Let’s just get right to it. There are certain things that should be on everyone’s bucket list. If a campervan road trip through Iceland isn’t on yours, get that list out right now and jot this one down. There are plenty of reasons to take a spin around Iceland’s Ring Road in a campervan, and we’ll cover some of them here. There are a lot of excellent campervan rental companies to choose from in Iceland. I’m sure that after reading this article you’ll be ready to book your camper, plan your route, and hit the road.
#1 Lots of Fun Memories to Last a Lifetime
Going on a family road trip is a rite of passage for any young person. It’s even more fun once you’re an adult and traveling with friends or your significant other. Iceland is a unique place with so many unusual things to see and do. You definitely want to experience it with those you are closest to. Imagine the memories you’ll make hiking Skaftafell glacier in Vatnajökull National Park or getting your faces sprayed by the mist at the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most beautiful. You can even bond over some of our more interesting culinary creations. Boiled sheep’s head anyone? What about fermented shark? No? Fine, stick with the roasted Icelandic lamb with herbs and warming, fish stew if you must.
#2 Freedom and Flexibility
One of the best things about traveling via campervan (and traveling through Iceland in general) is the incredible sense of freedom you have while behind the wheel. The country’s stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty will leave you with a sense of awe. Much of the country is uninhabited. As a result, you’ll often encounter nothing but stretches of open road before you. And you’re free to roam wherever you want for however long you wish. Within reason of course; stay on designated roads and respect other people’s property. Traveling in Iceland by campervan gives you the freedom to drive for as much or as little as you like. Campsites don’t require a reservation, so you just show up. You can spend as much time as you want exploring your destination and you don’t have to stick to a set schedule in order to arrive at your hotel for the night.
Additionally, weather in Iceland is extremely unpredictable. You need to be able to pull over at any time as well as pack up and leave at any time. This is exponentially easier when you have a campervan and you’re already carrying all of your stuff with you. And besides, who wants to set up or take down their tent in the rain? I know I certainly don’t, and I assume you don’t either.
Just one note about camping anywhere in Iceland. While the majority of people stick to campsites, some wish to have a little more adventure. I fully support that. Just make sure you always get the permission of the landowner before setting up shop for the night on their land. This option is usually for tent camping as tents are less intrusive than campervans.
#3 The Price is Right
I’ll just come right out and say it. Iceland is expensive. There’s no need to coddle you or protect you from this information. The truth of the matter is, if you’re coming to Iceland then you will need to have your pennies saved. Traveling by camper van is an affordable way to see Iceland. Anyone who comes here needs to rent a vehicle. If you decide to rent a car, you will also have to pay for pricey hotels on top of the cost of your car rental. With a campervan, you’re driving around with your sleeping arrangements. So while the daily price of the camper is slightly higher than the daily rate of a car, at the end of the day what you’re not paying and hotel fees offset the cost by a mile. Why spend all your cash on expensive hotels when a campervan serves both purposes?
#4 Meals on Wheels
On a related note to saving money, many campervans also have the added benefit of having a kitchen built in. Even fast food in Iceland is expensive, so why not cook up some high-quality, gourmet meals in your little campervan kitchen? Going to an Icelandic supermarket like Bónus and stocking up can be a great way to save money in Iceland. Not only that, but you take your kitchen with you wherever you go when you have a campervan. This will save you both time and money on your travels. Just pull into the campsite, start working your culinary magic, and boom, you’ve got dinner on the cheap. Traveling through Iceland via campervan is ideal for budget travelers.
Top 4 Reasons to Do an Iceland Campervan Road Trip
To be perfectly honest, a lot of these are also valid reasons to do a motorhome camping trip in Iceland. If that’s more your speed, then by all means, go ahead. Motorhomes are a bit more luxurious then campervans, so I get it. It’s nice to have motorhome amenities like a bathroom or a shower or even an oven. But they’re more expensive than campervans, which is why I recommend the smaller, cheaper vehicle for your ultimate Iceland road trip. Whichever one you choose, it will definitely be the trip of a lifetime.
One of the great things about traveling around Iceland in a campervan is that you don’t need to plan your trip as much as you would if you were staying in a hotel. Just follow where the weather and the good times take you. You’ll see things that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth and that you won’t soon forget.
