Arguably one of the best ways to see Iceland’s wild and otherworldly landscapes is to do so far from the usual tourist crowds. Iceland’s remote corners offer the real magic that cannot be reached by bus, so travelling classically can feel slightly restrictive. If you are looking to travel on your terms, renting a campervan could be the best option.
Travelling in tour buses or with hotels may not give you the kind of freedom you are looking for when travelling in Iceland. Renting a campervan allows you to travel at your own pace, be immersed in the nature Iceland has to offer and soak in all of Iceland’s dramatic scenery without having to stick to someone else’s schedule.
Renting a campervan in Iceland really is a practical option too! The country boasts highways and scenic roads, which are perfect for campers. Travelling in this way allows you to hit both the famous spots and the ones you haven’t heard of, too. It’s a perfect way to combine both adventure and comfort – especially in a country where the weather can potentially be unforgiving.
Renting a Campervan
Travelling in premium campers from Cozy Campers in Iceland just feels right. By travelling this way, you can shape and personalise your trip through the wild terrain, unpredictable weather and also whatever else you may want to do or see. What you need in Iceland is mobility and comfort, which is exactly what travelling in a campervan offers.
Flexibility and Freedom
Travelling traditionally typically requires sticking to a rigid schedule. Hotel check-ins and guided tours need you to stick to the clock. However, with a camper, you are not tied to the typical rigidity. Tour buses and public transport often are not able to reach destinations off the beaten track. Campers that hold features such as ABS and traction control are especially built for that. Less time worrying about logistics – more time to explore.
Forget the morning rush or the scramble for dinner reservations; travelling by camper van eliminates the typical rigid schedule. Having a kitchenette and your bed means you can pull over, make a coffee or take a nap whenever you feel like it. Personally, there is no comparison to travelling on your terms.
Iceland’s Hidden Gems and Landscapes
As mentioned previously, many of Iceland’s best sports are off the main road. Public transport is not able to reach empty arctic beaches and quiet fjords, unlike a camper van. Most tour guides do not bother to offer tours to those offbeat locations as they are not able to coordinate the logistics. With a camper, driving straight into the interior, past volcanoes and glaciers, is easy. Having the freedom from being stuck in the city or taking a shuttle between hotels allows you to really be out there.
Cost Efficiency
Iceland is not known to be the cheapest travel destination. But hiring a campervan takes care of your travel and accommodation in one go. Most campers offer kitchenettes, too, which allows further savings when it comes to your meals. Cooking your meals is much more affordable than eating out every day.
Staying at campsites is also a fraction of the cost of staying in a hotel. You also don’t have to worry about booking months ahead. For some campsites, just rolling up on the day is sufficient.
Comfort and Convenience
Modern campervans are a perfect mix of rugged and cosy. They offer clever storage solutions for all your equipment, which is particularly necessary for Iceland’s ever-changing weather.
Campervans go hand in hand with the word convenience. Everything you need is in one place! There will be no lugging suitcases between hotels, no checking reviews for the best local restaurant and no worrying about where to sleep. With safety features also built in, you can focus on the scenery Iceland has to offer instead of stressing over the roads.
Iceland’s Hidden Gems
When travelling in a campervan, you can bounce easily between the big-name attractions and locations off the beaten track.
Unforgettable Attractions
Whilst visiting Iceland, a must-see is the Golden Circle. That includes the Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and the Geysir geothermal area. The Þingvellir sits in a rift valley and holds a lot of history. Gullfoss is also really impressive.
If you are more of an adventurer, the Highlands boast wild spots such as the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar and Askja’s volcanic caldera. The Westfjords also offer waterfalls, tiny villages and cliffs. To access those spots, the roads do require 4x4s. If you want to visit these more rugged destinations, whilst renting a campervan, opt for options that are 4×4.
In Iceland’s south, you can also find the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The lagoon holds icebergs floating glacial lake – it’s not to be missed!
The Northern Lights and Midnight Sun
Chasing the northern lights is most probably at the top of your list of things to see whilst visiting Iceland. With a camper, it is much more probable to see this natural marvel. You are able to chase the lights and drive to where the skies are the clearest. Keep in mind that the best months to see the Northern lights are from September to April. Your best shot to see them is in the Highlands or Westfjords – locations that are far from city lights.
Due to Iceland’s geographical location, especially up North, in the summer, there are almost 24 hours of daylight. You are able to explore well into the night due to the midnight sun.
Timing your trip around these natural wonders makes everything particularly special. Having a camper van means you can pivot your plans if the weather changes or the aurora forecast looks good.
