The honeymoon we never had.
My husband and I got married back in 2019 when our oldest was just 18 months old. We were both working a lot and, honestly, the years that followed flew by.
We made time for local adventures when we could, enjoyed our slower pace and soaked up those early parenting years. Fast forward a few years later: we have three kids (ages 6, 3, and 2), and we’re deep in the thick of family life. Spending so much time together is amazing, but let’s be honest… we hadn’t had real “us” time in years.
So, we decided it was time. A parent getaway. After a lot of late-night research, we chose Iceland.
(This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through them. I only recommend products my family loves or would use ourselves!)
Why Iceland (and Why a Camper Van)
When we started planning, one thing was an immediate yes: we wanted a camper van. Flexibility is huge for us when it comes to travel. We like to wander, take detours, and not feel tied to a schedule. (That’s probably why we love road trips so much, even at home.)
We went in September, which turned out to be a perfect choice. Fewer crowds, crisp air, and still plenty of green.
What to Know Before You Go
Driving in Iceland
If you plan to drive the Ring Road, know that conditions can change fast. You’ll experience everything from smooth paved stretches to bumpy gravel roads. Speed limits are well marked and you’ll want to follow them. There are plenty of stories online about people receiving speeding tickets after their trip!
Camper Van Tips
- Double-check your insurance coverage for wind and gravel damage.
- Use apps like Park4Night or Google Maps to find overnight stops.
- Always respect signage about where you can and can’t camp.
Apps:
Essential apps include Færð & Veður (for weather & road conditions), My Aurora Forecast, SafeTravel (safety and emergencies), EasyPark (for parking), AllTrails.
Packing Essentials:
Waterproof gear, microfiber towels, lots of layers, backpacks, hiking boots (wear them on the plane to save space), and your camera gear. Iceland is a photographer’s dream!
Our Iceland Camper Van Itinerary
Day 1 in Iceland: Arrival & Reykjavik
We landed at Keflavik Airport, picked up our camper from Go Campers, and made our first grocery stop at Bónus. Everyone warns you about Iceland being expensive, but honestly, compared to Nova Scotia prices, it wasn’t that shocking.
Our first night was spent at Stokkseyri, where we were the only ones in the entire campground. It was a peaceful, quiet start to our adventure. We turned in early to catch up on sleep and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2 in Iceland: Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and More Waterfalls
We woke up to the sound of the ocean and made coffee with a view. Before heading out, we took a short walk to Þuríðarbúð Fisherman´s Hut, a spot I had to visit after reading the book Captain, Rebel, Woman. The book is all about Iceland’s most famous female sea captain (Captain Thurídur) who lived an extraordinary life of adventure and pushing boundaries.
Then the waterfall chase began:
- Gullfoss – beautiful but packed with tour buses.
- Hjálparfoss – peaceful and only a handful of other visitors.
- Háifoss – a total highlight. The drive took us through a gated pasture filled with friendly sheep. After seeing all of the people sitting at the main viewpoint, we decided to venture down to the bottom of the falls. The hike took longer than expected, but was absolutely worth it.
We finished the day at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and camped overnight at Skógafoss.
Day 3 in Iceland: Vík Adventures
We woke up early to climb to the top of Skógafoss before it got too busy. Then we visited Kvernufoss (another favorite of the trip). It’s tucked behind a small hill near the museum, and you can actually walk behind it. Magical!
It rained most of the day (typical Iceland weather), but that didn’t stop us. We drove to Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, admired Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and grabbed lunch in the van with an incredible ocean view.
We stopped at Skool Beans Café in Vík for coffee (10/10 recommend!) before turning around earlier than planned because of high wind warnings. Instead of continuing east, we made our way toward Þingvellir National Park, where we explored Öxarárfoss, Stekkjargjá and the Drekkingarhylur. We did some spontaneous research and found Þórufoss (Thorufoss) was fairly close by so we drove over to visit this Game of Thrones site.
We finished our day at Reykjavík Eco-Campsite.
Day 4 in Iceland: Reykjavík & Relaxing
We enjoyed a walk through the Grasagarður Botanical Garden from our campsite to go to breakfast Floran – Garden Café/Bistro for breakfast. Then we spent a few hours at the National Museum of Iceland. It was so nice to take our time and be able to read the history.
We were able to book a tour to Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel and I’m so glad we did! It was a truly a unique experience being inside this ancient, naturally-made tunnel.
We stayed at the same Reykjavík Eco-Campsite that night.
Day 5 in Iceland: Exploring Reykjavík
Breakfast at… the Icelandic Phallological Museum (yes, we had the infamous penis waffles). Because when in Iceland, right?
We wandered around Reykjavík, shopping and exploring:
- Bought the kids little puffin stuffies.
- Found Bókin Books – a secondhand bookstore where I picked up a beautiful, vintage Icelandic book (I love buying books in the native language wherever we travel).
- Strolled Rainbow Street and visited Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral.
That night we checked into Candlewood Suites Reykjavik, a perfect final stop before flying home.
Day 6: Goodbye, Iceland
We dropped off our camper, took their shuttle to the airport, and flew home. We landed tired, happy, and already talking about when we’d return.
Favorite Moments from the Road
- Cooking dinner with breathtaking views all around us.
- Watching sheep climb impossibly steep cliffs near Háifoss and Seljalandsfoss.
- Discovering hidden gems like Thorufoss, where we were completely alone.
- Getting back to our roots of those early dating days of camping, hiking, and exploring without a plan.
Even though I kept saying, “The kids would love this,” it felt so good to just be us again for a few days.
If You’re Planning Your Own Iceland Camper Van Trip
- Book your van early. We had a great experience with Go Campers.
- Keep your days flexible. The weather will change your route and that’s part of the fun.
- Explore beyond the Golden Circle. It’s popular for a reason, but there’s so much more to see if you wander a little further.
Here is our honest review and experience renting a van through Go Campers
Iceland Stole Our Hearts
Iceland reminded us why we fell in love with adventure in the first place. The freedom of seeing where the day takes us, the wonder of nature, and the thrill of stepping outside our comfort zone.
If you’re thinking about your own Iceland camper van trip, go for it! You won’t regret it!