5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break

Iceland rewards drivers who like a little freedom. This five-day route gives you a ready-made plan, a private campervan, airport pickup, Wi-Fi, booked activities, and some of the country’s best sights without putting you on a large coach. I especially like the privacy of having your own vehicle and the practical support of a tablet, campsite arrangements, and a shuttle from Keflavík.

I also like the mix of famous stops and wilder scenery, from the Bridge Between Continents and steaming Gunnuhver to the Katla ice cave and Diamond Beach. The main drawback is the pace: the route covers a lot in five days, and long driving days leave little room for weather delays or slow mornings.

The price is $1,125.85 per person. That can be fair if you make full use of the included camper, campsite fees, Wi-Fi, coverage, airport transfers, and booked activities, but you still need to pay for fuel, food, parking, and optional visits such as the Blue Lagoon.

The five details that shape this Iceland trip

• A private campervan replaces a group coach: You follow a planned route while keeping your own schedule and personal space.
• Pickup starts near Keflavík Airport: A free shuttle takes you to the CampEasy office, about five minutes from the airport.
• The route covers southwest Iceland and the south coast: You see Reykjanes, the Golden Circle, Vík, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, and central Reykjavik.
• Katla ice cave access is included: This four-hour super jeep excursion is one of the trip’s biggest highlights.
• Campsite fees and Wi-Fi are included: Electricity and other campsite services cost extra, so the included camping is not entirely all-inclusive.
• You need driving experience and a valid license: The driver must be at least 20 and show an international driving license valid for the vehicle and for at least 12 months at pickup.

What you are really buying for $1,125.85

This is not just a campervan rental. It is a self-drive package with a suggested route, an Easy Guide tablet, booked activities, campsite fees, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, and zero-risk coverage. That saves you from building every day from scratch, which is useful in Iceland, where distances and weather can make a casual plan less casual than expected.

The two clearest included activities are Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths and the Katla ice cave trip. Those would otherwise add a noticeable cost, and they give the journey two experiences that are more memorable than simply stopping at viewpoints.

Still, read the inclusions carefully. Fuel is listed as not included, even though gas appears among the included extras, so I would budget for fuel separately. Food and drinks are also yours to arrange. Parking fees are not included at Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell, Harpa, and other paid parking areas.

Personal accident insurance is not included for the driver or passengers. Traffic fines, campsite electricity, and any extra activity are also outside the quoted price. The package offers good convenience, but it does not remove the normal costs of a road trip.

Picking up the camper near Keflavík

Your first practical task is getting to Selvík 5 in Keflavík. CampEasy offers free pickup from Keflavík International Airport or from one of 12 selected hotels in the Keflavík area, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The shuttle ride from the airport to the office takes about five minutes. That is a welcome start after a flight, especially if you want to begin exploring Reykjanes rather than spending the first day finding a rental desk.

Allow time at pickup for the vehicle handover and questions. The camper includes kitchen equipment, bedding, heating, and Wi-Fi. Several customers praised the condition of the vans, smooth check-in process, strong heating, and helpful explanations from staff such as Lidia, Natalia, Florentina, Nicole, and Kamila.

The heating matters in Iceland. One detailed account described 14 hours of continuous heating without a problem, while another praised the camper’s performance on snow and ice. Those comments do not replace careful driving, but they suggest that comfort inside the van is one of CampEasy’s stronger points.

The driver must be at least 20. You also need an international driving license that is valid for the vehicle and has been valid for a minimum of 12 months at pickup. Confirm that your documents meet those requirements before arrival.

Day 1: Reykjanes plates, steam, and empty volcanic space

The opening day stays on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is a smart choice after landing. You do not need to rush across the country immediately, and the stops give you a quick introduction to Iceland’s volcanic character.

At the Bridge Between Continents, you can stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The visit takes about 45 minutes and is free. It is a simple stop, but the idea is memorable: a footbridge and a marked place turn a huge geological process into something you can see and photograph.

Gunnuhver Hot Springs is more forceful. Steam vents and hot mud pools spread across mineral-colored ground, with the Reykjanes lighthouse in the distance. Spend about 40 minutes here, and keep to marked paths around the hot ground. The area is impressive because it feels raw rather than manicured.

Kleifarvatn Lake gives the day a quieter finish. It is almost 100 meters deep and surrounded by porous lava ground, old moss, and stark volcanic scenery. Plan about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The lake has a spare beauty that works well after the noisy steam vents.

The first day is not overloaded, but the handover time affects how much you see. If your flight arrives late or your shuttle pickup happens near the end of the service window, you may need to shorten the Reykjanes stops. The flexibility of a camper helps, but your starting time still matters.

Day 2: The Golden Circle and two famous waterfalls

Day 2 is the busiest sightseeing day. It combines Þingvellir, Fontana, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss. I like the variety, but you should expect a full day with several stops and a considerable amount of driving.

Þingvellir National Park is both a geological site and an important political place in Iceland. You can see Öxarárfoss and the area around Silfra Fissure, where continental movement has shaped the ground. The site visit is free, but parking costs extra. Allow about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

At Laugarvatn Fontana, a rye bread tour begins at 11:45 a.m. The dough cooks in geothermal ground, and you get to taste the bread. You can then soak in the warm baths with a view across the lake. The planned visit takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and admission is included.

The fixed bread-tour time is important. You need to organize your morning at Þingvellir so you arrive at Fontana on time. This is one place where a self-drive trip still has a schedule.

Fridheimar is an optional stop, not part of the included price. Its geothermal tomato farm, biological pest controls, horse breeding, horse show activities, and tomato-based food make it an appealing addition. Allow about an hour including driving from Fontana, and arrange a booking yourself by email or phone if you choose to go.

Geysir comes next. Strokkur regularly sends a column of hot water up to about 15 meters, so 45 minutes is enough for a good look without making the stop feel hurried. The area can be busy, but the eruption gives you a clear reason to wait.

Gullfoss completes the Golden Circle. Water drops 32 meters into a narrow gorge, and the viewing areas show the falls from different angles. You have about 45 minutes here. Bring a waterproof layer, since spray and weather can make the walk feel colder than expected.

The day continues to Seljalandsfoss, the 60-meter waterfall with a path behind the falling water. Two hours and 15 minutes are allocated, which allows time for walking, photographs, and the nearby surroundings. The waterfall area is free, but parking is not.

Skógafoss is a more powerful experience. Meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull feeds the broad chute, creating loud spray and frequent rainbows. One hour is planned, enough to feel the scale of the falls and take the short approach at your own pace.

This is a day when the camper’s convenience helps. You can carry dry clothes, snacks, and warm layers with you. It is also a day when you should resist adding too many optional stops. Icelandic roads and changing conditions can turn a generous plan into a race.

Day 3: Vík, Katla ice, black beaches, and canyon country

Day 3 begins in Vík with a four-hour super jeep trip to the Katla ice cave. The activity starts at 9:30 a.m., so you need to be ready at the meeting point about 20 minutes early. The experience combines volcanic rock and glacial ice around Katla Volcano, giving you a close look at two of Iceland’s strongest natural forces.

The ice cave is the main scheduled activity of the day, and admission is included. It also places a limit on your morning, so do not plan a slow breakfast or a distant start before reaching Vík.

After the ice cave, Reynisfjara offers black sand, basalt columns, and three rock formations offshore. The stop is scheduled for 30 minutes. That is enough for the main view, but the short visit calls for care near the Atlantic. The setting is beautiful, yet the sea is powerful, so keep your attention on the water rather than chasing the perfect photograph.

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter rock formation with a large opening through it. The site is also home to many bird species. You have 45 minutes to see the arch, coast, and high viewpoints.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Its winding form, cold river, grazing sheep, and steep walls make it one of the more unusual stops on the route. The canyon also appeared in a Justin Bieber music video, a fact that may add recognition but should not be the reason you go.

At Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Systrafoss drops from Lake Systravatn above the town. The itinerary allows 40 minutes, with a short hike offering broader views. Stjórnarfoss is five minutes farther by car and is suggested as an additional stop.

Skaftafell National Park gives you two hours for walking paths, including the route toward Svartifoss. The waterfall is framed by dark basalt columns, which explain its name, Black Waterfall. There is no park admission fee, but you must pay for parking.

This is another very full day. The Katla excursion gives it structure, while the later stops offer a string of short walks and viewpoints. If you prefer long hikes, you will probably find the two-hour Skaftafell window too brief for more than the main route.

Day 4: Icebergs at Jökulsárlón and the return to Selfoss

Diamond Beach is one of the route’s most recognizable sights. Ice blocks from the nearby glacier wash onto black sand, where they can look like pieces of glass or diamonds. The planned visit is 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you time to walk along the shore and see how different the ice pieces can be.

At Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, icebergs break away from the Vatnajökull glacier and float toward the sea. The lagoon began forming about 90 years ago as the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue melted back. You have 40 minutes here, which is enough for the main viewpoints but not an extended boat activity.

The two sites work best together. At the lagoon, you see the ice gathered in water. At Diamond Beach, you see pieces of that ice scattered along the coast. The contrast is the point.

The day ends in Selfoss, where 4 hours and 30 minutes are allocated for rest, food, and preparation for the final day. That is useful after the south coast driving, but the route does require a long return toward the southwest. If you want extra time at Jökulsárlón, you will need to take it from your evening in Selfoss.

Day 5: Reykjavik landmarks and returning the van

The final day shifts from open country to Reykjavik. At the Sun Voyager sculpture, you can look across the water toward the mountains while seeing Jón Gunnar Árnason’s work, created as a message of hope and freedom. The visit takes about 40 minutes.

Harpa Concert Hall is a quick architectural stop, with 30 minutes planned. Entry to the building is free, but parking costs extra. Its design draws on Icelandic natural forms, so it is worth seeing even if you are not attending a performance.

Hallgrímskirkja is close to downtown and Rainbow Street. Entry to the church is free, while the tower requires an additional fee. If the tower is open during your visit, the 360-degree city view is the useful reason to pay.

The Blue Lagoon is suggested as an optional final bath. It is not included, and you must book it yourself on the Blue Lagoon website. The stop takes about two hours including driving from Hallgrímskirkja, so only choose it if your departure schedule leaves enough time.

Finally, you return the camper to CampEasy and take the free shuttle to Keflavík Airport or your selected Keflavík hotel. The end-of-trip shuttle is a practical benefit, but confirm the timing carefully against your flight.

What the camper experience is like

The strongest part of this package is the balance between structure and independence. You have an expert-made route and booked activities, yet you are not sharing a coach or following a guide’s every movement.

CampEasy provides a quality camper, bedding, kitchen equipment, heating, Wi-Fi, and an Easy Guide tablet. The practical comments from customers give the most useful picture: vans were described as clean, comfortable, safe, and mechanically reliable, with heating strong enough for long overnight use.

Support also seems to be a real strength. Staff names connected with helpful service include Lidia, Natalia, Florentina, Nicole, and Kamila. One customer also appreciated weather updates and practical advice about Easter closures. That kind of information can matter when remote sites or holiday schedules affect the road.

The tradeoff is that a camper requires participation. You drive, manage your time, prepare some food, and deal with parking and campsite details. The route is private, but it is not effortless.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this tour if you want Iceland’s major southwest and south-coast sights without joining a large group. It suits couples, friends, and families who value privacy and are comfortable sharing a small camper.

It is also a good match for a first campervan trip because the vehicle handover, guide tablet, Wi-Fi, campsite fees, and booked activities provide useful structure. The positive accounts of heating, supplies, vehicle condition, and check-in make the package more reassuring for someone new to camper travel.

I would hesitate if you dislike driving, want leisurely hikes, or need a generous cushion for bad weather. Five days is short for this route, and the northern lights are part of the theme rather than a promised sighting. You should book for the scenery, ice, waterfalls, and freedom of the road, with any aurora appearance treated as a bonus.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Final verdict: good value for the right kind of driver

I recommend this tour if you want a planned Iceland route with the freedom of your own camper. The included Katla ice cave trip, Fontana visit, campsite fees, Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, equipment, and support help justify the price, especially when split between two people sharing the vehicle.

Before booking, add up fuel, meals, parking, optional admissions, campsite electricity, and personal accident insurance. If you can manage those costs and accept the busy schedule, this is a practical way to see a remarkable stretch of Iceland without giving up independence.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at CampEasy Iceland, Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík. A free shuttle is available from Keflavík International Airport or a selected hotel in the Keflavík area.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup is offered from Keflavík International Airport or one of 12 selectable hotels in the Keflavík area between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

How old must the driver be?

The minimum age for the driver is 20 years.

What driving documents are required?

The driver must show a valid international driving license that is valid for the vehicle and has been valid for at least 12 months at the time of pickup.

Are campsite fees included?

Yes, campsite fees are included. Electricity and the use of other campsite services are not included.

Are fuel and parking included?

Fuel and parking fees are not included. Parking charges apply at several stops, including Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell, and Harpa.

What activities are included in the price?

The Laugarvatn Fontana visit and the four-hour Katla ice cave excursion are included. Optional activities such as Fridheimar and the Blue Lagoon are not included and must be arranged separately.