7-Day Self-Drive Private Tour Northern Lights Adventure – Iceland South & West

Northern lights are only part of the magic. This seven-day self-drive campervan trip gives you a ready-made route through Iceland’s south and west, while leaving room to stop for a photograph, a short walk, or a roadside view. I especially like the included campsite fees and the Easy Guide tablet, which spare you much of the usual planning work. The main consideration is that you still drive, cook, pay for fuel, and manage changing Icelandic weather yourself.

I also like the mix of famous sights and hands-on activities. You get a lava cave, two geothermal spas, a super jeep ice cave trip, and the Icelandic Lava Show, not just a parade of waterfalls. It is a private experience for your own group, but the seven days are full, and some drives and activity times leave little room for a slow morning.

Six details that shape the experience

• A campervan, not a bus: You control the pace and can stop when the weather or scenery deserves extra time.
• Two paid geothermal baths included: Krauma and Laugarvatn Fontana give the route welcome comfort after long drives.
• A real blue ice cave trip: A super jeep carries you toward a naturally forming cave in Vatnajökull, followed by a hike.
• The Easy Guide tablet: Directions and trip information travel with you, replacing paper maps and reducing planning stress.
• Camping fees are covered: Overnight campsite costs are included, though electricity and other campsite services are extra.
• A strong south and west Iceland route: You see Snæfellsnes, the Golden Circle, the south coast, and Reykjanes in one week.

How the self-drive format works

The tour begins at CampEasy’s office at Selvík 5 in Keflavík, about five minutes from the international airport. A complimentary shuttle is available from Keflavík Airport or a hotel in Keflavík town. At the end, the same service can take you back to the airport or your Keflavík hotel if requested.

This arrangement is useful if your flight arrives late or leaves early. One customer arrived at 2 a.m. and used the self-service check-in, which had been arranged with tablet instructions. That option matters in Iceland, where arrival times often do not match ordinary office hours.

The campervan includes cooking equipment, bedding, a fridge, a small gas stove, a sink, Wi-Fi, gas, and other extras. The exact vehicle can vary, but the feedback about the vans is consistent: clean, new, comfortable, easy to drive, and well supplied. One important practical point is vehicle choice. A standard campervan is suitable for the main route, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is not needed unless you plan to use roads or routes that require it.

You must be at least 20 to drive, and you should have moderate physical fitness. Some activities have a minimum age of eight and a minimum height of 102 centimeters. The route is private for your group, so you do not share the van or daily schedule with strangers.

Day 1: Reykjavik icons and an easy start

After collecting the campervan, you can begin with Reykjavik’s waterfront and central sights. The Sun Voyager sculpture is a quick introduction to Iceland’s capital. Its message of hope and freedom fits the open sea and mountain setting behind it.

Harpa Concert Hall is close by, with a striking glass exterior inspired by Icelandic natural forms. Entry to the building itself is free, but parking costs extra. Hallgrímskirkja is near Rainbow Street, making it easy to pair the church with a walk through central Reykjavik.

The church is free to enter, but the tower costs about $9.20 for an adult and about $2 for children ages seven to 16. I would pay for the tower if the weather is clear, since the 360-degree city view gives you a quick sense of Reykjavik’s layout.

FlyOver Iceland is another suggested option, though it is not included. It takes about an hour and a half including the drive from Hallgrímskirkja, so it works only if your flight arrival leaves you with enough daylight and energy. Do not force it. Collecting a campervan, learning the controls, shopping for food, and reaching your first campsite can be enough for one day.

Day 2: Snæfellsnes brings lava, cliffs, and Kirkjufell

Day two covers the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with a series of stops that show how varied Iceland can be within a short distance. At Gerðuberg, tall basalt columns form a remarkably regular cliff. Their geometric shape is worth a close look, and the stop allows about 90 minutes.

Búðakirkja, the small black church at Búðir, is one of Iceland’s most photographed buildings. It is a simple place, but its dark walls against the open surroundings make it memorable. Seals are sometimes seen in the sea near the Búðir Hotel, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

At Arnarstapi, walk toward the Gatklettur rock arch, where the Atlantic has cut a hole through the cliff. The stop is short, so wear shoes suitable for uneven ground. The area rewards a little walking rather than a quick glance from the parking area.

The day’s most structured activity is the Vatnshellir Lava Cave at 2 p.m. You descend about 32 meters by spiral stairs into an 8,000-year-old lava tube. Helmets and headlamps are provided. This is not a casual stroll, so the age and height requirements matter, as does being comfortable underground.

Djúpalónssandur is a black pebble beach with old lifting stones once used to test sailors’ strength. The stones range from about 23 to 155 kilograms. Rusted remains from a shipwreck add a sobering reminder that this coast is beautiful but not gentle.

Saxhóll Crater gives you a lighter walk. Wooden steps lead toward the top of the roughly 100-meter crater, with views over lava fields and the sea. On a clear day, Reykjavik may appear on the horizon.

The final stop is Kirkjufellsfoss, the waterfall beside the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain. This is one of the most photographed views in Iceland, so expect the scene to feel familiar from photographs. The appeal is seeing the layered mountain, low waterfall, and surrounding water together, especially in changing weather.

Day 3: Fishing villages, waterfalls, and Krauma

Begin in Stykkishólmur, a fishing village with a harbor walk to Súgandisey Island and its lighthouse. The climb is short, and the view from the island gives you a fine look back over the harbor and surrounding water.

The route then turns inland to Hraunfossar, a wide series of rivulets flowing through vegetation along the riverbed. Allowing two and a half hours here gives you time to use the paths and see the water from different angles. Nearby Barnafoss is more forceful, with water pushing through a lava opening. It needs only about 20 minutes, but the contrast with Hraunfossar is the point.

Deildartunguhver is Europe’s largest hot spring, with water reaching about 97 degrees Celsius. You can see bubbles forming and feel the heat from a safe distance. Keep to the viewing areas. This is a place for respect, not a closer photograph.

Krauma, next to the hot spring, is one of the route’s most useful inclusions. Its four pools receive a constant flow of natural geothermal water, and the visit lasts about two hours. After a morning of driving and walking, a warm bath is not just a luxury. It makes the packed route easier to enjoy.

Day 4: The Golden Circle with two different baths

Þingvellir National Park combines geology and Icelandic history. The continental plates have pulled apart here, creating fissures such as Silfra, while the park also holds major political importance. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is free, but parking is not included.

At Laugarvatn Fontana, you soak in geothermal pools overlooking the lake. The two-and-a-half-hour visit is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., so you need to keep an eye on the clock. The bath is a good counterweight to the more active sightseeing around the Golden Circle.

Geysir is the next stop, though the active attraction is Strokkur, which can send hot water up to 15 meters. Fumaroles, mud pots, and steaming openings fill the area. Stay on marked paths, since this is live geothermal ground.

Gullfoss is a powerful two-level waterfall dropping 32 meters into a deep gorge. Spray can cover the viewpoints, and rainbows appear when sunlight reaches the water. Bring a waterproof layer, even if the sky looks friendly when you leave the van.

You can add Fríðheimar tomato farm and restaurant, but this requires your own reservation. The farm uses geothermal energy and biological pest control, and the restaurant serves tomato-based dishes. It adds food and farm context to the day, but the extra drive time and booking make it a choice rather than a spontaneous stop.

Kerið Crater requires a small entry payment of about $3. The crater’s colored sides and lake are especially attractive in clear weather, though the view is still worthwhile in winter. Seljalandsfoss, the 60-meter waterfall, lets you walk behind the falling water when conditions permit. Expect spray and slippery ground.

Skógafoss ends the day with a broad, thunderous waterfall fed by glacier meltwater. It is easy to approach, but the spray can be heavy. This is a long sightseeing day, and adding every optional stop may leave you tired by the final waterfall.

Day 5: Canyon, ice, and the best paid adventure

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon curves through the south coast with steep walls and a cold river below. The visit is planned for about two hours, giving you time to follow the viewpoints instead of rushing to a single photograph. The canyon appeared in a Justin Bieber music video, but its shape and setting are reason enough to visit.

At Diamond Beach, pieces of ice from the nearby glacier wash onto black sand. The blocks vary in size and sparkle in the light, giving the beach its name. The tide and weather change the scene, so you may see many pieces of ice or a quieter shore.

The main event is the half-day ice cave trip arranged with a local guide in the Vatnajökull area. A super jeep takes you into a glacial valley, followed by a hike to a naturally formed blue ice cave. Because the cave changes as summer melt reshapes it, the exact interior is different from season to season.

This is the most demanding activity of the week. You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and following the timing set by the guide. Arrive at paid activity meeting points 20 minutes early. The combination of a specialized vehicle, local guiding, and a natural ice cave gives this day strong value within the overall price.

Day 6: Sea cliffs, dangerous surf, and real lava

Dyrhólaey is a large rock formation with a hole through it, once an island and now connected to the coast. It is also home to many bird species. The viewing area gives you wide sea views, but wind can be fierce, so keep your footing and follow local warnings.

Reynisfjara is famous for its black sand, basalt columns, and three offshore rock formations. Local legend says the rocks are trolls caught by daylight. The more practical lesson is the powerful Atlantic surf. Stay well back from the water and never turn your back on the waves.

The Icelandic Lava Show in Vík is a welcome change from outdoor scenery. You watch real hot lava flow safely as part of a simulated volcanic eruption. The activity lasts about an hour and is included.

The Skógar Museum is an optional stop for Icelandic cultural history. Its collection includes about 15,000 artifacts across three museums and six buildings. It takes roughly 90 minutes including the drive from the Lava Show, so choose it if you want more than geology and scenery.

Day 7: Reykjanes and the return to Keflavík

Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and reaches nearly 100 meters at its deepest point. Lava ground and old moss surround the water, creating a quieter start to the final day.

Gunnuhver brings you back to geothermal activity, with steam vents, hot mud pools, mineral colors, and the Reykjanes lighthouse in the distance. At the Bridge Between Continents, you can stand at a marked point between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The Blue Lagoon is only a suggestion and is not included. It takes about two and a half hours including the drive from Kleifarvatn, so you need to reserve it separately and allow enough time before your flight. Do not assume you can simply turn up.

Return the campervan to CampEasy, where warm drinks and a final stop for souvenirs are available. The airport shuttle can then take you to Keflavík Airport or a local hotel.

What the $1,511.93 price really covers

At $1,511.93 per person, the price is easier to justify if you use the included activities and travel as a small private group. It covers the campervan, campsite fees, zero-risk coverage, Wi-Fi, gas, the Easy Guide tablet, the prepared route, airport transfer, Krauma, Fontana, Vatnshellir Lava Cave, the ice cave excursion, and the Lava Show.

That is a substantial package. You are paying for transportation, accommodation in campsites, route planning, and several major activities at once. The private format also means your group sets the rhythm, though the fixed activity times still shape each day.

Budget separately for fuel, food, flights, parking, electricity and extra campsite services, personal accident insurance, and optional activities. You also pay for Hallgrímskirkja tower access, Kerið, the Blue Lagoon, and Fríðheimar if you choose them. Parking fees appear at several major sights, so keep a small extra fund for them.

The main value comes from convenience without giving up independence. You do not spend weeks building a route or booking every campsite, yet you can still stop when you want.

Northern lights expectations and practical limits

The tour name promises a northern lights adventure, but the route does not include a dedicated northern lights hunt or a guarantee of sightings. The lights depend on darkness, solar activity, cloud cover, and luck. A campervan gives you the freedom to look from different places, but you should treat the aurora as a possible bonus rather than a scheduled activity.

Weather can affect driving, walks, and outdoor stops. The route is full, and changing conditions may force you to shorten a visit or skip an optional attraction. The Easy Guide tablet and responsive support are useful here. Several customers praised the company’s communication before and during the trip, and named staff members including Natalia, Nicole, Íris, Kamila, and Razvan for helpful service.

Who should book this campervan route?

I would choose this experience if you want independence but do not want to plan every road, campsite, and activity yourself. It suits couples, families meeting the activity age rules, and groups of friends who are comfortable sharing a compact vehicle and managing their own meals.

You should be ready for long driving days, changing weather, wet paths, cold conditions, and timed activities. It is not ideal if you want a relaxed resort holiday, a fully guided coach tour, or guaranteed northern lights.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book it if the thought of driving from lava fields to glaciers sounds better than sitting on a bus, and if you value having the hard planning done for you. The strongest reasons are the well-equipped campervan, included campsite fees, two geothermal baths, the ice cave trip, and helpful support.

Skip it if you dislike self-driving, want every cost included, or need a slow schedule. For the right group, this is a smart way to see a large portion of Iceland in one week, with enough structure to prevent planning headaches and enough freedom to make the journey your own.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at CampEasy, Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. A shuttle is available from Keflavík International Airport or a hotel in Keflavík town.

Is the campervan included in the price?

Yes. The package includes a quality campervan, zero-risk coverage, an Easy Guide tablet, Wi-Fi, gas, and other listed extras.

Are campsite fees included?

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

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is an additional cost, as are food, beverages, flights, parking fees, and traffic violation fines.

What activities are included?

Krauma, Laugarvatn Fontana, the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, the Vatnajökull ice cave trip, and the Icelandic Lava Show are included.

Can children join the tour?

Children may join, but some activities have a minimum age of eight and a minimum height of 102 centimeters. Check the requirements for each booked activity.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

No. The Blue Lagoon is only a suggested extra, and you must book and pay for it separately.