Renting a motorhome in Iceland is the best way to experience Iceland. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace and be at home wherever you park up. In few other places in the world could you wake up to views of a world-famous waterfall one day and a glacier the next.
As an Icelandic car, campervan, and motorhome rental broker, Northbound are experts on Iceland's best driving routes, must-see sights, and top campsites.
Since a motorhome rental allows you to drive almost anywhere in Iceland, it can be hard to decide which routes to take, especially if you've got limited time. To help you make every second of your trip in a motorhome rental count, we have created the ultimate 5-day Iceland road trip itinerary for motorhomes.
Motorhome rental in Iceland.
This itinerary navigates the [South Coast](https://www.northbound.is/blog/230/must-sees-in-south-iceland) route, which covers the southern stretch of Iceland's [Ring Road](https://www.northbound.is/blog/254/what-to-see-and-do-on-the-ring-road-in-iceland) from [Reykjavik](https://www.northbound.is/blog/229/must-sees-in-reykjavik) to Hofn.
Not only does it pass breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, canyons, and glaciers along the way, but it also provides the best places to stop and camp for the night for a fulfilling motorhome experience. Oh, and you might also experience all weather conditions known to man in one day.
Read on to find out exactly what you could be getting up to on this exciting, adventurous, and scenic motorhome rental road trip.
To make the most of your time in Iceland, get an early flight to Keflavik Airport so you have a full day to explore.
Being a small and well-organized airport, you'll be able to get through passport control within 10 minutes of leaving the plane so the fun will begin before you know it. While some suppliers provide your motorhome rental at the airport, others will transfer you to Reykjavik at no extra cost to pick it up tA snowy day at KEF Airport.
Where to camp
Stay at Reykjavik Campsite, a quiet, clean, and well-equipped site just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
Reykjavik Camping Site.
A perfect Reykjavik base between excursions and exploration, just next to the pool and spa. The Campground is available all year round and can accommodate around 600 visitors in tents, campers, and motorhomes / caravans. In line with the ambitious Climate Policy 2020 of the City of Reykjavik, our focus is on sustainability and the battle against climate change.
Day 2 - Visit the Sky Lagoon, Kerid Crater, and Skogafoss Waterfall
Sky Lagoon
After a day of travelling and exploring Reykjavik, you deserve some pampering and relaxation at the Sky Lagoon, one of Iceland's famous thermal spas. Get there early to beat the crowds, have more time to soak in the lagoon, and enjoy the spa's luxurious facilities.
Sky Lagoon, Iceland.
If you'd prefer to visit the Blue Lagoon, it's best to go there directly from the airport on day one and use the extra time today to explore Reykjavik further.
Kerid Crater
Fully refreshed from the spa, you'll be ready to begin your epic road trip along Iceland's South Coast. First stop: the Kerid Crater. Iceland is largely formed by volcanic activity, but Kerid is one of the few volcanoes that have been naturally transformed into a shimmering emerald crater lake. Located just an hour's drive from Reykjavik, it's really easy to reach and the mile-long hiking loop around the crater provides your first glimpse of Iceland's stunning scenery.
Vik
From here, you'll have a two-hour drive to Vik, the charming coastal town where you will stay for the night. Along the way, stop for some pictures at Skogafoss, one of Iceland's tallest and most enchanting waterfalls. If you have time, have a sunset stroll across Vik's beautiful Black Sand Beach to stretch your legs and appreciate more of Iceland's otherworldly landscapes.
Vik, Iceland.
Although Vik is a town of just 400 residents, it has an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from for dinner as well as its own local brew bar where you can enjoy a few drinks before returning to your motorhome rental for a well-earned rest.
Where to camp
Stay in Vik Campsite, a quiet, clean, and well-equipped site at the edge of town, but just a few minutes' drive from the restaurants and shops in the centre. The campground can house up to 250 people in tents, cottages, automobiles, and caravans.
On the campsite, they provide the majority of the amenities that motorhomes demand, including power, toilets, hot and cold running water, showers, Internet WiFi, and dining facilities.
Day 3 - Visit Reynisfjara Beach and hike to Svartifoss waterfall
Reynisfjara Beach
Wake up early this morning to beat the crowds at Reynisfjara Beach, the most beautiful black sand beach on Iceland's coast. The shores are backed by soaring cliffs embellished with twisting basalt rock caves to form one of the most spectacularly peculiar displays of nature on Earth.
Although it's not exactly ideal for sunbathing, Reynisfjara is a relaxing place to rest and spot seals, puffins, and other Icelandic wildlife too.
Skaftafell
From here, you'll hit the road once again for an epic two-hour drive to Skaftafell, a super scenic hiking spot with famous waterfalls. Get ready to be dazzled because this stretch of the South Coast route becomes more cinematic by the second! As the sea crashes along the shore to your right, craggy cliffs transform into snow-capped mountains to your left. And as you approach Skaftafell, you'll get your first sighting of a glacier.
Skaftafell, Iceland.
Upon reaching Skaftafell campsite, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to see more of Iceland's incredible natural beauty. There are a number of hiking routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Whether you challenge yourself to a steep hike or opt for the relaxed route, you'll get to cross paths with Svartifoss, an elegantly tall waterfall cascading over a basalt cliff formed by cooling lava.
Having completed your hike, you'll return to the campsite for a well-earnt rest in your motorhome rental. Since Skaftafell is such a small community, there aren't any restaurants nearby so be sure to have your fridge stocked to cook for yourselves this evening.
Where to Camp
There is an excellent campsite joined to the Skaftafell visitor's centre and the hiking start point with top facilities and wonderful scenery.
Sleep beneath the stars in a cottage or bungalow, a pre-erected tent, an RV, or a caravan. There are communal kitchens, restrooms, and recreational amenities, and most campgrounds include a welcome desk.
Skaftafell Camping Site.
Day 4 - Join an Ice Cave Tour at Jokulsarlon and walk along Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Ice Cave Tour at Glacier Lagoon
Today you'll get to witness one of nature's rarest and most otherworldly phenomenons, the glacier ice cave. For this, you'll drive to Diamond Beach just 40 minutes east of Skaftafell where calved ice formations from the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon wash up like sparkling gems on the sand.
Since the road skirts around the edge of Iceland's biggest ice field, Vatnajokull, expect to see dramatic mountains parted by forceful glaciers en route.
The tour begins with a 4x4 off-roading trip to get closer to the ice cave entrance, followed by an easy 1 km hike. Entering the cave, the smooth undulating ice formations that encapsulate you will have you immediately mesmerised.
Going deeper into the darkness, your eyes will adjust to see the light seeping through the ice cave's ceiling, giving it a luminous turquoise glow.
Book your Glacier Lagoon Tour Right Here!
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Fjadrargljufur Canyon
After walking into the belly of a glacier, it's time to turn your motorhome rental around and begin your return journey. Along the way, stop at one of the South Coast's lesser-known beauties, the Fjadrargljufur Canyon. Reaching 2 km long and 100 metres high, the snaking mossy-green and black-rock canyon is a truly breathtaking sight.
Seljalandsfoss
For your last night on the South Coast, head back to Seljalandsfoss where you will get to camp at the foot of another impressive waterfall.
Park up with your motorhome window facing the falls so that you can wake up and enjoy watching it from bed with your morning cup of coffee ? just one of many perks of travelling in a motorhome!
Seljalandsfoss, Iceland.
### Where to camp
Seljalandsfoss Campsite is one of the country's most beautiful campsites as it allows you to park up right beside the waterfall, but bear in mind there aren't any toilet or shower facilities.
Day 5 - Explore the Westman Islands and dip into Rekjadalur Thermal Bathing Pools
Westman Islands
Wake up nice and early today to catch a morning ferry to the Westman Islands, an archipelago of stunning volcanic islands just a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland. There are many fun ways to explore the islands from bike rides to horseback rides, and even ribs and ATVs! On these tours, not only will you get to see the archipelago's unusual volcanic rock formations, but you'll also get a chance to see puffins, beluga whales, and other local wildlife.
While you're there, be sure to stop in Heimaey, the area's only town to check out the Sagnheimar Museum, the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and get a peek into local island life. After an adventurous day exploring the Westman Islands, it will be time to head back to Reykjavik or the airport, enjoying the dreamy views of the South Coast route for one last time.
Book a premiur tour to Westman Islands
Reykjadalur
If you have time, take a small detour to Reykjadalur Thermal Bathing Pools, a free hot spring surrounded by Iceland's iconic raw and rugged hills. As you soak in the hot springs, take a final moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of this untouched land. It's the perfect way to end an incredible 5-day road trip along the South Coast route.
Book your motorhome rental with Northbound
You can experience this epic 5-day road trip in a motorhome for yourself by booking a motorhome rental with Northbound. We provide a selection of small to large beautiful motorhomes at the best price.
Click here to take a look at our selection and decide which one is right for you!
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