9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Ring Road Tour – 4×4 Campervan

Iceland rewards the curious driver. This nine-day self-drive tour links waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, volcanic craters, whale watching, and hot springs while giving you a prepared route and your own 4×4 campervan. I like the freedom to stop when the view demands it, and I like that major activities such as glacier hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and whale watching are arranged in advance. The main catch is the pace: you cover a lot of ground, and costs such as fuel, parking, food, and optional admissions still need room in your budget.

The package costs $2,613.18 per person, which is a serious sum, but it includes far more than a basic van rental. Camper use, campsite fees, Wi-Fi, the navigation tablet, airport transfer, zero-risk coverage, and several paid activities are bundled together. Still, you need to be comfortable driving in changing weather, handling a compact living space, and starting early for some scheduled outings.

The most useful facts at a glance

• A full Ring Road circuit in nine days: You travel from Keflavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula around the south, east, north, and west of Iceland before ending in Reykjavík.
• Four major booked activities included: The package covers a one-hour horse ride, a glacier hike, a Jökulsárlón boat trip, whale watching, and Silfra snorkeling. That is actually five substantial activities, not counting the included campsite and vehicle services.
• A 4×4 campervan with practical extras: You receive Wi-Fi, a tablet with navigation and campsite information, cooking equipment, bedding, and the vehicle itself.
• The schedule is active and tightly timed: Several days combine long drives with hikes, boat trips, or water activities. Arrive at activity meeting points at least 20 minutes early.
• Fuel and parking need clarification: The summary says gas is included, but the detailed exclusions say fuel is not included. Ask CampEasy to confirm this before paying.
• Airport transfers are limited to Keflavík: Pickup and return service covers Keflavík International Airport and selected Keflavík-area hotels, not Reykjavík.

Day 1: Reykjanes gets the trip moving

Your first practical task is collecting the van at CampEasy’s office on Selvík 5 in Keflavík. The complimentary shuttle ride from Keflavík International Airport takes about five minutes. Pickup and drop-off are also available from selected Keflavík-area hotels, with stated shuttle times of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

The driver must be at least 20 and must present a valid international driving license suitable for the vehicle, held for at least 12 months at pickup. That requirement matters for younger drivers, so check it before booking rather than discovering it at the counter.

Once you have the van, the route heads across the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Bridge Between Continents is a quick, simple introduction to Iceland’s geology, letting you walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It is more symbolic than spectacular, but it gives the journey a clear sense of place.

At Gunnuhver, steam vents and hot mud pools hiss across mineral-colored ground. Keep to marked paths around geothermal sites, since the earth here is not a friendly place for careless wandering. The Reykjanes lighthouse adds a fine backdrop.

Kleifarvatn Lake closes the day with a quieter view. It is Iceland’s largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and reaches nearly 100 meters at its deepest point. The dark lava and old moss around the water make this a good first stop for slowing down after airport logistics.

Day 2: Waterfalls, black sand, and Icelandic horses

Day two is the classic south coast sampler, and it is busy. Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters and allows you to walk behind the falling water, although you should expect spray and wet footing. The waterfall itself is free, but parking has a fee.

Skógafoss is broader and more forceful. Water plunges from a 60-meter cliff, and on a sunny day the spray often produces strong rainbows. A short drive brings you to Kvernufoss, a worthwhile extra waterfall that gets less attention than its famous neighbor.

Dyrhólaey offers a high coastal viewpoint over the Atlantic, with a dramatic rock arch and bird habitat. Conditions can affect access, especially during nesting periods, so follow local signs and do not approach birds too closely.

At Reynisfjara, the basalt columns and offshore rock stacks create one of Iceland’s most memorable shores. The waves are powerful and unpredictable. Stay well back from the water, even when the beach appears calm. The setting is beautiful, but this is not a place for a casual paddle.

The included one-hour horse ride near Vík begins at 2:30 pm. This is a useful cultural addition to a day otherwise built around geology and scenery. Icelandic horses are a distinctive part of the country’s rural identity, and the activity gives you a change of pace before returning to the road.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon requires a detour but rewards it with winding cliffs and a cold river below. The site became widely known after appearing in a Justin Bieber music video, yet its appeal is older and simpler: steep rock walls, open sky, and a walking route with fine views.

The final stop is Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small village of about 500 people. Systrafoss waterfall is nearby, and a path climbs toward a broad view from the mountain. This is a long day, so keep an eye on daylight, campsite check-in, and your own energy.

Day 3: Glacier ice and the Diamond Beach

The morning begins with a three-hour-15-minute glacier hike near Skaftafell. You walk on Falljökull, an outlet of the Vatnajökull ice cap, with the activity beginning at 9:30 am. This is one of the tour’s strongest inclusions because a guided glacier outing is more complex to arrange independently.

You need good physical fitness for the trip as a whole. Several activities involve walking, cold conditions, or uneven ground, and the glacier hike is not a passive sightseeing stop. Follow the operator’s equipment and safety instructions closely.

Afterward, Skaftafell National Park offers walking paths, including the route to Svartifoss. The waterfall is framed by dark basalt columns, which give it a very different character from the south coast’s broad chutes. Park admission is free, but parking costs extra.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s great natural spectacles. Icebergs calve from Vatnajökull and drift across the lagoon before reaching the sea. The included amphibian boat trip begins at 4:30 pm and lasts about 35 minutes. You may taste ancient ice during the ride, and seals can sometimes be seen around the lagoon.

At Diamond Beach, chunks of ice rest on black sand after washing out from the lagoon. The contrast is striking, but the stop is weather-dependent in feel. Sunlight makes the ice sparkle; cloud and wind create a moodier, equally Icelandic scene.

Day 4: The slower rhythm of the Eastfjords

The route turns east, where the pace becomes less crowded and more local. Djúpivogur’s harbor contains the Eggs of Merry Bay, 34 granite sculptures representing bird species found in Iceland. It is a free and easy stop, good for stretching your legs.

Petra’s Stone Collection is offered as an optional recommendation, not an included admission. The collection grew from Petra Sveinsdóttir’s lifelong interest in Icelandic minerals and occupies her former home. Allow about 90 minutes including the drive if you choose it, and budget for the entry fee.

Hallormsstaður is Iceland’s most significant forest, an unusual sight in a country better known for open volcanic terrain. Walking paths pass through various tree species, and wild reindeer may appear in early spring. The forest costs nothing to enter.

Nearby Skriðuklaustur is another optional stop. The farmstead and ruins connect the area to Iceland’s past, but admission is not included. You will need to decide if the extra time fits your driving schedule.

Seyðisfjörður is the day’s visual reward. Colorful houses sit between Mt. Bjólfur and Strandartindur, and the village hosts the LungA Arts Festival in mid-July. Three hours here gives you time to walk rather than simply take a photograph from the van window.

Day 5: Volcanic Mývatn and an evening soak

Rjúkandi Waterfall begins the day outside Egilsstaðir. The drive toward Mývatn has a stark, almost lunar quality, with volcanic ground and wide-open views.

At Viti Crater and Krafla, you can walk around a crater filled with green water. Nearby Námaskarð adds steaming ground and mineral colors, but geothermal areas require care. Stay on the paths and respect barriers.

Grjótagjá Cave is a small volcanic cave with a hot spring that is too hot for bathing. It is worth visiting for its enclosed, otherworldly setting, not for getting into the water.

Dimmuborgir is a large lava field filled with arches and caves formed about 2,300 years ago. Several walking paths let you see the formations at close range. Wear sensible footwear, since the ground can be uneven.

The day finishes at Mývatn Nature Baths at 7:00 pm. Your two-and-a-half-hour visit includes warm outdoor water, a sauna, a steam room, and a hot waterfall. After a long day in the van, this is exactly the kind of practical luxury that helps the schedule feel manageable.

Day 6: Dettifoss, whales, and Akureyri

Start early for Dettifoss, a 100-meter-wide waterfall that drops 45 meters. The volume and force are the attraction, and you may feel the ground tremble near the viewpoint. Road and weather conditions can affect the timing, so do not treat the morning schedule casually.

Ásbyrgi is shaped like a giant horseshoe and was formed by glacial flooding thousands of years ago. Unlike the stark volcanic stops, it contains woodland and a small lake. Walking paths lead through the canyon, whose cliffs rise roughly 100 meters.

Húsavík brings a three-hour whale-watching trip at 1:15 pm. This is a fixed appointment, so plan your morning around reaching the harbor. Whales are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the boat outing adds a genuine sea experience to an otherwise land-focused tour. Dolphins may also appear.

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, is smaller than Dettifoss but easier to view and tied to Iceland’s conversion to Christianity around the year 1000. Its 12-meter drop and 30-meter width make it a fitting stop on the way to Akureyri.

Akureyri has a church, botanical garden, swimming pool, and a Christmas house open year-round. The pool and museum-style attractions cost extra. Two and a half hours is enough for a taste of town, but not enough for every optional stop.

Day 7: Turf church, virtual history, and Þingvellir

Grafarkirkja is Iceland’s oldest turf church, a tiny and photogenic building with a quiet rural setting. Treat it as a short atmospheric stop rather than a major attraction.

Hofsós swimming pool is an optional recommendation and requires extra time and admission. The fjord view from the pool is the reason to go, but the schedule already has a fixed 11:00 am appointment at 1238: The Battle of Iceland.

This museum uses virtual reality to present the Battle of Örlygsstaðir, a conflict that helped end Iceland’s independence. It offers a more active way to encounter the country’s past, especially if you prefer an experience to display cases.

Grábrók Crater is accessible to the top by foot. Give yourself time for the climb and the views, then consider Glanni Waterfall a short drive away if your energy and daylight allow.

Þingvellir National Park combines geology and politics. Continental movement shaped the fissures, including Silfra, while the area also carries major importance in Icelandic government history. Entry is free, but parking is not.

Day 8: Silfra snorkeling and the Golden Circle

The final major activity starts at 9:00 am with snorkeling in Silfra Fissure. The activity is suitable from age 14 and has stated physical limits: minimum weight 45 kilograms, maximum 120 kilograms, minimum height 145 centimeters, and maximum 200 centimeters.

Arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes early. You do not want a late start to disrupt the rest of the day, especially since the route continues through the Golden Circle.

Geysir’s active geyser, Strokkur, shoots hot water up to about 15 meters. Eruptions are frequent enough to keep the stop lively without requiring a long visit. Gullfoss follows with a powerful two-tier drop into a narrow gorge, though the listed visit is only 30 minutes.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs requires a 45-minute walk each way to reach the warm river. With four hours allowed, you have time for the hike and a soak. Bring swimwear, and remember that the walk is part of the attraction, not merely a route to the water.

Day 9: Reykjavík before the airport

The final morning covers Reykjavík’s essential sights. The Sun Voyager sculpture sits beside the sea with mountains behind it, making it a quick but worthwhile farewell stop.

Harpa Concert Hall is free to enter, though parking costs extra. Hallgrímskirkja is also free to enter, while the tower viewpoint requires a separate fee. The church sits near Rainbow Street and gives you a central starting point for a short city walk.

If your flight schedule allows, Perlan offers exhibitions and an Aurora Show inside a building built over Reykjavík’s water tanks. Admission is not included, so decide if the museum fits your remaining time and budget.

Return the van to CampEasy, where warm drinks and souvenirs are available before the shuttle takes you to Keflavík Airport or a selected Keflavík-area hotel. Do not assume the transfer continues to Reykjavík. It does not.

What the campervan setup is really like

The van is intended to make basic living easy, not luxurious. Equipment includes bedding, cooking gear, storage, Wi-Fi, and a tablet with GPS, campsite information, parking reminders, and local rules.

That tablet may be the most useful item after the vehicle itself. It can help you avoid missed parking payments and find campsites without constantly sorting through separate apps. Wi-Fi throughout the trip is another strong practical benefit.

The 4×4 campervan option gives you more confidence on Iceland’s changing roads, but it does not cancel bad weather, icy surfaces, or road closures. One long-term rental required a vehicle replacement after a timing belt failure, and the company supplied an upgraded van after a short wait. That is a reassuring response, though any breakdown can still disrupt a carefully timed day.

Cold-weather comfort deserves attention. One campervan had a back door that let out heat, and the heating unit under the bed was not especially efficient. The company uses all-season all-terrain tires rather than studded tires, so ask about current road conditions and tire setup if you plan a winter trip.

Value, extra costs, and who should book

At $2,613.18 per person, this is not a cheap holiday. It becomes more defensible when you count the van, campsite fees, Wi-Fi, tablet, airport transfer, coverage, glacier hike, boat tour, horse ride, whale watching, and Silfra snorkeling.

The detailed pricing information creates one important contradiction: the headline benefits say gas is included, while the exclusions say fuel is not included. Get written clarification before booking and budget for fuel unless CampEasy confirms otherwise.

You also pay separately for parking, food, drinks, campsite electricity and other campsite services, optional activities, traffic fines, and admissions such as Perlan, the Hallgrímskirkja tower, Petra’s collection, and the Akureyri swimming pool.

I would recommend this for an independent person or small private group that wants structure without a bus tour. It suits strong walkers who enjoy early starts and do not mind cooking in a van. It is less suitable if you want leisurely days, hotel comfort, or a holiday with little driving.

The private format is valuable because only your group participates, while group discounts may improve the price for larger parties. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes made inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book this Ring Road tour?

Book it if you want to see nearly every major region of Iceland while keeping control of your days. The best parts are the excellent activity mix, useful tablet, responsive support system, and the freedom to sleep near the route instead of returning to one base.

Think twice if your idea of relaxation excludes long drives, changing weather, shared van cooking, or strict activity times. Before paying, confirm fuel coverage, winter tire details, the exact camper model, and the airport transfer limits. With those points clear, this is a strong value-focused way to experience Iceland, especially for an active solo driver or a small group that wants both independence and a safety net.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately nine days.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the CampEasy office at Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. CampEasy offers complimentary shuttle pickup from Keflavík International Airport or selected hotels in the Keflavík area.

Can I get a shuttle to Reykjavík?

No. The included shuttle service covers Keflavík International Airport and selected Keflavík-area hotels, not Reykjavík.

What is the minimum age for the driver?

The driver must be at least 20 years old.

What documents must the driver show?

The driver must show a valid international driving license suitable for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months at pickup.

Are campsite fees included?

Yes, campsite fees are included. Electricity and other campsite services are excluded.

Is fuel included?

The information provided is inconsistent. The benefits list gas as included, while the exclusions list fuel as not included. Confirm this directly with CampEasy before booking.

Are the paid activities included?

The package includes the horse ride, glacier hike, Jökulsárlón boat trip, whale-watching tour, and Silfra snorkeling. Optional activities and suggested admissions are not included.

Are there age or size limits for the activities?

Some activities require participants to be at least 14 years old. Silfra snorkeling lists limits of 45 to 120 kilograms and 145 to 200 centimeters in height.

Are parking fees included?

No. Parking fees at places such as Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell, Þingvellir, Harpa, and Hallgrímskirkja are not included.