimited.
Fuel is the second biggest item: petrol costs around €2.20 a litre in Iceland. To cover the whole of Route 1 (1,332 km), you’ll need to spend at least €250-350 on fuel, depending on the type of vehicle and your driving style. Campsites cost around €30-50 per night for two people (€15-25 per person). For food, allow 50 to 80 euros per day for two people if you cook yourself, compared with 100 to 150 euros if you eat out regularly.
Tolls and ancillary costs
The good news is that all Icelandic roads are free of charge, including Circular Route 1. The only notable exception is the Vaðlaheiði tunnel near Akureyri, which costs 1,500 kronor (around €10) for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes, and 2,500 kronor above that. Important: this toll must be paid online at tunnel.is either before driving through or within 3 hours of doing so. If you forget to pay, a surcharge of 1,000 kronor will be added automatically, and the bill will be sent to the hire company, which may add a handling fee.
You should also budget for self-service service stations where you can pay by credit card. Indicate the amount you wish to pay at the terminal: if you don’t use up all your petrol, you will be refunded the excess, but this may affect your bank exchange charges. As a rough guide, 7,000 kronor (around €45) is enough for a 30-litre fill-up, and 9,000 kronor (€60) for a 40-litre fill-up. For a two-week stay in a motorhome, plan on a total budget of between €3,000 and €5,000 for two people, depending on your comfort level and activities.
When is the best time of year to travel to Iceland in a motorhome?
The summer period, from June to September, is undoubtedly the ideal time to discover Iceland by motorhome. During these months, all the roads are open and passable, including those in the Highlands, which generally open at the end of June. The days are extremely long, even endless: in June-July, the sun hardly ever sets thanks to the phenomenon of the midnight sun, giving you up to 20-24 hours of light every day. This near-permanent brightness makes driving and camping much easier, and allows you to enjoy a wide range of activities with no time constraints.
Summer temperatures remain cool but pleasant, generally fluctuating between 10 and 15°C, with peaks of up to 20°C on sunny days. The motorhome is easier to heat than in winter, and you’ll appreciate being able to leave the windows open without freezing. This is also the period when Iceland’s wildlife is most active: you can watch puffins (from mid-May to mid-August), whales in the northern fjords, and seals on the beaches. All the campsites are open and tourist services are in full swing.
September: the best compromise?
September deserves special attention because it combines several advantages: the high tourist season is over, resulting in a significant drop in motorhome rental prices (up to 30-40% cheaper than in July-August), and campsites are much less busy, guaranteeing you space without a reservation. The weather is still relatively mild, although temperatures are dropping slightly. Above all, this is the start of the Northern Lights season: from mid-September, the nights become dark enough to observe this magical spectacle, which is not possible in June-July because of the midnight sun.
Why avoid winter when motorhoming?
Travelling by motorhome in winter (November to March) presents a number of challenges that make it inadvisable, except for very experienced travellers. Extreme weather conditions lead to numerous road closures, sometimes including stretches of Route 1. Snowstorms and high winds can occur suddenly, making driving dangerous if not impossible. Many campsites close completely, drastically limiting your accommodation options.
The major challenge remains heating the motorhome: maintaining a comfortable temperature in the vehicle when it’s -10°C or below outside consumes a lot of fuel or electricity, and some self-contained heating systems can struggle to compensate for heat loss. Water tanks can freeze, making sanitary facilities unusable. However, if you’re determined to brave the Icelandic winter, you’ll be rewarded with enchanting snow-covered landscapes, few tourists, and the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights during the long polar nights. In that case, it’s essential that you opt for a 4×4 motorhome that’s fully equipped for winter, and that has plenty of experience of driving on snow and ice.
Practical advice for a successful motorhome road trip in Iceland
Beyond the logistical aspects, a few practical tips will help you make the most of your Icelandic adventure. Firstly, download the Icelandic Civil Protection Agency’s SafeTravel application: it provides real-time weather alerts, warnings about road conditions, and allows you to create a travel plan that emergency services can consult in the event of an emergency. You can also consult the road.is website daily to check road conditions and any closures.
Never underestimate distances and journey times: even if Iceland looks small on a map, the winding roads, hilly terrain and frequent stops to admire the scenery mean that you’ll be travelling at an average speed of 60-70 kph. Always plan ahead in your daily schedule. Always fill up your tank as soon as it reaches halfway, as service stations can be 100 km or more apart in some regions. Always keep a supply of food and water in the motorhome.
Respecting Iceland’s fragile environment
Iceland has an exceptionally fragile ecosystem: the vegetation, mainly moss and lichen, takes several decades to develop and can be destroyed in a matter of seconds by a simple tyre or shoe. It is imperative that you stay on the marked paths when hiking, even if it seems like a diversion. Never create new paths by walking off-piste. This fundamental “Leave No Trace” rule is vital to preserving this unique natural heritage.
Always take your rubbish with you and dispose of it in the appropriate bins at campsites or service stations. Selective sorting is practised in Iceland. Never empty your waste water anywhere other than in the areas provided for this purpose at campsites. Do not pick any flowers or plants, or remove any rocks or natural souvenirs. Respect wildlife too: always keep a safe distance from wild animals, especially birds nesting on the cliffs. These simple but essential gestures will ensure that future generations can also enjoy Iceland’s unspoilt beauty.
Managing Icelandic midges
Iceland may be virtually mosquito-free (good news!), but it is home to swarms of small black midges that can be particularly annoying, especially in July and August near lakes and wetlands. Unlike mosquitoes, they don’t bite, but they have a nasty habit of trying to get into your eyes, nose, ears and mouth. The simple, effective solution is to buy an insect net and attach it to your cap or hat. These nets are sold at all petrol stations and supermarkets in Iceland for just a few euros, and will save you a lot of trouble when you’re out and about.
In conclusion, discovering Iceland by motorhome is an extraordinary adventure that is accessible to everyone, provided you prepare well. This travel option combines freedom, flexibility and savings, while allowing you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of this unique island at your own pace. Whether you opt for a week’s discovery focused on the south and west, two weeks to do the whole tour via Route 1, or three weeks for in-depth exploration including the Western Fjords and the Highlands, Iceland has unforgettable memories in store for you. Scrupulously observe the camping and traffic regulations, protect the fragile environment, and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs of this land of fire and ice. Enjoy your trip to Iceland!
FAQ: your questions about Iceland in a motorhome
Can I sleep anywhere with my motorhome in Iceland?
No, wild camping has been strictly prohibited in Iceland since 2015 for motorhomes and converted vehicles. You must spend the night in an official campsite or authorised area. Failure to comply with this rule can result in heavy fines.
Do you need a 4×4 vehicle to tour Iceland?
No, if you’re sticking to Route 1 and the main tarmac roads, a 2WD motorhome is more than enough. A 4×4 becomes essential only if you want to use the F-roads of the Hautes Terres or certain unpaved secondary roads.
How much does it cost to hire a motorhome in Iceland?
Prices vary between €200 and €600 per day, depending on the season, the type of vehicle and insurance cover. In high season (June-August), expect to pay between €200 and €350 for a standard van. In low season, prices drop by 30-50%. Book several months in advance to get the best rates.
When is the best time to visit Iceland by motorhome?
The summer period from June to September is ideal: all the roads are open, the days are long, the temperatures pleasant (10-15°C), and all the campsites are open. September offers the best compromise, with lower prices, fewer tourists and the first Northern Lights.
How long does it take to circumnavigate Iceland?
Minimum one week for an overview of the south and west, two weeks for a complete tour via Route 1, taking time to visit the main sites, and three weeks for an in-depth exploration including the Western Fjords and the Highlands.
Do Icelandic roads have to be paid for?
No, all roads are free in Iceland, including Circular Route 1. Only the Vaðlaheiði tunnel near Akureyri is subject to a toll (around €10). The toll must be paid online at tunnel.is before or within 3 hours of passing through.
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