8 Nights in Iceland: A Complete Ring Road Campervan Itinerary -

Epic 8 Night Iceland Campervan Itinerary

Table of Contents

Planning the perfect Iceland adventure? This 8-day Ring Road campervan itinerary covers the country’s most iconic waterfalls, glacier lagoons, black-sand beaches, geothermal pools, and hidden hot springs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore deeper, this route blends famous must-sees with off-the-beaten-path gems—perfect for nature lovers, adventure travelers, and photography enthusiasts.

Day 1: Arrival at KEF → Golden Circle Highlights → Flúðir

Driving Time: ~3 hours

Land at KEF Airport, pick up your campervan (we chose Kuku Campers and had a seamless experience).
Stock up on groceries at a supermarket such as Bonus before heading out on the road.
Drive 1 hr 15 min to Þingvellir National Park, where a short and scenic 20-minute path follows the Almannagjá gorge—letting you literally walk between tectonic plates.
- Tip: If you want a quicker stop, park at P2 to reach Öxarárfoss Waterfall in just 6 minutes.
Continue 1 hour to the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 4–10 minutes.
Drive 10 minutes to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Be prepared to get misted!
Head 30 minutes to Hrunalaug Hot Spring, a unique natural geothermal pool with mountain views ($23 for 1.5 hours).
Overnight at Flúðir Campsite, just 10 minutes away.

Tip
- Check out my other blogs for a more detailed overview including more information on campsites, hot springs and waterfalls. Iceland Travel Guide and 5 Must-Visit Hot Springs on Iceland’s Ring Road

Day 2: South Coast Icons → Puffins → Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon → Skaftafell

Driving Time: ~4.5 hours

Drive 1 hr 10 min to Seljalandsfoss, the breathtaking waterfall you can walk behind (wear a rain layer!).
Continue 30 minutes to Skógafoss, another massive waterfall. A staircase of 300+ steps leads to panoramic views at the top.
Drive 30 minutes to Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, a viewpoint with epic coastal scenery, cliffs, and abundant puffins in summer.
Continue 20 minutes to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, known for basalt columns, sea caves, and dramatic surf.
Head 1 hour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon—an ethereal mossy canyon with two parking options and short walks to viewpoints.
Stay the night at Skaftafell Campsite in Vatnajökull National Park.

Day 3: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon → Diamond Beach → Höfn → Fossardalur

Driving Time: ~3.5 hours

Drive 45 minutes to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where floating icebergs drift through turquoise water. Boat tours are available to get closer to the ice and seals.
Walk 6 minutes to Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore and sparkle against black sand.
Continue 1 hour to Höfn, a quiet fishing town known for its lobster cuisine.
Drive 1 hr 45 min to Fossardalur Campsite for the night.

Day 4: East Iceland → Stuðlagil Canyon → Mývatn Nature Baths → Dettifoss

Driving Time: ~5.5 hours

Drive 1 hr 45 min to Rjúkandi Waterfall, a quick, scenic roadside stop.
Continue 25 minutes to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s most impressive basalt column formations.
- For canyon-floor access: park on the east side before the small bridge (45–60 min one-way hike).
- 4×4 vehicles can drive farther to the closer lot.
- For the overlook only: park on the west side (no access to the canyon floor).
Drive 1 hr 40 min to the Mývatn Nature Baths, a soothing geothermal lagoon surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Reserve ahead.
Continue 40 minutes to Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
- East side: rough gravel roads but closer, more dramatic views (accessible with 2WD).
- West side: paved and easier but busier.
Overnight at Campsite 66.12 North.

Day 5: Húsavík Whale Watching → Goðafoss → Sæberg Campsite

Driving Time: ~4 hours

Drive 20 minutes to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital.
- Tip: If you get seasick, avoid the large slow boats—smaller and faster boats are smoother in rough waters.
Drive 40 minutes to Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” with multiple viewpoints connected by a walking bridge.
End the day with a 3-hour drive to Sæberg Campsite, located near the sea and known for peaceful views.

Day 6: Hidden Hot Springs → Kirkjufell → Svörtuloft Lighthouse → Arnarstapi

Driving Time: ~4.5 hours

Drive 2 hours to Sturlungalaug, a tiny remote hot spring in a grassy field—beautiful, secluded, and tricky to find.
- Use coordinates 64.869597, -22.283878, follow signs for Syðri-rauðimelur, and expect to open a few gates.
Drive 1 hour to Grundarfjörður to see Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed spots and where some of Game of Thrones was filmed.
- A short walk leads to the famous waterfall viewpoint.
Drive 45 minutes to Svörtuloft Lighthouse, an orange lighthouse perched above black lava cliffs. Nearby Skarðsvík Beach is also worth a stop.
Drive another 40 minutes to stay overnight at Tjaldsvæðið á Arnarstapi Campsite.

Day 7: Sky Lagoon Spa → Reykjavík Nightlife → Eco Camp Reykjavik

Driving Time: ~3 hours

Drive 2.5 hours to Sky Lagoon, an oceanside geothermal spa offering stunning views and premium wellness experiences.
- The Saman–Skjól Ritual Package includes saunas, cold plunge, steam rooms, a body scrub, and an Icelandic elixir—highly recommended.
Drive 15 minutes to Reykjavík and spend the evening exploring the capital’s nightlife.
- We enjoyed drinks at Jungle Cocktail Bar, known for creative, fun cocktails.
Stay at Eco Camp Reykjavik.

Day 8: Reykjavík Exploring → Hallgrímskirkja → Blue Lagoon → Keflavík

Driving Time: ~1 hour

Head back into Reykjavík to climb the tower of Hallgrímskirkja for panoramic city views.
Visit a cozy cat café, browse shops, and stroll the colorful downtown streets.
Drive 50 minutes to the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
- Despite its popularity, the lagoon is huge and easy to enjoy without feeling crowded.
- Our ticket included a mud mask, towel, and drink—well worth it.
After relaxing, drive 15 minutes to Happy Campsite in Keflavík.
Depart Iceland the next day.