February 11, 2025
If you’re dreaming of waking up to panoramic mountain views, chasing the Northern Lights from your doorstep, or cooking dinner beside a secluded black sand beach, then van life might be the perfect option for you. Here are the top 10 reasons why renting a campervan is the best way to experience Iceland!
One of the biggest advantages of van life is having complete control over your itinerary. Unlike guided tours or hotel bookings, you’re not tied to rigid schedules.
✓ Want to stay longer at a breathtaking fjord? No problem.
✓ Spontaneously found a hidden hot spring? Take your time and enjoy.
✓ Chasing the perfect Northern Lights spot? Drive until you find the best location.
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and van life allows you to adapt on the go—whether that means escaping a storm or extending your stay in a place you love.
Iceland is known for being one of the most expensive countries in the world, especially when it comes to hotels and restaurants. Renting a campervan helps you cut costs significantly by combining transportation, accommodation, and even dining into one package.
Average costs in Iceland:
With a campervan:
✓ No need for hotel stays – You sleep in your van.
✓ Cook your own meals – Save big by avoiding expensive restaurants.
✓ One rental price covers transport + accommodation – A major budget win!
Imagine opening your van door in the morning to see a massive glacier, a thundering waterfall, or a peaceful fjord. That’s the beauty of van life in Iceland—you’re always surrounded by nature.
Some of the best places to wake up in Iceland:
✓ Kirkjufell Mountain from Grundarfjordur Campsite – The most photographed peak in Iceland.
✓ Nearby Vik’s Black Sand Beach in Vik Campsite – Waves crashing just steps away.
✓ Skogafoss Waterfall – Start your day with the sound of roaring water.
No need to rush through a location just because your hotel is miles away—your home is always right there with you.
While many tourists stick to the famous Golden Circle and South Coast, van life allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path locations that are harder to reach.
Hidden gems to explore in a campervan:
With a van, you can take your time discovering lesser-known waterfalls, geothermal pools, and coastal cliffs without worrying about check-out times or hotel distances.
One of the most magical experiences in Iceland is witnessing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, dancing across the sky. The best part? With a campervan, you can chase the best viewing spots and sleep right under the spectacle.
Best Northern Lights camping locations:
✓ Thingvellir National Park
✓ Skaftafell National Park
✹ Pro Tip: Use vedur.is to track aurora activity and drive to the best locations.
Hotels come with strict check-in and check-out times, which can limit your schedule. With van life, you wake up and start your adventure whenever you want—no waiting for housekeeping or rushing to leave before a deadline.
This means:
✓ No wasted time packing & unpacking every day.
✓ More time exploring and less time dealing with logistics.
✓ Flexibility to stay longer in places you love.
Iceland has over 200 designated campsites, many with stunning views, showers, electricity, and even natural hot springs!
Top-rated campsites in Iceland:
✓ Skaftafell Campground – Nestled at the foot of a glacier.
✓ Camping Myvatn – Near bubbling geothermal areas.
✓ Thingvellir Campground – In the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Camping is also eco-friendly, allowing you to travel responsibly while enjoying Iceland’s natural beauty.
Iceland is a road-tripper’s paradise, and van life lets you experience it the way it was meant to be explored. The Ring Road (Route 1) loops around the entire country, offering incredible stops every few miles.
Must-visit spots on the Ring Road:
✓ Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls
✓ Reynisfjara black sand beach
✓ Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
✓ Dettifoss – Europe’s most powerful waterfall
✓ Kirkjufell & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
With van life, you set your own pace and can take detours whenever something catches your eye.
Dining out in Iceland is very expensive, but with a campervan, you can cook your own meals while enjoying incredible landscapes.
Imagine this:
✹ Pro Tip: Stock up on groceries at Bonus or Kronan supermarkets to save money.
Van life in Iceland is more than just a way to travel—it’s a life-changing adventure. You’ll experience:
✓ The thrill of the open road
✓ The beauty of untouched nature
✓ The excitement of spontaneous exploration
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a group of friends on an epic road trip, this journey will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
If you love adventure, freedom, and waking up to some of the most stunning views on Earth, then van life in Iceland is 100% worth it. You’ll save money, avoid crowds, and have the ultimate flexibility to explore Iceland on your terms.
So, what are you waiting for? Rent your campervan and start your Icelandic adventure today!
Would you like help planning your custom van life itinerary? Let me know!
Iceland is a land of epic landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, vast glaciers, and steaming geothermal hot spots. With so much to see and experience, choosing the right way to travel can make or break your trip. While some travelers opt for guided tours or rental cars with hotel stays, van life offers the ultimate freedom, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Check our Ultimate Iceland Map!