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

Iceland by camper feels like freedom, but this trip keeps you from wandering in the wrong direction. You get a planned route with booked key stops, plus the small but life-saving convenience of airport or hotel pickup in the Keflavik area. Day by day, you’re pointed toward the biggest geological hits on the South Coast and Golden Circle, with time to stop and stare when the scenery does the talking.

Here’s the one catch to weigh up: several big-ticket-feeling moments are free to visit, but you should budget for parking fees and know that certain activities and upgrades are not included. If you like everything bundled and predictable, you’ll want to scan the extras list before you go.

Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Pickup in Keflavik between 8:00 and 17:00, plus a drop-off shuttle at the end of your trip
• Booked activities included: a rye bread geothermal cook-up and bath time at Laugarvatn Fontana, plus a Katla ice cave tour by super jeep
• Wi-Fi included so you can check routes, weather, and practical info while you drive
• Campsite fees included, but electricity and other campsite services are not
• Parking fees and some entrances are extra, including common stops like Þingvellir and Seljalandsfoss
• First-time camper friendly, and the support team gets strong praise for fast responses and clear prep info

Driving Your Own Iceland, With a Plan That Makes Sense

This is a self-drive campervan adventure, but it doesn’t throw you to the wolves. You still drive yourself, which is the whole point if you like changing plans on the fly. At the same time, you get a made itinerary, an easy guide tablet, and activities that are already booked. That mix is a sweet spot in Iceland, where one wrong turn can turn a fun day into a stressful one.

The pickup matters more than it sounds. You start near Keflavik, and the shuttle links you to the CampEasy office area so you’re not wasting time transferring between taxis and vans. On the back end, you drop the camper and get shuttled to Keflavik airport or a hotel. That keeps your last day from turning into a puzzle.

One more practical upside: your vehicle comes with Wi-Fi and built-in basics for camping. In the real world, that means you can plan drives, find the right turn, and still have enough connectivity to handle little questions fast.

Day 1 From Keflavik Airport: Reykjanes Stops You Can Do Without Stress

Day 1 starts at Keflavik International Airport or a selected hotel in Keflavik town, with a transfer to the CampEasy office about five minutes from the airport. This timing is smart. It gets you into the rhythm fast, without burning half a day just getting your bearings.

Keflavik to the First Big Wow, the Bridge Between Continents

Your first stop is the Bridge Between Continents near the Reykjanes peninsula. You’re standing where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. It’s one of those Iceland moments that’s both visually dramatic and intellectually fun, especially if you like the idea that the ground under you is moving.

What I like here is the pacing. This isn’t a crawl through a long list. It’s a clear first hit, then you keep going while the daylight is on your side.

Gunnuhver Hot Springs: Steam, Mud, and a Real Geothermal Feel

Next up: Gunnuhver Hot Springs. You’ll see steam vents and hot mud pools, shaped by minerals in the ground. The landscape looks otherworldly in the best way, and the Reykjanes lighthouse in the background helps the whole scene feel grounded in place rather than like a movie set.

A small consideration: this area is active and steam-heavy. Dress for cool, misty conditions even if the air looks calm.

Kleifarvatn Lake: A Quieter Contrast Before You Settle In

Then you reach Kleifarvatn, one of the peninsula’s largest lakes and among Iceland’s deepest, reaching close to 100 meters in depth. It’s fed by porous lava ground, and there are fish, particularly anglers. Visually, it’s a calmer stop than the hot springs, with lava textures and long-time moss growth showing how varied Reykjanes can be.

This day works because it mixes extremes: tectonics, geothermal chaos, then something simple and still.

Day 2 Golden Circle Power Moves, Including Rye Bread at Laugarvatn

Day 2 leans into the classics, but it’s still structured enough that you don’t waste your time figuring logistics. You hit Þingvellir National Park, Laugarvatn Fontana, Geysir, Gullfoss, then continue to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

This is an excellent day if you want Iceland highlights without hiring a private driver. It’s also a long day in the car, so plan to take short walks at each stop rather than trying to cram in extra side trips.

Þingvellir: Earth Splitting Plus Iceland’s Political Roots

At Þingvellir National Park, you see the continental drift shaping the crust at places like Silfra fissure and near the Öxará waterfall. It’s also tied to Iceland’s historical and political importance. The site visit itself is free, but you’ll have a parking fee that isn’t included.

Practical tip: bring shoes you can walk in confidently. Iceland’s ground can be uneven and slippery, even when it looks solid.

Laugarvatn Fontana: Rye Bread Cooked by Geothermal Heat

At Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, the highlight is a rye bread tour at 11:45 where the dough is cooked using geothermal heat. Then you soak in warm bath water with a panoramic view of the lake. Both parts are included, which is one of the best value moves in the whole plan.

There’s also a named optional recommendation, Fridheimar Restaurant and Farm, known for geothermal-run farming and tomato specialties. If you go, you need to book yourself by email or phone, and admission is not included. It’s the kind of stop that can turn a normal geothermal day into something memorable if you like food and farming.

Geysir and Strokkur: Short Wait, Big Reward

Then it’s Geysir. The star is Strokkur, which shoots a column of warm water up to around 15 meters. Visits here are short, and the payoff is big if you’re patient for the timing.

Gullfoss: A Waterfall That Doesn’t Need a Speech

Gullfoss caps the Golden Circle with a dramatic drop, about 32 meters, into a narrow gorge. It’s one of those sites where the sound hits you before you even fully see the view.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss: Walk-Behind Drama and Spray-Filled Power

You also stop at Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter waterfall where you can walk behind it. Entrance to the waterfall area is free, but parking is extra. Then you finish the day at Skógafoss, a major waterfall fed by melting glacier waters. Expect deafening sound, misty spray, and rainbows when light cooperates.

This is a strong combo: one stop for walking behind water, one stop for big waterfall energy.

Day 3 The South Coast Route: Black Sands, Katla, and Canyon Shapes

Day 3 is where the trip leans into Iceland’s famous South Coast vibe: black sand, basalt columns, cliffs, and dramatic canyon shapes. You start in Vík in Mýrdal, then go to Katla ice cave by super jeep, and continue through Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, Fjaðrárgljúfur, Systrafoss, and end near Skaftafell National Park.

Vík: A Convenient Base for Ice Cave Logistics

Vík in Mýrdal is a seaside village with glaciers and rivers nearby, plus a long stretch of black beach. It’s a useful starting point because it’s where the Katla ice cave tour departs.

Katla Ice Cave by Super Jeep: The Best-Priced Adventure-Style Add-On

The morning includes a 4-hour Katla Ice Cave exploration by super jeep, starting in Vík at 09:30. This is one of the tour’s included paid experiences, and it’s a big deal because it moves you beyond simple scenic stops.

This is also the part that can feel physically different from the rest of the day. You’ll be on a vehicle for a longer period, then walking and exploring within the ice cave environment.

Reynisfjara Beach: Basalt Columns and Coastal Legends

Next is Reynisfjara Beach and the cliff Reynisfjall. Basalt columns create a unique atmosphere, and you may see three basalt rock formations offshore. There’s also a well-known troll story tied to these features, which is more fun as folklore than anything scientific.

This is a stop where conditions matter. Stick to safe access areas and keep an eye on wind-driven spray.

Dyrhólaey: The Hole in the Rock and Bird Life

Then you reach Dyrhólaey, a rock formation about 120 meters high with a big hole in the middle. Ships used to sail through, and today it’s known for bird species.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A Curvy, Dramatic Detour

Fjaðrárgljúfur is next, a canyon with a sinuous shape and a cold river. You might spot sheep grazing here and there. There’s also a pop-culture fact attached to it, it was a production site for a Justin Bieber music video in 2015. I like that kind of detail because it turns a long drive into a story you can tell later.

Systrafoss and Stjórnarfoss: Short Hikes for Extra Views

After Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you can stop at Systrafoss for a short hike toward the top for wider views. There’s also an optional nearby stop for Stjórnarfoss, about five minutes further, if you want more waterfall time.

Skaftafell National Park and Svartifoss: Black Waterfall and Basalt Columns

You finish with Skaftafell National Park and its walking paths. One popular route leads to Svartifoss, known as the black waterfall due to dark basalt columns around it. The park has no admission fee, but parking is required and not included.

This day is packed, but it’s packed with variety, which is why it works.

Day 4 Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón: The Ice That Looks Like It’s From Space

Day 4 is one long “how is this real?” stretch. You go to Diamond Beach, then Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and end with a night base in Selfoss.

Diamond Beach: Ice Blocks That Glitter Like Gems

Diamond Beach is a black beach covered with blocks of ice from the glacier. They’re varied in size and shape, and in sunlight they glitter. It’s a strong visual contrast to the lava textures you saw earlier in the trip.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Icebergs on Their Way to the Sea

Then you reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs float from the Vatnajökull glacier before traveling onward to the sea. The lagoon formed roughly about 90 years ago when the Breiðamerkurjökull tongue started to melt.

This stop is great if you like waiting and watching. The icebergs move slowly enough that you can sit for a while without it feeling like time wasted.

Selfoss: A Proper Reset Before Reykjavik

You spend the night in Selfoss, about 50 km from Reykjavik. You get about 4 hours 30 minutes for rest, a restaurant meal, and getting ready for the final day.

This downtime is valuable. Iceland days can add up, and it helps to have at least one evening that isn’t a frantic checklist.

Day 5 Reykjavik Hits, Plus Camper Drop-Off Without the Panic

On Day 5 you head into Reykjavik for sea views, architecture, and big-city viewpoints, then you finish with the camper handover and a shuttle.

Sun Voyager: Hope and Freedom by the Water

You stop at Sun Voyager, a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. The artist intended a message of hope and freedom, and the statue sits by the sea with mountains in the background. It’s a short visit, but it’s a good tone-setter for the city portion of the trip.

Harpa: Architecture That Gets You Looking Up

At Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, you can visit the building, and entry for that building visit is free. A parking fee is extra if you drive. Even if you don’t catch a show, it’s worth seeing because the building design is inspired by Icelandic nature.

Hallgrímskirkja: Free Church Visit, Optional Tower View

Next is Hallgrímskirkja, near downtown and Rainbow Street. Entry to the church is free. If you want a 360-degree view, you can go to the top, but the tower admission is not included.

Blue Lagoon as an Optional Reset

If you still have time, Blue Lagoon is recommended as a relaxing stop before departure. It’s noted as one of 25 wonders of the world, but you must book admission yourself online. The tour info estimates about 2 hours including drive time from Hallgrímskirkja. Admission is not included.

CampEasy Drop-Off: Shuttle to Keflavik Airport or Your Hotel

Finally, you drop off the camper at CampEasy Iceland. A free shuttle takes you to Keflavik International Airport or your hotel in Keflavik. This matches your start setup and keeps the ending clean.

Campervan Comfort and Support: Where the Trip Really Earns Its Stars

The reviews consistently point to comfort and reliability. That matters, because a campervan tour lives or dies on heating, battery power, and whether the van feels cared for.

Based on firsthand feedback, the vehicles are maintained well, and people report no mechanical problems. One review specifically praised driving comfort even with snow and ice. That’s reassuring if you’re traveling in colder months.

Heating is another standout. People describe the system as doing the job for long stretches, including overnight. One reviewer noted strong performance even after 14 hours of nonstop heating. If you run cold easily, this is the kind of practical confirmation you want.

Setup and supplies also got positive attention, including bedding and kitchen equipment. And check-in and check-out were described as smooth, which is important because the last thing you want is paperwork stress when you’re standing in an Iceland wind.

Support staff names came up a lot, including Lidia, Natalia, Florentina, and Nicole. The consistent theme is fast replies and clear guidance. One reviewer also mentioned getting helpful emailed info for Easter timing, which is exactly the kind of heads-up that prevents you from driving to closed places.

Value and Extras: What the Price Covers, and What You Should Budget

The price is listed at $1,125.85 per person for about five days. For this kind of self-drive, the key is that a lot of the usual hassle gets handled: campsite fees, airport or hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, the easy guide tablet, and booked activities are all included.

At the same time, not everything is bundled. Here’s where costs often show up:

• Parking fees at several stops are not included, including Þingvellir and Seljalandsfoss, and you also need parking for places like Skaftafell National Park
• Tower access at Hallgrímskirkja costs extra, even though the church itself is free
• Harpa building visits are free, but parking is extra
• Fridheimar and other meal or farm time is your choice, and you arrange and pay admission yourself
• Blue Lagoon is optional, but you book it and pay admission yourself online

One small detail to flag for budget sanity: the included list mentions gas, while the not-included list says fuel. That might mean they provide gas for certain uses, but fuel for driving could be separate. Don’t guess. Check what you’re actually receiving and what you’ll pay at the pump.

If you plan for parking and optional paid entrances, the rest of the itinerary is largely built around free admission stops, which helps keep your daily spending steadier.

Northern Lights Adventure Name: How to Match Expectations to the Itinerary

This trip is branded as a Northern Lights Adventure, but the day-by-day plan is packed with daylight sightseeing and specific booked experiences. That doesn’t mean auroras are impossible, it means you should treat the sky as a variable.

Your best strategy is simple: be flexible, watch the forecast, and be ready for late-night chances when the skies cooperate. The route gives you multiple nights on the road and at campsites, which at least gives you opportunities to step outside when conditions look good.

If you’re booking specifically for guaranteed aurora viewing, you’ll likely be disappointed. If you’re happy chasing the possibility while enjoying some of Iceland’s best sights in the meantime, the format makes a lot of sense.

Who This Camper Break Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you:

• want privacy and independence but still like having a plan
• enjoy driving and want the flexibility of pulling over when something catches your eye
• like a “hits-first” route that covers Reykjanes, Golden Circle, and the South Coast
• are comfortable managing your own meals, even though one restaurant style experience (Fontana’s rye bread and bath time) is included
• are first-timers to campervans and want support that keeps things simple

It might be less ideal if you:

• hate driving in busy weather or prefer to be chauffeured the whole time
• don’t want any extra costs for parking and optional entrances
• want every activity fully bundled and paid in advance

Also note the essentials before you book: the driver needs to be at least 20 years old, and you must show a valid international driving license valid for the vehicle and for at least 12 months at pickup time. Most other travelers can participate, and some activities have a minimum age of 8 years, depending on the activity.

Should You Book This CampEasy Northern Lights Camper Break?

I’d say book it if your goal is a well-structured Iceland self-drive with real planning value: pickup, Wi-Fi, campsites fees, and the two big included activities that add adventure rather than just sightseeing. The route is packed, but it’s packed with stops that are easy to understand and hard to forget.

I’d hold off or ask more questions if you’re the type who wants zero added spending beyond the ticket price. Parking fees show up at multiple key locations, and options like tower access or Blue Lagoon are extra. Also, double-check the gas versus fuel details so you aren’t surprised at the fuel station.

If you’re ready for a driven adventure, and you want Iceland highlights without handholding the whole way, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is pickup included for this self-drive camper trip?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Keflavik International Airport or a selected hotel in Keflavik, and the shuttle runs between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. A free shuttle is also included at the end for either Keflavik airport or your chosen Keflavik-area hotel.

What is included in the price versus what costs extra?

Included items list quality camper van, zero-risk coverage, extras (gas, Wi-Fi, etc.), an easy guide tablet, expert itinerary, booked activities, airport transfer, and campsites fees. Parking fees and some admissions are not included, and fuel is listed as not included.

Which paid activities are included on the route?

Two activities are listed as included: the rye bread tour and bath time at Laugarvatn Fontana (including admission for that stop) and the Katla Ice Cave exploration by super jeep (about 4 hours), starting from Vík in Mýrdal at 09:30.

Do I need to pay for parking during the trip?

Yes, parking fees can apply at certain stops. The plan specifically notes parking fees not included at Þingvellir National Park, Seljalandsfoss, and at Skaftafell National Park.

What do I need to drive the camper van?

The driver must be at least 20 years old. At pickup, the driver must show a valid international driving license valid for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months at the time of pickup.

Where do I start and end during the tour?

The meeting point is Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. The experience ends back at the same meeting point, with the included shuttle taking you from there to Keflavik Airport or your selected Keflavik-area hotel.