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

Iceland by campervan turns the trip into your schedule, not the bus timetable. This 5-day self-drive plan pairs that freedom with pickup at Keflavík and a tightly built route of geothermal, waterfall, and glacier highlights.

I really like the way this adds comfort and direction at the start: you get a quality campervan, a pre-made itinerary, and an easy guide tablet so you are not guessing all day. I also like that several big ticket activities are already booked, including the Katla ice cave day, so you can spend your energy on the driving and the views.

One thing to watch, though: not everything is included. Parking fees and some entrances are marked as not included, and you will need the right driving documents before you pick up the van.

Key Things That Make This Tour Work

• Hotel or airport pickup included in the Keflavík area, with both pickup and drop-off by shuttle
• Booked activities on the route, including a Katla Ice Cave super jeep tour and Golden Circle core stops
• Complimentary Wi-Fi plus an easy guide tablet for route support
• Campsites fees included, but electricity and other campsite services are not
• Many stops are free, yet parking fees show up repeatedly, so budget for them

Price and What You Actually Get for $1,125.85

At $1,125.85 per person, this is not a budget DIY trip. But it is also not just a generic rental. You are paying for the “glue” that can make or break an Iceland campervan plan.

Here is what the money seems to cover, based on what is included:

• A quality campervan plus zero-risk coverage
• Extras like Wi-Fi and gas (the listing says gas is included, while fuel is listed as not included, so double-check what is covered when you book)
• An easy guide tablet and an expert-built itinerary
• Booked activities along the way
• Airport transfer plus campsite fees

Where you should expect extra costs:

• Parking fees are repeatedly noted as not included for multiple stops
• Electricity and other campsite services are excluded
• Fuel is listed as not included
• Entrance fees for some optional or timed activities are not included

So the value question comes down to this: you get a planned, activity-loaded route with most logistics handled, but you still pay the real-world extras of driving in Iceland, especially parking. If you want the “organized chaos” level of help without giving up the private road time, this lands in a good spot.

Campervan Comfort, Heating, and Real-World Support

This experience lives and dies by the campervan. You are sleeping, cooking, and getting ready in it, so comfort matters.

What stands out from customer feedback about CampEasy (the operator behind this trip) is how the vans are described as clean, comfortable, and dependable. People also call out practical confidence points like:

• No mechanical issues reported
• Strong heating performance during cold conditions
• Batteries that hold up well enough even when heating is running for long stretches
• A smooth check-in and handover process

Support also shows up in the reviews in a specific way. Handover staff are mentioned by name, including Lidia, plus follow-up help from people like Natalia and Florentina. That matters on a first campervan trip, because the first day is when you most want clear answers: where to park, how to run systems, how to handle weather, and what time to be at paid activity points.

Practical tip for you: the tour notes recommend you reach paid activity meeting points about 20 minutes early. In Iceland, that extra buffer saves stress when roads, light, and weather are moving targets.

Day 1: Keflavík Airport Transfer, Reykjanes Bridge, and Gunnuhver Steam

Day 1 is built for an easy start. Instead of wrestling with buses and timing, you get a shuttle transfer from Keflavík International Airport or a selected hotel in the Keflavík area to the CampEasy office, just about 5 minutes from the airport.

Then you head into the Reykjanes Peninsula, where volcanic energy is not theoretical. It is right in front of you.

Stop: Bridge Between Continents (Leif the Lucky or Miðlína)

You get a moment that is both scenic and educational: standing between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It is short, but it gives you a sense of Iceland’s geology early, before the trip turns into a full-on waterfall and glacier marathon.

Stop: Gunnuhver Hot Springs

This is geothermal chaos in the best way. You see steam vents and hot mud pools with mineral-colored surfaces. If you like places that feel otherworldly without needing a special ticket, this is a strong opener.

Stop: Kleifarvatn Lake

You have time at Kleifarvatn, described as one of the peninsula’s largest lakes and among Iceland’s deeper lakes. The lake water comes from porous lava ground, and the area is covered with old moss in places. This stop is more about stillness and texture than crowds.

What to consider on Day 1:

• Parking and access rules can vary across Reykjanes stops, and parking fees are not included where noted. Factor that into your day so you do not feel surprised at the pay booth.

Day 2: Golden Circle Core Stops Plus Laugarvatn Rye Bread and Fontana Baths

Day 2 is a “big hits” day. You are doing Golden Circle highlights plus a geothermal experience that feels more like a local routine than a tourist checklist.

Stop: Þingvellir National Park (Golden Circle)

Þingvellir is where continental drift is visible in the real world, and it is also tied to Iceland’s political history. The visit itself is free, but you should plan for a parking fee that is not included.

Stop: Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, plus the Rye Bread Tour

This is one of the most “different from the usual” parts of the day. You get a rye bread tour at 11:45 AM, where the dough is cooked using geothermal heat. Then you soak in warm water at Fontana Baths with panoramic views of the lake.

There is also a restaurant and farm recommendation in the area: Fridheimar. It is known for horse-related activities and a tomato operation using geothermal energy. It is only a recommendation, and the admission fee is not included. If you want it, you need to book yourself by email or phone.

The practical value here:

• This is not just seeing water and rocks.
• You are eating something cooked by the same forces that shape the region.
• You get a relaxing soak to reset before waterfalls.

Golden Circle Finish: Geysir and Gullfoss

At Geysir, you watch Strokkur shoot warm water up to around 15 meters. Then you go to Gullfoss, dropping dramatically into a narrow gorge.

South Side Add-ons: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

The waterfall chain continues:

• Seljalandsfoss is famous because you can walk behind it. Entry to the waterfall area is free, but parking is not included.
• Skógafoss is fed by glacier melt and is loud and wet in the best way. Expect spray and even rainbows when conditions line up.

What to consider on Day 2:

• Several stops are free, but parking fees show up again (Þingvellir and Seljalandsfoss specifically mention this). If you hate surprise add-ons, set aside extra cash from the start.

Day 3: Vik, Katla Ice Cave by Super Jeep, and the Black-Sand South Coast

Day 3 turns more rugged and dramatic. You are driving along Iceland’s south coast, hitting a mix of seaside wonder and volcanic geology.

Stop: Vík in Mýrdal

Vík is a charming base town on the south coast. It sits between glacier country and rivers, with a long stretch of black beach. It is a good place to gather yourself before the Katla ice cave adventure.

Stop: Katla Ice Cave (4 hours, Super Jeep, included)

This is a major highlight. You go on a 4-hour ice cave exploration by super jeep, starting in Vík in Mýrdal at 09:30 AM. The pairing of lava and ice is the point, and it tends to feel like stepping into a science documentary you can touch.

Because this is the kind of activity where timing matters, do not treat it like an optional stop. Be ready for an early start and follow the meeting point guidance closely.

Stop: Reynisfjara Beach and Reynisfjall

Reynisfjara is the well-known black sand beach, with basalt columns and a cliff named Reynisfjall. The basalt formations and rock stacks out near the Atlantic are the star. There is also a local troll story tied to the formations, but what you really notice is the wind and the dramatic rock geometry.

Stop: Dyrhólaey (Doorhill Island)

Here you get a promenade and a viewpoint on a rock formation with a big hole in the middle. It is also a bird area, so you might see life moving around the cliffs depending on the season.

Stop: Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon

This canyon is described with a sinuous shape and a cold river cutting through grass. One fun note: it has been used as a filming location in popular culture. Even if you do not care about that, it is still a strong scenic detour.

Stop: Systrafoss, and the nearby Stjórnarfoss option

You stop near Kirkjubæjarklaustur for Systrafoss, with a hike option to get a better view. There is also a short further drive to another waterfall, Stjórnarfoss, if you have the energy.

Stop: Skaftafell National Park (includes walking paths, not included parking)

Skaftafell is a good place for walking breaks. One path leads to Svartifoss, known for its dark basalt columns. The park itself has no admission fee, but parking fees apply.

What to consider on Day 3:

• This is the longest stretch of driving and sightseeing, and it includes one of the most time-specific activities (the ice cave).
• Parking fees can pop up again, so build a small buffer into your budget.

Day 4: Diamond Beach Ice Blocks and Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Day 4 is all about ice in a way that feels almost unreal, especially if you have mostly been seeing steam, waterfalls, and rock up to now.

Stop: Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is a black beach scattered with ice blocks that have broken off from a glacier. In sunlight, they glitter like diamonds, which is exactly the kind of visual Iceland does well.

Stop: Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

At Jokulsárlón, you see icebergs floating after they break free from Vatnajökull and float before reaching the sea. The lagoon is relatively recent in geological terms, and the whole area feels like a moving museum exhibit.

These two stops are complementary:

• Diamond Beach is about the shore and the sparkle.
• Jokulsárlón is about scale and drifting ice.

Stop: Selfoss (overnight base)

The day ends with a drive to Selfoss, where you spend the night. You get time to rest, eat, and set yourself up for Reykjavik the next day.

What to consider on Day 4:

• This is a physically long, emotionally intense day. If you like photos, you will want extra time at the edges where light hits the ice. If you do not, still plan on time for just watching.

Day 5: Reykjavík’s Sea Sculpture, Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and Blue Lagoon as an Optional Reset

Day 5 is a city day with a few icons, then a clean wrap-up.

Stop: Sun Voyager

This sea-facing sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason is placed by the water with mountains in the background. It is short but satisfying, especially if you like modern art with a sense of wind and space.

Stop: Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa’s architecture, inspired by Icelandic nature, is the point here. Entry to visit the building is free, but parking is not included. This is a good “walk around and look up” stop.

Stop: Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is a big Reykjavik landmark. The church entrance is free, but if you want the 360-degree view from the top, there is an additional ticket fee not included.

Optional: Blue Lagoon

If you still want time for relaxation, Blue Lagoon is suggested. It is not included, and you must book admission yourself on their site. The practical value is obvious: after five days of driving and cold air, a soak can reset you before your flight.

Campervan drop-off

After the last stops, you drop off the campervan at CampEasy Iceland. A free shuttle takes you either to Keflavík airport or to your Keflavík hotel within the selected area.

Who This 5-Day Camper Plan Suits Best

This is a good match if you:

• Want a private trip without joining a mixed bus group
• Love driving and want control over photo stops and breaks
• Like that big activities are booked, not something you have to coordinate while you are road-tired
• Are comfortable paying for the common Iceland extras like parking and some entrances

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate planning at all, especially when parking and optional paid sites come up often
• Do not want to handle driving requirements, since the driver needs a valid international driving license valid for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months
• Are traveling with someone under the driver minimum age, because the listed driver age requirement is 20

Should You Book This Tour?

If you want the freedom of a self-drive itinerary but still want the structure of booked highlights and a smooth start, this is a strong option. The best part is the blend: you get a route with real anchor points, including Golden Circle classics, the south coast’s dramatic stops, and a serious activity day with the Katla Ice Cave.

Book it if you will appreciate:

• Pickup and drop-off convenience at Keflavík
• A comfortable camper setup with strong heating and good vehicle condition, as reflected in customer feedback
• A mix of free sights and paid experiences, where the paid ones are mostly handled for you

Skip it or adjust expectations if:

• You are on a tight budget and do not want to pay parking fees and extra entrances
• You have not already sorted the driving license requirements

If your goal is to hit Iceland’s main south and Golden Circle highlights while still living on your own timetable, this is the kind of plan that makes the roads feel less stressful and the days feel fuller.

FAQ

Is pickup from Keflavík International Airport included?

Yes. You get a free shuttle pickup from Keflavík International Airport or from a selected hotel in the Keflavík area. The pickup time window listed is between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?

The start meeting point is Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need an international driving license?

Yes. When picking up the vehicle, the driver must show a valid international driving license valid for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months at the time of pick-up.

What is the minimum age to drive the campervan?

The minimum age requirement for driver participants is 20 years old.

Are parking fees included?

No. Parking fees are specifically noted as not included at multiple sites, including Þingvellir and Seljalandsfoss, and there are also parking fees at places like Skaftafell.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is listed as not included.

Is electricity included at the campsites?

No. Electricity and the use of other services at the campsites are excluded.

Is Wi-Fi provided?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is mentioned as part of the experience.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is listed as private, and only your group will participate.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before the experience start time are not accepted.