Van road trip in Iceland : routes and tips for an unforgettable adventure

Before flying off to Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, why not kick off your adventure right from France ? Renting a van in France with AVIS explore comes with many benefits : a wide selection of recent vehicles, personalized support, and an extensive network of agencies across the country. It’s a great way to prep for your trip, test your gear, and hit the road with peace of mind. A perfect mix of practicality and pleasure before heading to Icelandic lands.
But which itinerary should you choose ? We’ve put together several routes based on your preferences, followed by expert tips to ensure your Icelandic road trip goes smoothly and becomes truly unforgettable.

The Golden Circle : a perfect beginner’s route

The Golden Circle is a region that brings together three of western Iceland’s most iconic natural sites. This 250 km loop starts and ends in Reykjavik, offering stunning scenery along the way. You can easily complete this road trip in one long day.

The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, just 47 km from the capital. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this geological wonder reveals the origins of Iceland where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Dive into the Silfra fissure or hike through the Almannagjá Gorge.

Next up is the Geysir geothermal area. As you get closer, volcanic activity becomes more and more evident: bubbling springs, geysers, steam vents, mud pools… Be sure to stop at the Great Geysir and Strokkur. The latter erupts every 10 minutes, shooting water 20 to 40 meters into the air.

Finally, wrap up your loop at Gullfoss, one of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls. In summer, a small trail lets you get close enough to feel the power of the falls and the refreshing mist on your face.

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The Snæfellsnes Peninsula : Iceland in a nutshell

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often described as a microcosm of Iceland you can see nearly everything here: volcanoes, fjords, waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, lava fields... For your Iceland van itinerary, take Route 54, which loops around the 90-kilometer-long peninsula. Plan at least two days to cover the entire area.

Highlights of this route include :

• The black church of Búdir, with a glacier in the background when skies are clear.
• The Londrangar lava fields that plunge into the sea. A scenic trail offers easy access to the cliffside views.
• The village of Arnarstapi and its bizarre lava formations, like the Gatklettur stone arch.
• Snæfellsjökull National Park, built around the glacier-volcano of the same name, at the peninsula’s western tip. This area is only accessible by 4x4.
• The black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur and Ytri-Tunga, home to seal colonies.
• Saxhóll crater—climb to the top for a sweeping view if the weather allows.
• Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfalls. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light. Spending the night in Grundarfjörður is ideal.
• Kolgrafarfjörður fjord, visible from Route 54 as it curves around the bay.

 

Road trip through the Westfjords: an off-the-beaten-path adventure

This remote region in northwest Iceland is far less visited but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Plan for at least three days to explore the stunning Westfjords area.

In addition to the many fjords along the way, key stops include :

• Dynjandi waterfall and its 100-meter-high cascading tiers.
• The Latrabjarg cliffs, ideal for puffin watching.
• Raudasandur Beach, which shifts in color from red to golden depending on the season.
• The geothermal pools of Hellulaug and Krossneslaug.
• The Drangajökull glacier.
• The wreck of the Gardar BA 64, a striking rusted ship stranded on the shore.

 

Iceland in winter : hot springs along your route

You can enhance your winter road trip in Iceland with several stops at natural hot springs. Here are a few located near the country’s top attractions mentioned earlier in this article.

Just 30 minutes from Reykjavik, relax in Iceland’s most famous hot springs: the Blue Lagoon. While entrance fees are on the higher side, its milky blue waters are absolutely worth the visit.

Along the Golden Circle, make a stop at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. Its warm waters are perfect for unwinding after a long day on the road.

Leaving the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, dive into Viking heritage with a soak in Guðrúnarlaug, a small natural pool over 1,000 years old.

In the fjords region, don’t miss Krossneslaug, Iceland’s most remote hot spring. For the brave, alternate between the steamy hot pot and a dip in the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean !

Craving a change of scenery on Iceland’s open roads? Trust AVIS explore and set off on a van road trip through some of the most spectacular landscapes out there. We’ll be waiting for you at one of our branches !

I RENT MY VAN !

FAQ - Practical tips for a successful road trip in Iceland

Vanlife in Iceland when is the best time to go ?

The best time for a van road trip in Iceland is definitely the summer months. From April to September, natural sites are mostly accessible (weather permitting), and roads are generally easy to navigate. From June to July, you can even experience the midnight sun.
To see the northern lights during your trip to Iceland, plan to visit between September and March January being the most favorable month.

Which vehicle should you choose for a road trip in Iceland ?

Traveling Iceland by van is totally feasible with a standard campervan if you stick to the main roads. Some roads are only accessible with an off-road vehicle, as they are not paved. Renting a vehicle equipped with snow tires is essential in winter due to snowfall, icy conditions, and possible snowdrifts. You can trust AVIS explore to help you choose the right vehicle and equipment for an unforgettable Icelandic road trip.

What precautions should you take when driving in Iceland ?

It’s essential to follow a few key rules when driving in Iceland:

• Never leave the road or track.
• Keep your headlights on at all times—day and night.
• Drive on the right-hand side.
• Don’t stop in the middle of the road for photos; only pull over where it’s safe.
• Always check road conditions, especially in winter—some roads may be closed due to weather.
• Fill up your tank regularly, as some areas are remote with very few gas stations.

Where to sleep during a van road trip in Iceland

Wild camping is not allowed in Iceland, but the country offers more than 200 designated campgrounds where you can spend the night. From basic plots to fully equipped sites, there are plenty of options to help you explore the country’s must-see spots comfortably during your trip.