Exploring Iceland in a heated campervan gives you the ultimate freedom to travel at your own pace, cook hot meals overlooking glaciers, and adjust your schedule around the weather forecast. If you have 7 full days, you can either focus deeply on the Golden Circle, South Coast, and West Iceland (recommended year-round for a relaxed pace) or tackle a brisk summer loop of the Ring Road (Route 1). Below is our tested 7-day campervan blueprint with daily driving distances and overnight campsite stops.
Day 1: Keflavík Airport, Reykjavík Groceries & The Golden Circle
Pick up your campervan near Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and stop at a Bónus or Krónan supermarket in Keflavík or Selfoss to stock up on groceries, skyr, coffee, and camping gas. Head northeast to Þingvellir National Park to walk between the tectonic plates, watch Strokkur erupt at the Geysir geothermal area, and feel the mist of Gullfoss Waterfall.
- Driving Distance: ~190 km (2.5–3 hours)
- Overnight Campsite: Skjól, Flúðir (near the Secret Lagoon), or Selfoss Campsite
Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls & Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Drive east on Route 1 toward Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Pull into Seljalandsfoss (bring your rain pants to walk behind the waterfall) and hidden Gljúfrabúi next door. Continue 25 minutes to thunderous Skógafoss, view the coastal arch at Dyrhólaey, and walk the basalt columns of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (always keep a wide safety buffer from sneaker waves).
- Driving Distance: ~165 km (2.5 hours)
- Overnight Campsite: Vík í Mýrdal Campsite or dramatic Þakgil Canyon Campsite (June–Sept)
Day 3: Eldhraun Lava Field, Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Cross the vast moss-covered Eldhraun lava plains and walk the rim of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Arrive at Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park for a hike to basalt-framed Svartifoss or a guided glacier walk on Falljökull. In the afternoon, watch giant icebergs drift through Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon out to Diamond Beach.
- Driving Distance: ~210 km (3 hours)
- Overnight Campsite: Skaftafell Campground (open year-round) or Höfn Campsite
Day 4: Eastfjords Scenic Drive & Studlagil Basalt Canyon
If completing the full summer Ring Road loop, wind north from Höfn past the jagged peaks of Vestrahorn (Stokksnes) and along the dramatic coastal ledges of the Eastfjords. Stop in the harbour village of Djúpivogur, soak in the floating geothermal pools of Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir, or detour to the turquoise waters of Stuðlagil Canyon.
- Driving Distance: ~260 km (3.5 hours)
- Overnight Campsite: Egilsstaðir Campsite or Seyðisfjörður Campsite
Day 5: Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss
Cross the highland plateau into North Iceland to witness Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Continue to the volcanic wonderland of Lake Mývatn to explore the boiling fumaroles of Hverir, the lava labyrinths of Dimmuborgir, and the Mývatn Nature Baths, finishing at Goðafoss before reaching Akureyri.
- Driving Distance: ~230 km (3 hours)
- Overnight Campsite: Hamrar Campsite (Akureyri) or Systragil Campsite
Day 6: Akureyri, North West Valleys & Borgarfjörður
Spend the morning exploring Akureyri (Iceland's northern capital) or joining an Eyjafjörður whale watching tour. Drive west through Skagafjörður—famous for Icelandic horses—stopping at Kolugljúfur canyon and the volcanic craters of Grábrók before camping in West Iceland.
- Driving Distance: ~310 km (4 hours)
- Overnight Campsite: Borgarnes Campsite or Hverinn (Kleppjárnsreykir)
Day 7: Hvalfjörður, Reykjavík & Departure
On your final day, take the scenic coastal road around Hvalfjörður (or detour to Hraunfossar lava waterfalls), spend the afternoon exploring downtown Reykjavík—including Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and a soak at Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon—before returning your campervan near Keflavík Airport.
- Driving Distance: ~130 km (2 hours)
Essential Campervan Tips Before You Go
- Choose a Heated Campervan: Even in July, overnight temperatures drop to 3°C–6°C. Always book a campervan equipped with an autonomous Webasto or Truma night heater (compare campervan specs in our Vehicle Guide).
- Camp Only at Official Campsites: Wild camping along roadsides or in pull-outs is illegal for campervans in Iceland. Budget roughly 2,000–2,500 ISK per adult per night.
- Want More Time? Compare this 7-day loop against our 10-Day and 14-Day Iceland Road Trip Itineraries.
