Iceland is easily one of the most naturally wild and beautiful countries on the planet, and there’s no better way to see it all than on a road trip. As tempting as it is to just get in your camper rental in Iceland and just drive away, it’s important to plan your RV rental trip in terms of timing and safety before you go.
Best times of year to visit Iceland
It’s hard to say when the ‘best’ time of year is for a campervan rental in Iceland, as each season has its pros and cons.
Iceland’s summer is in June, July and August, and this is easily the busiest time of year. During summer, the highland roads and a number of attractions and tours will open that close during other times of the year due to inclement weather. The roads are busiest with camper vans at this time of year, so it's best to get your Iceland camper van or motorhome hire locked in as soon as possible if you plan to travel in summer.
Autumn, through September, October and November is a favourite time of year to pick up RV rentals and visit Iceland for many reasons. Prices are lower and there will be fewer other travellers on the road. While it certainly is colder, the weather will usually remain above the freezing level on average, so if you can rug up warm you won’t have much to worry about.
You might expect Iceland to shut down completely during winter, but quite the opposite is true. You can usually travel throughout the country in your campervan or motorhome rental at this time of year but note that you should give yourselves extra time in case of storms or other weather-based disruptions. And the two biggest drawcards for Iceland in winter? The Northern Lights and their spectacular shows, as well as the chance for a wintry Christmas in Reykjavik.
Spring, through March, April and May, will start to see the country thaw. There are fewer crowds than in summer but as the days warm up you’ll get to enjoy more of the outdoors and longer sunshine hours than through the winter. It is Iceland though, so there can be some pretty unpredictable weather throughout this season.
![Mt Kirkjufell Aurora Borealis Iceland]()
Mt Kirkjufell Aurora Borealis IcelandHow much time do you need to explore Iceland?
There are two main trip options when you hit the road with an Iceland camper rental - the shorter Golden Circle and the longer Ring Road. The Golden Circle is just 300 kilometres from Reykjavik, so you can easily take the tour within a day or two. The Ring Road is a 1,300-kilometre route that circumnavigates the island and can take up to two weeks.
If you’re looking to do both of them and spend some time exploring the capital before you leave, you’ll likely need around three weeks. Remember that if you’re travelling in winter, it pays to allow for extra time just in case storms slow you down.
RV rental Iceland: Driving tips for your motorhome adventure
To drive any vehicle (but most importantly a motorhome rental) in Iceland, you will need your own valid national driver’s licence. Anyone with a licence from the US, Canada, or the European Economic Area (EEA) is fine with their own licence, and people from other areas are still able to drive here provided their permits have a licence number, a photograph, a valid date, and is printed in Latin characters. If your nation’s licence doesn’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need an International Driving Permit instead.
Speed limits in Iceland are usually 50 km/h in cities and towns, 80km/h on gravel roads and 90km/h on sealed open roads. Keep an eye out for warning signs such as those for sharp bends, and always drive to the conditions as they can change suddenly in Iceland.
In Iceland, you will have to drive your camper van rental on the right side of the road. If you are not used to this, ask your passenger/s to help remind you.
The mix of tough conditions, incredible views and endless attractions to get to can put the pressure on the driver of your RV rental in Iceland. Even though you may want to get to the next destination sooner, it’s important to take regular breaks (aim for every two hours or so) from your motorhome trip to avoid driver fatigue.
Plan your Icelandic road trip
Iceland truly is a destination that can offer the trip of a lifetime, though it’s not always easy to know how to get the most out of your time here. While opting for a campervan hire in Iceland will allow you to stick to your own schedule and take your time enjoying the sights, the sheer amount of incredible things to see and do can be a little daunting. So for those who would like a little guidance, we’ve compiled a comprehensive companion to motorhome holidaying in Iceland.
Iceland motorhome rental itineraries and road trips
Reykjavík to Reykjavík - the Ring Road
For those who have a few weeks at their disposal and want to dive into all that Iceland has to offer, there is no better option than jumping on the Ring Road and circumnavigating the island. This will treat you to an overwhelming array of natural beauty: from the “Geysir” after which all geysers are named, to glistening blue caves that lie at the heart of ancient glaciers, Iceland is bursting with unique sights and experiences which can be discovered in a motorhome rental.
The Golden Circle, Hot Springs and the Blue Lagoon
Most Iceland motorhome hire road trips will start out in Reykjavík, and it’s well worth taking some time to enjoy the restaurants and clubs of the nation’s capital city before hitting the road. If you’ve only got four or five days to spare, consider spending a day in Reykjavík before setting out for the ancient history and impressive landscapes of the Icelandic Highlands. You could even see the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall before you return. Another day should definitely be devoted to discovering the hot springs of Reyjkadalur Valley. Consider heading to the Blue Lagoon for your final day - this striking, milky blue geothermal lake is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, you can even enjoy spa treatments plus a delicious meal at the restaurant there.
Glaciers and Volcanoes
If you have about a week for your campervan Iceland trip, consider driving east from Reykjavík to delve into the wonders offered by one of the most spectacular stretches of the Ring Road. Game of Thrones fans in particular will relish a tour of Svínafellsjökull Glacier, where many of the scenes “north of the Wall” were filmed, but you don’t have to have seen it on a TV show to be blown away by this starkly striking icescape. The road between Vik and Höfn is an experience all by itself, but don’t forget to stop halfway in your Iceland campervan hire at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, the gateway to Vatnajökull National Park. A bit further up the road, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is waiting. This fascinating glacial lagoon is strewn with icebergs, making for a unique sight that you’re unlikely to find the equal of anywhere else in the world. On your way back to Reykjavík, make sure to stop in at the Hekla Center for excellent views of one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes - you can even check up on its seismological activity and learn about the violent history of Hekla, which during the Middle Ages was known as the Gateway to Hell.
Camping in Iceland
There are a large number of campsites and caravan parks located throughout Iceland. However, many of the campsites close down through the colder months and are only open from early June to the end of August. You will need to check that your planned destination is open before you arrive in your Iceland campervan rental if you’re travelling in the off-season. Also, it’s advisable to book ahead if you’re travelling during summer (peak season) as this busy period can fill campervan campsites quite quickly.
If you’re on the road in Iceland and can’t find a campground to stay in overnight, you cannot just park your motorhome in most places - also known as ‘wild’ camping. There are restrictions and designated areas to camp. You cannot park close to cultivated land, protected areas or residential buildings, and it’s best to find somewhere well off the road for safety. This rule only applies for one night however, be sure to be on your way in the morning.
For those travelling by motorhome in Iceland for more than two weeks, it may be a good idea to invest in a Camping Card. This card offers an affordable option for travellers for up to 28 nights in 41 camp sites around the country (provided those camp sites are open).
![The stunning driving landscapes of Iceland]()
Experience Iceland Highway's like this in your campervan hireHelpful links for travellers in Iceland
