6 Days Self -Drive Tour with Pick Up – Hot Springs Iceland – 4×4 Campervan

Iceland rewards the ready-to-roam. This six-day self-drive trip combines a 4×4 campervan, booked activities, campsite fees, and a tablet guide into one well-planned route from Keflavík through Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, Borgarfjörður, and Snæfellsnes. I especially like the mix of geothermal bathing and outdoor stops, plus the chance to ride Icelandic horses and explore two remarkable lava caves.

The biggest strengths are the carefully timed activities and the freedom of driving yourself. You are not tied to a tour bus, yet you do not have to build every reservation from scratch. The main consideration is the pace: six days cover a lot of ground, and fuel, food, parking, and several small entrance fees are extra.

Key points to know before booking

• A 4×4 campervan turns the route into your own private road trip, with campsite nights already arranged.
• Hot springs appear throughout the journey, including the Secret Lagoon, Krauma, and Sky Lagoon.
• Two lava-cave visits provide real variety, with Vatnshellir reached by spiral stairs and Víðgelmir explored with helmets and headlamps.
• The route includes booked horseback riding, a Secret Lagoon visit, cave tours, Perlan’s Aurora Show, Magic Ice, and Sky Lagoon.
• The Easy Guide tablet keeps the plan in the van, with navigation, activity details, camper information, and useful trip tools.
• The price is strongest for couples or small private groups who value convenience, but you still need to budget for fuel, meals, parking, and optional stops.

This is not a standard guided coach tour. You pick up the campervan near Keflavík International Airport, follow a prepared route, sleep at selected campsites, and handle the driving yourself.

That format gives you a useful middle ground. You get a schedule and paid bookings, but you also get the pleasure of pulling over at a waterfall, lighthouse, or black-sand shore without waiting for a group.

The price is listed at $1,451.81 per person. That sounds high until you account for the campervan, zero-risk coverage, campsite fees, airport transfer, Wi-Fi and gas extras, the tablet guide, and several major activities. Still, fuel, food, parking, electricity at campsites, flights, and optional attractions remain outside the price.

I would compare the cost with a rental car, hotels, restaurant meals, and separate activity bookings before deciding. For two people sharing the vehicle, the package can make practical sense. For a solo driver, the per-person price deserves closer scrutiny.

Keflavík to Reykjanes: an easy first day

Pickup begins with a complimentary shuttle from Keflavík International Airport or a hotel in Keflavík town to the CampEasy office at Selvík 5. The office is about five minutes from the airport, which keeps the first transfer simple after your flight.

The Viking World Museum is suggested as an optional first stop. Its full-size Viking ship, built in 2000 and sailed to New York to mark Leifur Eiríksson’s voyage, gives you a quick introduction to Iceland’s settlement-era story. Admission is not included, and the suggested visit takes about 90 minutes including driving time.

Next comes the Bridge Between Continents, where you can stand above the meeting zone of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is free and takes about 45 minutes, making it a gentle outdoor stop while you learn the basic rhythm of campervan travel.

Gunnuhver is more dramatic. Steam vents, hot mud pools, mineral-colored ground, and the Reykjanes lighthouse create an unmistakably Icelandic scene. Stay on marked paths and keep your distance from the hot ground. The visit takes about 40 minutes.

The day ends at Kleifarvatn, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland, at nearly 100 meters. The surrounding moss-covered lava gives the lake a spare, quiet setting. Allow about 70 minutes here, and remember that conditions can change quickly on the peninsula.

This opening day is well judged for a flight day, though your actual energy will depend on arrival time, vehicle handover, and how long you spend at the museum. Do not rush the handover. Use it to learn the camper’s heating, storage, and driving systems before heading out.

Horseback riding and the Golden Circle

Day two begins early at Hótel Eldhestar, near your campsite. The Heritage Tour starts at 9 a.m. and runs for about two hours and 15 minutes. It is designed for riders of all levels and gives you time with Icelandic horses in the countryside.

This is one of the most personal parts of the trip. Icelandic horses are a major part of the country’s culture and rural life, so the ride adds more than another scenic activity. The minimum age for some activities is seven, and some have a maximum weight of 120 kilograms, so check the rules for every participant before booking.

Kerið crater is only about 20 minutes away. The roughly 3,000-year-old volcanic crater has a vivid-colored rim and a lake inside. You pay a small admission fee to walk up to the crater, and that fee is not included.

Urriðafoss follows, with the Thjórsá River forcing powerful water through the falls. The stop takes about 45 minutes. An optional detour is Friðheimar, known for horse breeding, horse shows, and tomatoes grown with geothermal heat and biological pest controls. The suggested visit takes about an hour including driving, but neither admission nor any meal is included.

At 2 p.m., you reach the Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin. Built in 1891 near Litli Geysir, the pool is supplied by warm geothermal water while nearby eruptions provide a small natural show. The scheduled visit lasts about two hours and 15 minutes, so this is a proper rest rather than a quick photo stop.

Gullfoss then brings the day back to moving water. The falls drop 32 meters into a deep gorge, and spray can produce rainbows in the right light. Allow about an hour, then spend 30 minutes at Geysir, where Strokkur sends hot water up to 15 meters.

The timing is ambitious but workable. The horse ride and lagoon are fixed appointments, so keep an eye on the clock at the earlier stops. The campervan gives you control, but it does not remove the need to arrive at paid activities about 20 minutes early.

Thingvellir, Víðgelmir, and geothermal bathing

Day three starts at Thingvellir National Park, the final Golden Circle stop. It is important for both geology and Icelandic political history, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can walk among the visible effects of continental movement and see the area around the Öxará waterfall and Silfra fissure.

Entry to the park is free, but parking has a fee. The planned visit is about an hour, which lets you see the main area without turning the morning into a full hike.

At noon, the route heads toward Borgarfjörður for Víðgelmir. This 1,100-year-old lava formation lies beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field. A three-and-a-half-hour visit gives you time for the guided cave experience, including the underground formations, helmets, and lighting used inside.

The cave’s lava stalactites and stalagmites offer a sharp change from waterfalls and hot pools. It is also an activity that requires more attention than a roadside viewpoint. Some participants must meet age and weight requirements, so confirm those details before arrival.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are close together. Hraunfossar is made of many small streams flowing through the lava and vegetation, while Barnafoss pushes forcefully through a narrow lava opening. Plan for about 45 minutes at Hraunfossar and another 20 minutes at Barnafoss.

Reykholt adds a cultural pause. The medieval site is linked with Icelandic Sagas, giving the day a useful connection to the people who shaped Iceland’s early written culture. A 45-minute visit is enough for a short look.

Deildartunguhver is Europe’s largest hot spring, with water reaching about 97 degrees Celsius. You view the bubbling water from a safe distance and feel its heat. Do not treat it like a bathing pool.

The final stop is Krauma, a spa beside the hot spring. Its four pools use a constant flow of natural geothermal water, and the included two-hour visit is a comfortable finish after a long driving and walking day. This is a strong day for variety, though the cave booking makes it less flexible than the first day.

Snæfellsnes delivers the big views

Day four covers the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and it is the most packed section of the trip. Begin at Súgandisey Island Lighthouse in Stykkishólmur, a fishing village with a harbor road leading to the island. The walk up takes time, but the view is worth the two-hour allowance.

Grundarfoss offers a quieter waterfall stop, with about an hour to enjoy the setting. Kirkjufellsfoss is far more famous because the waterfall and Kirkjufell mountain form one of Iceland’s best-known photographs. The planned visit is only 20 minutes, so expect a quick viewpoint rather than a long walk.

At Svörtuloft Lighthouse, dark lava cliffs meet the Atlantic along a four-kilometer stretch. The orange lighthouse gives the scene a clear point of color, but exposed coastal areas can be windy. Allow 80 minutes and use care near cliff edges.

Djúpalónssandur is a black-pebble beach with old strength-testing stones once used to judge sailors. Rusty shipwreck remains and driftwood keep the place connected to its working past. The shore is not a swimming beach, and the surf deserves respect.

At 2 p.m., Vatnshellir provides the second lava-cave experience. This tube is about 8,000 years old and lies 32 meters below ground. You descend spiral stairs with a helmet and headlamp, and the one-hour visit offers a compact but memorable underground adventure.

Arnarstapi is a short stop for coastal rock formations, including the Gatklettur arch. Búðir church follows, one of Iceland’s three black churches and a favorite subject for photographers. You might also spot seals in the sea near the Búðir hotel, though sightings are not guaranteed.

The day ends at Gerðuberg, where basalt columns rise as high as 14 meters in geometric patterns. The total route is rewarding, but it leaves little spare time. If you prefer slow mornings and long walks, this is the day most likely to feel crowded.

Reykjavík’s museums, views, and two lagoons

Day five shifts from open country to the capital. Perlan sits above four water-storage tanks and includes the Aurora Show, scheduled for 11 a.m. The included visit lasts about two and a half hours, making it a useful introduction to northern lights science and Iceland’s natural forces.

Hallgrímskirkja is only a short drive away. Its design takes inspiration from Icelandic basalt columns, and the church itself is free to enter. The tower costs extra, but the view across Reykjavík and toward the mountains can justify the small fee if the weather cooperates.

Harpa Concert Hall is another quick city stop. Its architecture also draws from Icelandic natural forms. Entering the building is free when no paid event is involved, but parking costs extra.

At 4 p.m., Magic Ice Reykjavík supplies a playful change of mood. You enter a below-freezing ice museum and bar, view ice sculptures, and receive the included experience. The visit takes about 70 minutes, so dress for the cold even if the rest of your day is mild.

Sky Lagoon is booked for 6 p.m. and lasts about two hours and 15 minutes. Its seaside setting gives the geothermal pool a fine Reykjavík view, and it makes a fitting final evening activity. The schedule leaves time to walk around the city between Magic Ice and the lagoon, but keep the drive and check-in timing in mind.

A short farewell before the airport

Day six is light. Sun Voyager, Jón Gunnar Árnason’s sculpture by the sea, offers a quick final look at Reykjavík with mountains behind it. The planned time is 90 minutes, including the suggested visit.

If your flight schedule allows, FlyOver Iceland is an optional activity that shows Icelandic sights from a simulated bird’s-eye view. It is not included, and you arrange it directly. The suggested visit takes about 90 minutes including driving from Sun Voyager.

Grótta Island Lighthouse is a calm final stop with sea air and mountain views. Allow about an hour. The Blue Lagoon is another optional possibility before departure, but the suggested visit takes about two and a half hours including driving from Grótta, and admission must be arranged separately.

Return the campervan to the CampEasy office, where you can have hot drinks, look at souvenirs, and catch the shuttle to Keflavík Airport or a Keflavík hotel. Build in enough time for the vehicle return and airport transfer. A departure day is no place for a heroic last-minute detour.

Campervan comfort and trip support

The strongest practical feature is the Easy Guide tablet. It keeps the route, activity information, camper details, navigation, and other useful tools in one place. That matters when you are switching between driving, campsite planning, and timed bookings.

The package includes a quality campervan, zero-risk coverage, Wi-Fi and gas extras, campsite fees, an expert-prepared route, booked activities, and airport transfer. Electricity and other campsite services are extra, as are fuel, meals, parking, personal accident insurance, traffic fines, and optional attractions.

The vehicle’s heater deserves attention. A guest named Dawid received praise for the welcome and handoff, while another account specifically noted that the heater worked well. That detail matters in Iceland, where a warm van can change the whole mood of a wet evening.

CampEasy also allows some people to stay by the office the night before and after the rental, with coffee available. Travelers may leave useful leftover supplies there for the next group, though you should not rely on finding anything specific.

The private format is another major advantage. Only your group participates, so you can enjoy the route without a coach full of strangers. You still need to share driving duties sensibly, follow road rules, and take responsibility for weather and timing.

Who should book this Iceland road trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, or small private groups who want an active Iceland holiday without spending weeks arranging every reservation. It suits people who enjoy driving, changing scenery, hot pools, short walks, and a full schedule.

It is less suitable if you want a slow holiday based in one place, dislike driving a campervan, or prefer to make every decision spontaneously. The fixed horseback ride, cave tours, and spa appointments give structure, but they also limit your ability to linger.

The six-day route is best treated as a highlights trip, not a leisurely survey of every corner of Iceland. Pack for changing weather, budget for the extras, and keep the scheduled activity times visible on the tablet.

Should you book the six-day campervan experience?

Book it if you value freedom with a safety net. You get your own vehicle and private group, but the major activities, campsite fees, airport transfer, and route planning are already handled. The mix of hot springs, waterfalls, caves, city sights, horses, and coastal villages is unusually broad for six days.

Think twice if the $1,451.81 per-person price stretches your budget after fuel and meals. The package offers strong value for people who would otherwise pay separately for a campervan, campsites, spa visits, cave tours, and transport. It is a practical choice for an energetic first trip to Iceland, provided you accept the busy pace.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The experience starts at the CampEasy office at Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point, with shuttle service available to Keflavík International Airport or a hotel in Keflavík town.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. A complimentary shuttle is offered from Keflavík International Airport or hotel accommodation in Keflavík town to the CampEasy office, which is about five minutes from the airport.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the campervan, zero-risk coverage, listed extras such as gas and Wi-Fi, the Easy Guide tablet, the prepared route, booked activities, airport transfer, and campsite fees.

Are fuel and meals included?

No. Fuel, food, beverages, and restaurant costs are not included unless a restaurant is specifically included for an activity. Electricity and other campsite services are also extra.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the activity. You drive yourself rather than joining a shared coach tour.

What age must the driver be?

The minimum age for the driver participant is 20 years. Some individual activities also have minimum age rules, including a minimum age of seven for certain activities.

Are parking fees included?

No. Parking fees are not included. This applies to places such as Thingvellir National Park, where the park visit is free but parking requires payment.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.